The Covenant Of Grace Series

According to the Bible, however, the Lord asks: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isa. 49:15). The Bible indicates the covenant is more like the ties of a parent to her child than it is a doctor’s appointment. If a child fails to show up for dinner, the parent’s obligation, unlike the doctor’s, isn’t canceled. The parent finds out where the child is and makes sure he’s cared for. One member’s failure does not destroy the relationship.(In a covenant we see God’s) commitment to love (Larson, C. B. (2002). 750 engaging illustrations for preachers, teachers & writers (95). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.).

2) The Sign of the Covenant (Genesis 9:12-16)

Genesis 9:12-16 [12]And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: [13]I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. [14]When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, [15]I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. [16]When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." (ESV)

In times when contracts were not reduced to writing, it was customary, on the occasion of solemn vows, promises, and other ‘covenant’ transactions, to appoint a sign, that the parties might at the proper time be reminded of the covenant, and a breach of its observance be averted (Skinner, J., 1851-1925. (1910). A critical and exegetical commentary on Genesis. (172). New York: Scribner.).

The sign is also stated repeatedly. The sign is stated in verse 12. It is established in verse 13. It is guaranteed for the future in verses 14 and 15. And God will notice it in verse 16. So the repetition is part of the comprehensive character of this covenant and its attendant sign.

When God gave Abraham a covenant, the sign was circumcision. When He gave Moses a covenant, the sign was Sabbath, according to Exodus 31:16 and 17. Circumcision is given as the sign in Genesis 17:11. But here’s the sign of this covenant. “The Sabbath, the rainbow, and circumcision are, in fact, signs of the three great covenants established by God at the three critical stages of the history of mankind: the creation … the reestablishment of mankind after the flood … and the birth of the Hebrew nation.”( Hamilton, V. P. (1990). The Book of Genesis. Chapters 1-17. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (317). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)

This is the sign of the covenant, verse 12, And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future/ successive generations. And there He repeats all the components of the covenant.