I. Definition
a. A Near Eastern form of literature that offers “a binding agreement between two parties…”[1]
b. “Covenant in the OT essentially incorporates a legally binding obligation.”[2]
II. Two forms of Covenants
a. Note: Covenants appear throughout the Ancient Near East during the era of the Old Testament. It seems that the Old Testament intentionally structure the format that appear around them.[3]
b. Voluntary partnership
i. Both parties enter into the covenant voluntarily.
ii. The terms of the covenant is agreed upon bilaterally.
iii. Examples include Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:54) and David with Jonathan (1st Samuel 18:3-4).
c. Imposed by a superior on a subordinate
i. “It usually designates an agreement made to or for, not with, the subordinate, depicting a legally binding promise which one party makes toward another.”[4]
ii. The terms of the covenant is agreed upon unilaterally.
iii. Examples include…
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D.E. Cantor 