The Covenant at Sinai: Signed in Blood

Last week, we explored the Ten Commandments—God’s rules for living that call us into relationship with Him. This week, we look at the next step: God inviting His people into a covenant relationship, a binding agreement that would shape Israel’s identity as His chosen people.

Covenant as a Sacred Relationship

To understand the seriousness of this moment, imagine a wedding ceremony. At a wedding, two people pledge themselves to each other in love, honor, and faithfulness. Their vows are sacred, not to be taken lightly. In the same way, God entered into covenant with His people.

Instead of a bride and groom, we see God as the groom, pledging Himself to His bride—Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God calls them His “special treasure,” chosen to represent Him to the nations.

What Is a Covenant?

A covenant is a solemn agreement. In Scripture, covenants always have three parts:

1. The Parties – God and His people.

2. The Terms – Each party’s responsibilities. For Israel, this meant keeping the law God gave through Moses.

3. The Promises – Blessings for obedience, and consequences for disobedience.

At Mount Sinai, God gave Israel the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) along with dozens of other laws (Exodus 21–23). These covered daily life, justice, worship, and festivals. Now, in Exodus 24, the people gathered to ratify—sign—this covenant.

Ratifying the Covenant

The people responded to Moses with one voice: “We will do everything the Lord has commanded” (Exodus 24:3). It was their way of saying, “I do.”

Then came the ceremony. Moses built an altar with twelve pillars, representing the twelve tribes. Animals were sacrificed, and their blood was collected. Half was sprinkled on the altar (God’s “signature”), and half was sprinkled on the people (their “signature”). This symbolized their agreement to the covenant and the seriousness of disobedience.

In essence, the people were saying: “If we fail to keep this covenant, may we end up like these sacrificed animals.”

The Covenant Meal

Afterward, Moses, Aaron, and seventy elders ascended the mountain, where they saw the glory of God and ate a fellowship meal in His presence (Exodus 24:9–11). Sharing this meal confirmed that the covenant had been accepted and sealed.

Old Covenant vs. New Covenant

The promises of the Mosaic covenant were specific to Israel: the promised land, protection from enemies, fruitful harvests, healthy flocks, and long life. But these promises should not be confused with those of the new covenant in Christ.

The old covenant was conditional: blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (see Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28). The new covenant, established through Jesus, offers forgiveness, eternal life, and a restored relationship with God—not based on our performance, but on Christ’s sacrifice.

As Hebrews 9 reminds us: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”

Fulfillment in Christ

At the Last Supper, Jesus echoed Moses’ words: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

In the old covenant, animal blood atoned temporarily for sin. In the new covenant, Jesus’ blood was shed once for all. As Isaiah 53 foretold: “He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Applying the Covenant

Knowing that Jesus is the cure for sin is not enough—we must apply it. Just like medicine can only heal if taken, Christ’s sacrifice only saves if we receive Him by faith.

Jesus invites us into covenant with Him—not of law, but of grace. When we accept Him, we are forgiven, healed, and welcomed into God’s family.

Reflection

• How do you view your relationship with God: as a set of rules, or as a covenant of love and grace?

• In what ways do you need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His promises?

• Have you personally received Christ’s sacrifice as the cure for sin in your own life?