When we think of contracts, we may think of legalese and paperwork. But a covenant is a binding contract that is shown in sign and ritual. One contemporary example of the depth of a covenant is marriage. In a marriage ceremony there are specific cues, dress, and language that symbolize the union between two people. One commonly used symbol is the unity candle. The wedding-planning website The Knot explains: “The unity candle is lit by the bride and groom from two separate family candles, representing the union of your families and the fact that you and your fiancé are creating a family of your own. Often your mothers light the family candles, and then you two each hold your family's candle to light the unity candle together (it may be a larger candle or one that's a different color and is placed in the center, with the family candles off to your respective families’ sides). But your dads can be in on it, too—a nice option, because it mirrors the commitment you two are making and reminds everyone present of your parents’ commitments”

Like these rituals and signs, ancient covenants, like the one we see depicted between God and Abram, also used symbolism to depict the agreement and commitment between two parties.

Big Idea: God made a blood covenant with Abraham that God honored by fulfilling his promise of descendants and blessings. The sign of this covenant for Abraham was circumcision.

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Application Point: We serve a God who promises blessings and binds himself to us in covenant.

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