12–4: History of covenant making in the ancient Middle East

When examining the history of ancient covenants in the Bible era, it is clear that blood played a central role in the covenant-making process.

In the early stages of covenant history, the participants would cut their arms with a knife and then hold their cuts together to seal the covenant.

During this process, the name or names of pagan Gods were invoked.

In time, instead of the participants cutting each other up, a different procedure came on the scene that entailed the cutting up of an animal in half and the covenant parties walking between the two halved animal parts.

Our modern-day English expression “to cut a deal” originates from this ancient custom.

Just remember that in ancient times, entering into a covenant involved blood and vows made to a god or gods.

Another important tradition that will greatly enhance our understanding of certain texts of the Bible is the custom of eating salt together with bread as the final event of a covenant ceremony.

This practice was so prevalent that the covenant ceremony also came to be known as The Covenant of Salt.

During the days of Moses, when the sacrificial system was established, God commanded the Levites to always sprinkle the sacrifices with salt.

Fast forward 2000 years to Yeshua’s day; whenever the expression “covenant of salt was used," it referred to a holy and eternal covenant.

This expression also came to be understood as referring to the Abrahamic covenant that we just looked at.

Just know that whenever you encounter the word “salt” in the Old or New Testament…

Be aware that it is connected to God’s holiness in relation to His covenants or sacrifices.

© Richoka