In the biblical context, covenants between men are solemn agreements or promises made between individuals or groups, often invoking God as a witness to the commitment. The breach of such covenants is taken seriously in Scripture, as it reflects not only a failure in human relationships but also a disregard for the divine witness to the agreement.

Biblical Examples of Breach and Punishment:

1. Gibeonites and Saul: One of the most notable examples of the breach of a covenant between men is found in the account of the Gibeonites and King Saul. The Gibeonites had made a covenant of peace with Israel during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9:15). However, Saul violated this covenant by attempting to annihilate them. As a result, God sent a famine upon Israel during the reign of David as punishment for Saul's breach (2 Samuel 21:1-2): "During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, 'It is because of Saul and his bloodstained house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.'"

2. Jacob and Laban: Another example is the covenant between Jacob and Laban. After years of service, Jacob and Laban made a covenant at Mizpah, marked by a heap of stones as a witness (Genesis 31:44-52). Although there is no direct punishment recorded for a breach in this instance, the narrative underscores the seriousness with which such agreements were regarded, as both parties invoked God as a witness to their promises.

3. David and Jonathan: The covenant between David and Jonathan is a positive example of a covenant kept, but it also highlights the potential consequences of breach. Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite his father Saul's hostility, demonstrates the strength and sanctity of their covenant (1 Samuel 20:16-17). The narrative implies that any breach would have been met with divine disfavor, as their covenant was made before the LORD.

Theological Implications:

The breach of covenants between men is not merely a social or legal issue but a spiritual one. In the biblical worldview, such breaches are seen as offenses against God Himself, who is often invoked as a witness to these agreements. The punishment for breaking a covenant underscores the gravity of the offense and serves as a deterrent to others.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the breach of a covenant is a violation of trust and integrity. It reflects a failure to uphold one's word and a disregard for the sacredness of promises made before God. The biblical narrative consistently upholds the importance of faithfulness and truthfulness in human relationships, reflecting the character of God, who is always faithful to His covenants.

Conclusion:

The biblical treatment of covenants between men and the consequences of their breach serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in human relationships. The divine response to such breaches highlights the seriousness with which God views these commitments, emphasizing the need for believers to honor their promises and uphold the sanctity of their word.2 Samuel 21:1-6
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 34:8-22
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them;
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 17:13-19
And has taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and has taken an oath of him: he has also taken the mighty of the land:
Nave's Topical Index

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ...
... find no difficulty in carrying out my covenant with Christ ... to insubordination, and
then try him for breach of discipline ... done, or is being done by men to prove ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter i the doctrine of.htm

This Day are Opened, Our Mouths to Give Thanks
... and by fear, but if so be that men turn from it ... When He constrained there was a covenant,
when He gave breathing ... He made a breach for the seas that thereby, He ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ii this day are.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... the ordinance, also our prostituting of our covenant and cause ... not this iniquity
be to us a breach ready to ... But godly men pacify wrath, turn away judgments, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they ... sinned, and they have also
trangressed My covenant which I ... principle in verse 1. It was a 'breach of trust ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... to engage in the service, and is punishable as a breach of Covenant. ... is afforded
in the Saviour's denunciation,""He that denieth me before men shall be ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Of Justification by Christ
... as actual breakers of God's law, the least breach of which ... some angel then, or archangel,
undertake to fulfill the covenant which we ... O wretched men that we are ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/of justification by christ.htm

The Uses of the Law
... "This I say, that the covenant, that was ... to obey, and to obey perfectly, make but
one breach thereof and ... Hear, now, the gospel, men and women; down with that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

Reformation
... they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the ... leaders in this work; but
these men moved forward ... be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

The End
... On the north side a breach was made in the ... first victory, when Jericho fell before
unarmed men trusting in ... was the spot where the broken covenant was finally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... congregation of Israel with the Gibeonites, was kept by the descendants of both
parties: and the breach of it on ... Men ought to enter into Covenant as duty ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.org

What is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

Covenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus