The Hebrew word covenant means to cut; it implies where the blood flows. This is the binding agreement.
The driving force behind cutting a covenant is love – agape (to promise to give until it is too good to be true and then swear in your blood to show that you are not lying).
The history of the covenant
- The covenant was based on strengths and weaknesses. The strength of party A would cover up for the weakness of party B
- Covenant ceremony
- Each party takes off the coat and gives it to the other. The coat stands for "who I am and all that I am" including authority. 2Corinthians 5:21 Jesus gave us his righteousness and we gave him our sin.
- Exchanging of belt of weapons indicating that your enemies will become my enemies.
- Exodus 23:22, Acts 9:4, Ephesians 6:10-11
- The promises are made. Hebrews 8:6
- The cutting of flesh as a seal of the covenant. Making an oath while lifting up a hand that has a cut with blood running down the arm, to keep the terms of the covenant "so help me God!"
- The scar of where the cut was made becomes a constant reminder of the covenant. The scar will never go away. A ring between married couples represents a scar that should be a constant reminder that you are in covenant (married to) with somebody
- The name change. Married woman changes her name to her husband's. The two become one. Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15)
- The covenant meal is the grand finale
1Corinthians 11:23-30 Holy communion
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