Bible Dictionary
COVENANT OF SALT
A covenant of salt was a solemn and lasting covenant, symbolized by salt’s place in shared meals and sacrifices. It expressed fellowship, loyalty, and enduring permanence before God.
Definition
A covenant of salt is a solemn and enduring covenant symbolized by salt in food and sacrifice. Because shared meals expressed hospitality and friendship, and because salt preserves, salt became associated with fellowship, loyalty, permanence, and a lasting obligation before God.
Biblical Usage
Salt was required with offerings to Yahweh, and God’s enduring arrangements with His people are called covenants of salt. David’s lasting kingdom is described in these terms. Jesus’ instruction to have salt in yourselves connects the image with peace among believers.
Historical Background
Covenants were commonly confirmed by sacrificial meals, where salt was present. Expressions such as having salt between people or eating another’s salt described hospitality that cemented friendship.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>solt (berith melach; halas, classical Greek hals): As salt was regarded as a necessary ingredient of the daily food, and so of all sacrifices offered to Yahweh (Le 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" (Nu 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" (Mr 9:50).</p><p>Edward Bagby Pollard</p>