In Sunday School today, we discussed Covenant Theology and the importance of covenants in Scripture. In order to appreciate the outworking of the triune God’s love for a fallen humanity, one must understand the significance of covenants.

Firstly, O. Palmer Robertson defines a covenant as “a bond in blood sovereignly administered.” What he means by this definition is that in order to have a covenant one party must act with knowledge and power above the other party. The covenant must also possess an element of sealing the lasting (or eternal) covenant.

Secondly, as hinted to earlier, the covenant must possess two parties. One party is known as a Suzerain and the other is a Vassal. The Suzerain is the stronger and more powerful of the two parties and defines the conditions of the covenant. Generally, the Suzerain is offering protection from an opposing party, as in wartimes. The Vassal agrees to the terms of the condition in exchange for allegiance and protection.

Thirdly, as part of the agreement, there are also stipulations for violation of the covenant. Generally, the Vassal would be cut off from the protection of the Suzerain, which meant immanent death.

When we look at biblical accounts, they resemble this form of agreement found in the Ancient Near East (ANE). It is known as a Suzerian-Vassal Treaty. Throughout Scripture, God is the Suzerain, establishing the conditions of the covenant, and His people are the Vassal, those who subject themselves to His supreme authority and rule. However, as we know from reading the Bible, the agreement is always broken due to the disobedience of man, which we call sin.