History

• According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the word "covenant" is derived from the Hebrew word "berith," which means "to cut." This refers to the ritual of cutting animals into two parts as a symbol of a covenant.
  
  

Function

• Covenant agreements express a lasting commitment to uphold a promise between the parties.
  
  

Facts

• Covenants include requirements. According to Blue Letter Bible, when a covenant was held between God and Israel, the Israelites had to obey God's law to receive his promise. The Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible states, "God is judge between contending parties, and he will judge righteously; whoever do wrong, it is at their peril."
  
  

Significance

• God oversees covenant agreements, which gives profound spiritual importance for the participants. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, they are meant to be eternal contracts and have even been referred to as a "covenant of salt" because salt is a symbol of eternity.
  
  

Types

• Easton's Bible Dictionary details the different types of covenants. They can be made among individuals, tribes or nations. Covenants can also be made between man and God---established with an oath and a sign of blessing and promise.