Covenant of Salt
Covenant Of Salt
( ). This phrase is supposed to denote a perpetual covenant, in the sealing or ratification of which salt was used.’ As salt was added to different kinds of viands, not only to give them a relish, but to preserve them from putrefaction and decay, it became the emblem of incorruptibility and permanence. Hence a covenant of salt signified an everlasting covenant (Num 18:19; Lev 2:13; 2Ch 13:5). SEE SALT.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Covenant of Salt
solt ( , berth melah; , halas, classical Greek , hals): As salt was regarded as a necessary ingredient of the daily food, and so of all sacrifices offered to Yahweh (Lev 2:13), it became an easy step to the very close connection between salt and covenant-making. When men ate together they became friends. Compare the Arabic expression, There is salt between us; He has eaten of my salt, which means partaking of hospitality which cemented friendship; compare eat the salt of the palace (Ezr 4:14). Covenants were generally confirmed by sacrificial meals and salt was always present. Since, too, salt is a preservative, it would easily become symbolic of an enduring covenant. So offerings to Yahweh were to be by a statute forever, a covenant of salt for ever before Yahweh (Num 18:19). David received his kingdom forever from Yahweh by a covenant of salt (2Ch 13:5). In the light of these conceptions the remark of our Lord becomes the more significant: Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace one with another (Mar 9:50).