The seal of God’s covenant

Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day for these my daughters or for their children whom they have borne? Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he named it Galeed, and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.” (Genesis 31:43–50)

Today if we need a document to signify an agreement, it can usually be found with our phones. In OT days, no one carried so much as a notepad and pencil to jot down the details. Instead, they used stones to mark out the occasion and place representing  various covenants and agreements. In the above case, Jacob had been badly treated by his father-in-law so took his wives and left. Laban wasn’t happy about that so chased after him to establish a formal agreement of peace. This pile of stones was their reminder to get along and that God wanted that and would also watch over them to ensure this covenant would not be violated.

There could be more significant details, but what stands out in this one is the dad being willing to let his daughter’s go but at the same time wanting them cared for. Jacob already had a reputation of doing things his way and even though Laban had his flaws too, the idea of sealing their intentions with “a heap of witness” showed a desire on both sides to do things right.

These days, we have contracts and all sorts of legal documents to protect ourselves and our investments. It is not unheard of to use them to protect family members, but rarely do they have the intimacy of agreement that shows up in this one.

I’m also reminded that when Jesus died for me and testified to not only save me but take care of me forever, that old rugged cross and His shed blood are the “heap of witness” that solemnly and yet wonderfully stand as witness of what He has done and that He will keep “watch between us” even if I cannot see what or how He is doing just that. A cross on a chain might only be jewelry to some, but to me, it is a reminder of God’s everlasting covenant.

Jesus, I’m so thankful that You keep watch over me, even during those times when I am unaware of Your care. Right now, I am preoccupied with feeling weak and ill, but You are faithful,  even when my mind is elsewhere. For this, I am so very grateful.