Bible Student’s Assistant

THE COVENANTS

The word covenant [Gr., diatheke], signifies, according to robinson, “A disposition, arrangement. Hence 1, Of a testamentary disposition, a testament, a will. 2. A covenant, i.e., a mutual arrangement, embracing mutual promises, or mutual conditions,” etc. Greenfield - “Any disposition, arrangement, institution, or dispensation; hence, a testament, will, a covenant, i.e. mutual promises or mutual conditions, or promises with conditions annexed; meton., a body of laws and precepts to which certain promises are annexed. BSA 23.6

It is so variously used that its precise meaning in any place must be determined by its connection, as is shown by the following examples: BSA 24.1

God’s promise to Noah, Genesis 9:8-17.
His promise to Abraham, Genesis 17:1-8.
The agreement of Abimelech with Abraham Chap. 21:27, 32.
Also his agreement with Isaac. Chap. 26:28.
The agreement made between the Lord and Israel at Sinai. Hebrews 8:9; Galatians 4:21; Exodus 19:4-8.
The commandments. Exodus 6:5; 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:12, 13; 1 Chronicles 16:15-17.
The Sabbath. Exodus 31:16.
The promises to Israel through Moses. Deuteronomy 29:1,etc.
An agreement between Ahab and Ben-hadad. 1 Kings 20:34.
Josiah’s promise of obedience. 2 Kings 23:3.
Israel’s promise to seek God. 2 Chronicles 15:12.
The promise to David. Psalm 89:3, 4, 34.39.
Agreement with death. Isaiah 28:15, 18.
Agreement between the king of Babylon and Israel. Ezekiel 17:23, 13. BSA 24.2