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)