Genesis 21:27
“And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.”
KJV
Read in Genesis 21Meaning
The covenant is marked by tangible exchange and mutual agreement, giving public form to the relationship between the parties.
Read carefully
The ancient treaty practice should be understood in its narrative setting rather than directly equated with modern diplomatic or legal instruments.
Reflection
Commitments gain credibility when they move from intention to concrete, observable acts that both sides recognize.