What does the Bible Say about Breaking Covenant?
The Bible speaks of a covenant which God makes with his people. A covenant is a special agreement or bond between two or more parties, and breaking this covenant is a serious matter according to the Bible. There are a number of different passages in the Bible which discuss this issue and outline God’s position on the matter.
One passage in particular shines in light on the severity of breaking a covenant in the eyes of God. Proverbs 1:14-15 reads, “Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” In this passage, God is cautioning his people against entering into a covenant with those who are not of God’s own chosen people. The breaking of such a covenant would imply breaking God’s will and going against His command.
In Deuteronomy 5:3, God outlines one of the Ten Commandments as, “Remember thou shalt not make any covenant with the people of the land for their gods”. Providing further insight into God’s view of covenant-breaking, this commandment serves as a reminder to all His followers that the word of God should come first, and all other agreements must seek the approval and approval from the Divine. This commandment highlights the primary importance of remaining in accordance with the will of the Almighty.
The importance and sanctity of covenant-keeping is further outlined in Malachi 2:10, which states, “Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?” This verse emphasizes the sinful, treacherous nature of covenant-breaking and again how this behavior is in direct violation of the will of God. The scripture further implies that covenant-breaking is a sin against oneself and against the Lord.
In Hebrews 10:29, a more hopeful note is given when it states, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” This passage outlines the punishment for breaking covenant and allows for a measure of retribution for those who have sinned in this way. In spite of one’s past sins, repentance is still possible, and the consequences will not be as severe for one who is truly repentant with a genuine desire to change his or her ways.
Marriage Breakdown
When discussing breaking covenant in a biblical context, the idea of a marriage covenant is often brought up. In the Bible, marriage is viewed as a sacred and binding covenant between two people, one that is meant to be respected and upheld at all costs. That being said, marriage breakdown is a fact of life, and the Bible provides guidance in terms of how couples should manage their relationships even when seasons of difficulty arise.
In Matthew 19:6, Jesus states, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”. This passage offers a glimpse into God’s will regarding marriage, that couples should strive to make the best of their circumstances and not turn to breaking covenant as an easy solution to their problems. It is clear that God intends marriage to remain a covenant of love and commitment even during the toughest of times.
In addition, Ephesians 5:22-33 encourages spouses to love one another, “giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” This passage speaks to the importance of treating one’s spouse with respect and honor, even if one is considering the idea of breaking covenant. Spouses should always approach each other with love and kindness and be willing to forgive, even when things do not go as planned.
The Bible also mentions the idea of being reconciled with one’s spouse, as discussed in Corinthians 7:10-11, “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband; and let not the husband put away his wife.” This emphasizes the idea that when difficulties arrive, couples should seek to reconcile rather than resort to a divorce. Even when situations seem hopeless, the Bible encourages couples to keep their covenant and seek restoration.
Breach of Other Covenants
While much of the Bible’s focus is on marriage covenant and its importance, there are many other covenants which are mentioned and which hold just as much importance and sanctity to God. The breach of any covenant is serious, and the Bible speaks very clearly in terms of our responsibilities to uphold those agreements.
Proverbs 6:1-3 says, “ He that hath entered into a covenant with another, hath walked into a snare, and amongst briars shall his feet be held. And if any one of the parties shall break it, he shall be delivered to the violence of his enemies: for his haters shall not understand his words.” This is a warning to us all to take our agreements seriously and to pay attention to any covenants which we have made. Those who break covenant are liable to face punishment from both God and their enemies.
In Ezekiel 17:18-19, another warning against breaking covenant is outlined, “Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.” It is clear that the Bible speaks to the importance of upholding one’s covenant at all costs and the consequences of failing to do so.
Finally, Joshua 9:15 mentions the importance of keeping covenant even when it might seem difficult, “And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” This passage outlines the agreement which Joshua and the people he lead made with their enemies, even though it was a risky decision. This shows that regardless of the cost, keeping covenant is the morally upright path.
Break of Covenant in Politics
The issue of breaking covenant is just as valid in the realm of politics as it is in other areas of life. For thousands of years, treaties and covenants have enabled countries and regions to exist in harmony and stability, but when those covenants are broken, the effects can be devastating.
In Daniel 11:6, it outlines a warning regarding the consequences of breaking covenant in a political context, “And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king’s daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.” This passage speaks to the importance of adhering to one’s agreements and outlines the consequences if those agreements are breached.
Psalm 15:4 reads, “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not”. This passage speaks to the need to uphold one’s agreements even if they may not seem to be advantageous. It is a reminder that no matter the cost, agreements should remain in place, and those who break them will be held accountable.
In addition, Micah 6:16 states, “For thou hast kept the statutes of Omri, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and thou hast walked in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.” This passage speaks to the consequences of entering into agreements which are not in accordance with the will of God. Those who break covenant will bear the reproach of God for their sins.
Breaking Covenants with God
Perhaps the greatest warning against breaking covenant described in the Bible is the covenant one has with God. Breaking covenant with the Almighty is the most serious of all infractions, and the consequences are especially grave.
In the book of Amos, it reads, “Because they have incurred an immense debt, they broke My covenant and rebelled against My Law”. This speaks to the idea of incurring a debt to God when breaking covenant and how God expects payment for one’s sins. It is a warning to all God’s people that breaking covenant with Him comes with a heavy price.
An additional warning can be found in 1 Samuel 15:23, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Here, we see the consequences for breaking covenant with God as a result of disobedience and idolatry. It is a stern warning against turning away from God’s will and failing to respect the covenant which we have with Him.
One final warning can be found in Isaiah 24:5, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” This verse outlines the seriousness of breaking covenant with God and how this can lead to desolation and destruction of the earth. Breaking covenant with the Almighty has dire consequences, and we should therefore strive to remain in accordance with His will.
Conclusion
Breaking covenant is a serious matter according to the Bible, and it is an issue which is discussed at great length in Scripture. From marriage covenant to the covenant we make with God, it is important to respect and adhere to these agreements. The Bible speaks to the consequences of breaking covenant, both in terms of punishment from God and punishment from our enemies. We must take these warnings seriously, for our souls depend on it.
