Topical Bible: Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants

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In the biblical context, entertainments and feasts often accompanied the ratification of covenants, serving as a tangible expression of the solemnity and joy associated with these agreements. These events were not merely social gatherings but held deep spiritual and communal significance, reflecting the covenantal relationship between the parties involved and, often, between God and His people.

Abraham and Abimelech
One of the earliest examples of a covenant ratified with a feast is found in the account of Abraham and Abimelech. After resolving a dispute over a well, Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant at Beersheba. "Then Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked him, 'Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?' He replied, 'You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.' So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath" (Genesis 21:28-31). Following this, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and called on the name of the LORD, indicating a solemn and worshipful conclusion to the covenant-making process.

Isaac and Abimelech
Similarly, Isaac, Abraham's son, also made a covenant with Abimelech. After a period of conflict over water rights, Abimelech sought peace with Isaac. "So he prepared a feast for them, and they ate and drank. They got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace" (Genesis 26:30-31). The feast here served as a ceremonial act, sealing the covenant and ensuring peaceful relations.

Jacob and Laban
The covenant between Jacob and Laban is another instance where a feast marked the ratification of an agreement. After years of tension and mistrust, Jacob and Laban agreed to a covenant of peace. "Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. So they ate a meal and spent the night on the mountain" (Genesis 31:54). The shared meal symbolized reconciliation and mutual commitment to the terms of their agreement.

David and Jonathan
The covenant between David and Jonathan, though not accompanied by a feast in the traditional sense, involved a deep personal commitment and mutual loyalty. Their covenant was marked by Jonathan's gift of his robe, armor, and weapons to David, symbolizing his support and recognition of David's future as king (1 Samuel 18:3-4). While not a feast, the exchange of gifts and the emotional bond shared between them reflect the spirit of covenantal entertainments.

Covenantal Meals in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the Last Supper serves as a profound example of a covenantal meal. Jesus, during the Passover meal with His disciples, instituted the New Covenant in His blood. "And He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you'" (Luke 22:19-20). This meal not only ratified the New Covenant but also established a perpetual ordinance for believers to remember Christ's sacrifice.

Throughout Scripture, entertainments and feasts associated with covenant ratification underscore the importance of community, fellowship, and divine presence in these sacred agreements. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the mutual commitments made between individuals and God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:30
And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:54
Then Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount, and called his brothers to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
Torrey's Topical Textbook