Warning: The truths contained in the following teaching are not for the faint of heart, or the lukewarm! You can be sure that haSatan (the adversary) will do all he can to keep you from understanding and applying the concepts and truths contained herein, but it is our prayer that every one who receives these notes will carefully consider and apply the contents to their lives.

1. Introduction
2. Terms
3. Basis of the Covenant (1st Step)
4. The Cutting of the (Innocent) Animals (2nd Step)
5. Coat Exchange (3rd Step)
6. Weapon Exchange (4th Step)
7. 'Way' or 'Walk' of Blood (5th Step)
8. Covenant Cut (6th Step)
9. Name Exchange (7th Step)
10. Covenant Feast (8th Step)
11. Conclusion
12. Footnotes

Then He said to him, "I {am} the L-rd, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it." And he said, "L-rd G-d, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror {and} great darkness fell upon him...And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the L-rd made a covenant with Abram... (Gen 15:7-18)

(See note 1)

A joining of 2 or more persons, families, clans, tribes, or nations, where the participants agree to do or refrain from doing certain acts.

Patriarchal Covenant

The patriarchal form of covenant is a self-imposed obligation of a superior party, to the benefit of an inferior party. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each other are: father and son.

   Examples:

• G-d's self-imposed obligation for the reconciliation of sinners to Himself
  

For you {are} a holy people to the L-rd your G-d; the L-rd your G-d has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The L-rd did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the L-rd loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the L-rd has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deut 7:6-8)

• G-d's covenant with David

I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: "Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations." (Ps 89:3,4)

Vassal Covenant

The vassal form of covenant is a one-sided disposition imposed by a superior party upon an inferior party. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each other are: lord/master and servant/slave.

   Example:

• Mosaic covenant

When you have transgressed the covenant of the L-rd your G-d, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the L-rd will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you. (Josh 23:16)

Mutual Covenant

The mutual form of covenant is a two-sided agreement between two parties, both of which voluntarily accept the terms. In this form, the terms the parties use to refer to each other are: brother or friend.

   Examples:

• Covenant between Jonathan and David

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. (1Sam 18:3)

• Modern marriage is also an example of this type.

A. Brother/Friend

"Blood is thicker than water."

This phrase has completely lost its original, covenant-related, meaning. Today, it is interpreted as meaning that blood-related family members are to be considered as more important than anyone else. However, the original meaning is, "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb," or, "My relationship with those to whom I am joined in covenant is to be considered of more value than the relationship with a brother with whom I may have shared the womb."
 

"...there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Prov18:24)

The term friend has also lost its original meaning. More than an acquaintance, or one that I have some amount of affection for, it is actually a term to be used to refer to one with whom I am joined, in covenant.

Excluding chesed, all of the following terms can somehow be connected with terminology in ancient near eastern treaties:

B'rit (Hebrew) or Diathêke (Greek)

Translated testament or covenant (preferred)
 

Karât B'rit (Hebrew)

Literally, to cut a covenant
 

Chesed (Hebrew)

Covenant love or solidarity
 

Shalom (Hebrew)

Peace or prosperity
 

Yeidah (Hebrew)

To serve faithfully in accordance with covenant terms
 

A. Determination of Terms of the Covenant

1. Based on needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
    
2. Family or tribal members come together and discuss the terms of the covenant. When terms have been agreed upon, representatives are chosen.
    
3. Marriage is an example of the linking of tribes or families, based of needs, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, simply to cement a peace agreement or establish relationships between families, tribes, or kingdoms.

These men {are} at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For indeed the land {is} large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters. Only on this {condition} will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they {are} circumcised. {Will} not their livestock, their property, and every animal of theirs {be} ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us. (Gen34:21-23)

B. Chesed Foundation

Mutual and Patriarchal types founded on chesed love.

   Example: The covenant between Jonathan and David

• The Covenant 'Cut'

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father's house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. (1Sam18:1-4)

So Jonathan made {a covenant} with the house of David, {saying,} "Let the L-rd require {it} at the hand of David's enemies." Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul. (1Sam 20:16,17)

• The Covenant 'Described'

How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan {was} slain in your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me; your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women. (2Sam1:25,26)

• Love, especially chesed love, is not what you feel! It's what you do!
   
• Covenant is action not philosophy.
   
• Note:

"For G-d so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." (Jn 3:16)

IV. The Cutting of the (Innocent) Animals (2nd Step)

3 or more large animals are cut in half, lengthwise, and the pieces are placed lengthwise up against each other.

A. Marriage

Possible symbolism during the ceremony: The families and friends are seated on opposite sides of the room.

B. Torah

The covenant ceremony between G-d and Abraham:

Then He said to him, "I {am} the L-rd, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it." And he said, "L-rd G-d, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror {and} great darkness fell upon him...And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the L-rd made a covenant with Abram...(Gen 15:7-18)

C. Nevi'im

The covenant ceremony between the Israelites and G-d:

And I will give the men who have transgressed My covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it... (Jer 34:18)

D. Contemporary Practice

In remote, tribal, areas of Africa, the lengthwise cutting of animals for the covenant ceremony is still practiced today.

V. Coat Exchange (3rd Step)

Coats are exchanged by the representatives.

A. Meaning

The coat is or contains the symbols of all the authority of family, tribe, or individual. (Ex: Today's military dress uniform—from the coat, one can discern authority and position)

B. Torah

Joseph's coat of many colors—not just a pretty coat, but a symbol of Israel's intention to bestow the inheritance on Joseph:

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he {was} the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of {many} colors. (Gen 37:3)

C. Khetuvim

The coat exchange between Jonathan and David:

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father's house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. (1Sam 18:1-4)

The mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha:

So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who {was} plowing {with} twelve yoke {of oxen} before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. (1Kgs 19:19)

D. B'rit HaChadashah

As a result of entering a covenant relationship with the Holy One, blessed be He, we shall be clothed with His righteousness:

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, {that} the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. (Rev 3:18)

VI. Weapon Exchange (4th Step)

Weapon belts are exchanged by the participants, while saying: "I shall teach you and protect you."

A. Khetuvim

Weapon exchange between Jonathan and David:

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that {was} on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. (1Sam 18:3,4)

B. B'rit HaChadashah

We have been given G-d's armor for warfare:

For the weapons of our warfare {are} not carnal but mighty in G-d for pulling down strongholds... (2Cor 10:4)

Therefore take up the whole armor of G-d, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of G-d; (Eph 6:13-17)

Note: There is no protection from the rear. If you stand and fight the enemy G-d will not only go before you to fight for you, as He has promised, but He will also cover your back:

{Is} this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? {Is it} not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the L-rd shall be your rear guard. (Isa 58:6-8)

VII. 'Way' or 'Walk' of Blood (5th Step)

Both representatives walk to and fro between the pieces, in a figure-8, twice (Note: The symbol for infinity is a figure-8 on its side. Can this be its origin?). Then both parties stop and swear unto death while standing in the midst of the blood, swearing by G-d (thus making G-d their 3rd party) to kill the covenant breaker and his seed after him if the terms of the covenant are breached.

A. Marriage

B: Torah

The Glory of the L-rd passing through the pieces during the covenant ceremony between G-d and Father Abraham:

And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. (Gen 15:17)

This is the first appearance, in Scripture of the Shekhinah (Glory of G-d, the manifestation of His Divine Presence), as described here, also:

And the L-rd went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night {from} before the people. (Ex 13:21,22)

There is none greater than G-d, so He swears by Himself:

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, "I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit {it} forever." (Ex 32:13)

For when G-d made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." (Heb 6:13,14)

"But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself," says the L-rd, "that this house shall become a desolation." (Jer 22:5)

C. Stones of Remembrance

Often a large stone or pile of stones is set up to bear witness also to the oath, as in the covenant cut between Jacob and Laban:

"Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me." So Jacob took a stone and set it up {as} a pillar. Then Jacob said to his brethren, "Gather stones." And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban said, "This heap {is} a witness between you and me this day." Therefore its name was called Galeed, also Mizpah, because he said, "May the L-rd watch between you and me when we are absent one from another." (Gen 31:44-49)

VIII. Covenant Cut (6th Step)

The right hands of both participants (or some other part of the body) are cut, the right hands are bound together (so that their blood is mingled together), and raised, and swearing by the blood of both families or tribes is made, followed by the statement, "I will never leave you or forsake you, so help me G-d." (Note the similarity to the raised hand when swearing in for court testimony). The cut is then treated so that it won't infect, but mostly so that a scar will well up, never to go away (a symbol, token, or sign of the covenant, born in the flesh).

A. Marriage

B. Torah

The circumcision of the Abrahamic covenant:

This {is} My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. (Gen 17:10,11)

C. B'rit HaChadashah

D. The Mashiach, Himself

Y'Shua still bears the marks of crucifixion (Could these be covenant scars?):

The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the L-rd." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Y'Shua came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ", Shalom aleichem! (Peace be to you)" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand {here,} and put {it} into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." (Jn 20:25-27)

IX. Name Exchange (7th Step)

The names of the representatives, and the represented are changed or merged to reflect the new covenant relationship (To have one's name is to operate in his authority).

A. Marriage

Names of individuals often carry the evidence of past covenants (ex: John Jones Smith, or especially in Spain: Frederico Gonzales Ramirez Gutierrez Ramos).

Abram and Sarai were renamed to Abraham and Sarah:

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. (Gen 17:5)

Jacob was renamed to Israel:

So He said to him, "What {is} your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with G-d and with men, and have prevailed." (Gen 32:27,28)

C. B'rit HaChadashah

We have been given the power to ask of the Father is the name of the Son (power of attorney?):

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mk 16:17,18)

Those in covenant relationship with G-d, in Y'Shua, have (or will be) given new names:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives {it.} (Rev 2:17)

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My G-d, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My G-d and the name of the city of My G-d, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My G-d. And {I will write on him} My new name. (Rev 3:12)

X. Covenant Feast (8th Step)

The entire households, tribes, or families come together to share a meal or feast (further making them one, because the same food becomes part of the bodies of both sides). The elders first feed one another saying, "This is my body, take, eat." (Meaning: I'll die and let you eat my flesh before I'll let you starve). Then, the elders feed each other wine representing blood (life). (Meaning: everything that I have is yours, even daughters, sons, food, possessions (cf. Gen. 34:23), everything. Then, the rest of the families feed each other bread and wine. Thus entering the covenant relationship, never to leave or forsake, ever.

A. Marriage

The feeding of the cake to each other, by the bride and groom, and the drinking of the champagne with interlocked arms.

The Seudat Mitzvah (Covenant Meal) shared by bride and groom, and all witnesses after the wedding ceremony, in modern Jewish weddings.

B. Torah

Abimelech and Issac observed a covenant meal, as a part of the covenant of peace and friendship that they cut together:

But they said, "We have certainly seen that the L-rd is with you. So we said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You {are} now the blessed of the L-rd.'" So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. (Gen 26:28-31)

C. Khetuvim

The partaking of the moldy bread and wine from cracked and dirty wineskins in the covenant ceremony between the Israelites and the Gibeonites:

"This bread of ours we took hot {for} our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. And these wineskins which we filled {were} new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey." Then the men of Israel partook some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the L-rd. (Josh 9:12-14)

D. B'rit HaChadashah

The Messianic interpretation, given by Y'Shua the Messiah, of the afikoman (hidden loaf) and the third cup (the cup of redemption), both parts of the Passover Seder:

And as they were eating, Y'Shua took bread, blessed and broke {it,} and gave {it} to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave {it} to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matt 26:26-28)

XI. Conclusion

A. Covenant Language

"I will hold you forever in my heart, as if I were standing here in the blood of the covenant."

B. Our Relationship with G-d

Our relationship with the L-rd is a covenant, therefore:

• You may surely stand on the covenant promises.
   
• You must honor your covenant responsibilities:
   
  • Love the L-rd your G-d with all that you are.
     
  • Love your neighbor as yourself.
     
  • Rest in the faithfulness of G-d.

C. The Serious Nature of Covenants

Covenants are not to be entered into lightly, for G-d will require them of you. To swear an oath, or enter into a covenant, is to bring HaShem in as a witness and judge. He will protect His name and we should do the same.

Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your G-d. I am the L-rd. (Lev 19:12 NIV)

G-d held Israel responsible for breaking a covenant, that they were not supposed to enter into in the first place, several hundred years later:

• The Forbidden Covenant Specified:

And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philistia, and from the desert to the River. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For {if} you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you. (Ex 23:31-33)

• The Forbidden Covenant Entered:

So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them. And it happened at the end of three days, after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they {were} their neighbors who dwelt near them. Then the children of Israel journeyed and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities {were} Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath Jearim. But the children of Israel did not attack them, because the rulers of the congregation had sworn to them by the L-rd G-d of Israel. And all the congregation complained against the rulers. Then all the rulers said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the L-rd G-d of Israel; now therefore, we may not touch them." (Josh 9:15-19)

• The Forbidden Covenant Enforced:

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the L-rd. And the L-rd answered, "{It is} because of Saul and {his} bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites." So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites {were} not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the L-rd?" And the Gibeonites said to him, "We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, nor shall you kill any man in Israel for us." So he said, "Whatever you say, I will do for you." Then they answered the king, "As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us, {that} we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the territories of Israel, let seven men of his descendants be delivered to us, and we will hang them before the L-rd in Gibeah of Saul, {whom} the L-rd chose." And the king said, "I will give {them."} But the king spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the L-rd's oath that {was} between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; and he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the L-rd. So they fell, {all} seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first {days,} in the beginning of barley harvest. (2Sam 21:1-9)

Notice: David respected his covenant with Jonathan in responding to the request of the Gibeonites.

¹ All Scripture references are from the New King James version, unless otherwise specified.