Genesis 17:2-9 An Everlasting Covenant

Abrahamic Covenant 

Covenant 

1.  a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement: compact

2. a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action 

Covenants have existed since the beginning of civilization. It is pretty much impossible to exist within a society and not participate in some form of exchange alliance. The biggest one that comes to mind is the exchange of monies for business purposes. Every time we barter a dollar bill the money becomes a symbol of our promise. I will give you service, goods, time, ideas, counseling, medicine, etc if you will pay me. 

Covenants are between two or more people or parties and represent more than casual promises. The term covenant conveys a more serious arrangement; thus the failure to fulfill the promise of a covenant carries a greater consequence. In my own life I have entered into a baptismal covenant (2x with different religions), city covenants (regulations about how I will live, park my car etc), neighborhood covenants (rules ), several business contracts that stipulate various terms of compliance on both parties. etc. 

With rare exception most of the business covenants that we will deal with in our life time will be for a very specific amount of time and for business purposes. And ... AND. because they are made with man, by man and for man they truly do not provide any "everlasting" element of security. Both parties must practice a measure of faith in one another.


Unfortunately, man has illustrated his ability to wiggle out of or change his definition of what trust and security actually mean.  One example I can think of is the infamous "Walking Purchase" as presented to the Lenni Tribe by the sons of William Penn. The amount of land being purchased was described as being the distance that one man could walk in one and one-half day. The Lenni agreed to the purchase believing that their ancestors had previously entered into similar agreements and also with the understanding that the term walk meant "leisurely." Penn's children had other ideas and soon had enlisted the three fasted runners of the colony to 'mark off' the day and a half distance. The Linni protested but their cries went unheard. 

I thought of this illustration because it represents mans often deceitful intentions to defraud and beat one another regardless of any pretense of integrity.  

Abraham no doubt had experienced this many times in his life. Genesis gives us many examples of Abraham's experiences with those who would kill him for his wife Sarai, would sacrifice him for their own religious rituals (his father), or even would plunder and steal away his nephew Lot for slavery. Where was the peace? Where was the security? He did not find it in politics? He could not find it in family? He searched for it in wealth? or business? 

Abraham turns to God. He is seeking, as we all do, something lasting. In this life of constant change and uncertainty Abraham sought an everlasting covenant with the only God he knew to be true, Elohim. God had proven himself to be trustworthy and constant. And likewise, God was searching for a man in whom he could trust, a man whom he could create a godly pattern of family. Abraham had proven himself to be trustworthy, filled with integrity and prayerful. God calls it his "everlasting covenant" and promises to multiply the seed of Abraham and "be their God." 

This covenant becomes known as the Abrahamic covenant. (next post)