Why Was Blood Used in Covenant?
The use of blood in covenants is a prominent and recurring theme in Scripture. From the Old Testament to the New, blood symbolized life, solemnity, and the binding nature of agreements between God and humanity. Understanding why blood was central in covenant-making reveals profound theological and spiritual truths about life, sacrifice, and divine relationship.
1. Blood as the Symbol of Life
The biblical understanding of blood is rooted in its identification with life itself:
-
Life in the Blood: Leviticus 17:11 declares, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your life on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
-
Significance for Covenant: Since a covenant involves a solemn commitment that often entails mutual obligations, the shedding of blood symbolized the ultimate seriousness of the agreement—it was life itself being pledged.
By using blood, covenant parties acknowledged that breaking the covenant could have serious, even deadly, consequences, highlighting the sacredness of the promise.
2. Blood in Old Testament Covenants
Blood was central in Old Testament covenant ceremonies, often involving animal sacrifices:
-
Abrahamic Covenant: In Genesis 15, God instructed Abraham to prepare a sacrificial offering, splitting animals in half, as He passed between the pieces. While God alone passed through the pieces, this act symbolized that breaking the covenant could be as serious as death, with life itself at stake.
-
Mosaic Covenant: In Exodus 24, Moses sprinkled blood on the altar and on the people after reading the Law. Blood here symbolized purification and a binding agreement between God and Israel: obedience would bring life, disobedience death.
-
Purification and Forgiveness: The sacrificial system demonstrated that life (blood) must be offered to atone for sin, restoring fellowship with God and reaffirming the covenant relationship.
In essence, blood made the covenant tangible. It was not just a legal or verbal agreement; it was spiritually and physically binding.
3. Theological Significance of Blood in Covenant
Blood conveys several deep theological truths:
-
Sacrifice and Atonement: Blood represents the cost of sin and the necessity of life given for life. Covenants with God were often sealed through sacrifice, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
-
Purification: Blood cleanses and sanctifies. The sprinkling of blood signified forgiveness, removing guilt, and enabling covenant relationship (Hebrews 9:22).
-
Life and Death: Blood emphasizes the seriousness of commitment. In covenant-making, the shedding of blood symbolized that failure had ultimate consequences, while faithfulness ensured life and blessing.
4. Blood in the New Covenant
The use of blood reaches its fullest meaning in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ:
-
Jesus’ Sacrifice: At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
-
Fulfillment of Old Testament Symbolism: Jesus’ blood satisfies the requirements of the Law, providing ultimate atonement for sin and restoring humanity to God.
-
Internalization of Covenant: Unlike the Old Covenant, where blood was external and symbolic, the New Covenant through Christ enables the believer to internalize God’s law through the heart, Spirit, and faith (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 10:16–18).
Thus, blood in the New Covenant becomes both a seal of God’s promise and a means of transforming lives, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God.
5. Why Blood, and Not Something Else?
Several reasons make blood uniquely suited for covenant purposes:
-
Vitality: Blood represents life itself, making it the ultimate pledge.
-
Sacrificial Cost: Its shedding signifies a willingness to offer life, emphasizing seriousness and commitment.
-
Purity and Cleansing: Blood is a medium of purification, symbolizing forgiveness of sins and restoration of holiness.
-
Visual and Sensory Impact: Blood is tangible, visible, and visceral, making covenant ceremonies solemn and memorable.
Conclusion
Blood was used in covenants because it is the symbol of life, sacrifice, and sacred commitment. In the Old Testament, it functioned to bind people to God through sacrifice, purification, and solemn promise. In the New Testament, the blood of Jesus fulfills and surpasses these covenants, providing eternal forgiveness and restoring humanity to God.
Through blood, God revealed that relationships with Him are not casual agreements but matters of life and death—requiring seriousness, obedience, and ultimately, faith in His provision through Christ.