Covenants in the Bible are sacred agreements, not to be taken lightly. Breaking them has spiritual and relational consequences. Today, we’ll see what Scripture says about the seriousness of covenants and how God’s faithfulness serves as our example.
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What Does The Bible Say About Breaking Covenants
Deuteronomy 31:16
And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, you are about to lie down with your fathers. Then this people will rise and whore after the foreign gods among them in the land that they are entering, and they will forsake me and break my covenant that I have made with them.”
This verse highlights the consequence of breaking a covenant with God. The Israelites are warned that if they turn to worship foreign gods, they will forsake God and break the covenant He made with them. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God’s commands.
Breaking a covenant with God not only brings about consequences but also reveals a lack of trust and reverence for Him. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God and His covenant, avoiding the temptation of idolatry.
Judges 2:20-23
So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.” So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.
This verse illustrates the consequences of breaking the covenant with God. Due to their disobedience and failure to uphold the covenant, the Israelites faced the anger of the Lord. As a result, God stopped driving out the nations in the promised land, and He allowed the Israelites to face trials and tests.
Breaking a covenant with God not only results in His displeasure but may also lead to missed blessings and increased challenges. It serves as a reminder to believers to remain obedient to God’s commands and faithful to His covenant, knowing that He is always watching over His people.
Psalms 55:20-21
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
This verse addresses the breaking of covenants within human relationships. It describes a companion who turns against his friends, violating their covenant of trust and loyalty. Despite his smooth and flattering words, there is deceit and ill intent in his heart.
This verse highlights the betrayal and treachery that can result from the breaking of covenants. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant in our relationships and to uphold the covenants we make with others, displaying honesty, loyalty, and genuine care.
Proverbs 2:16-17
So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.
This verse warns against the breaking of covenants in the context of adultery and unfaithfulness. It refers to the forbidden woman, who entices individuals with her smooth words and leads them to forsake the companionship and covenant of their youth.
Breaking the covenant of marriage not only leads to the destruction of trust and the sanctity of the relationship but also dishonors the covenant made before God. It emphasizes the importance of fidelity and commitment in marriage, urging believers to cherish and uphold the covenant they have made.
Isaiah 24:5
The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.
This verse speaks of the consequences of breaking the everlasting covenant with God. It depicts a state of defilement in the earth resulting from the people’s transgression, violation of God’s statutes, and breaking of the everlasting covenant.
Breaking the everlasting covenant demonstrates a disregard for God’s commands and a rebellion against His authority. It serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful to God’s covenant and to honor His laws, recognizing the significance of His everlasting covenant.
Ezekiel 17:15-16
But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Can one escape who does such things? Can he break the covenant and yet escape?
This verse addresses the futility of breaking a covenant and attempting to escape the consequences. It tells of a rebellious king who seeks support from Egypt, putting his trust in their military strength. However, the verse challenges the notion that one can break a covenant and escape its repercussions.
Breaking a covenant does not go unnoticed, and the consequences will ultimately catch up with those who choose to disregard their commitments. It serves as a cautionary reminder to remain faithful to the covenants we make and to consider the consequences of our actions.
Jeremiah 31:32
not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord.
This verse reflects on the broken covenant the Israelites had with God, despite His faithful guidance and deliverance from Egypt. It acknowledges the unfaithfulness of the people, likening God’s covenant to a marriage that they failed to uphold.
Breaking a covenant with God exemplifies unfaithfulness and disregards the love and provision He offers. It serves as a reminder for believers to cherish the covenant relationship they have with God, valuing His faithfulness and remaining committed in return.
Malachi 2:14
But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
This verse addresses the breaking of the covenant within the context of marriage and infidelity. It emphasizes that God is a witness to the covenant made between a man and his wife, highlighting the faithlessness that occurs when one is unfaithful to their spouse.
Breaking the marriage covenant through infidelity contradicts the commitment made before God and disrespects the sacredness of the relationship. It serves as a reminder to honor the covenant of marriage, remaining faithful and valuing one’s spouse as a lifelong companion.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
This verse recounts the consequences faced by King Saul for breaking faith with the Lord. Saul failed to keep God’s command and instead sought guidance from a medium, disregarding seeking guidance from the Lord Himself.
Breaking faith with the Lord involves disobedience and looking for alternative sources of guidance. It highlights the importance of keeping God’s commandments and relying on Him alone for guidance, avoiding the detrimental consequences that come from breaking faith with our Creator.
Proverbs 6:30-31
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.
This verse speaks to the consequences faced by those who break covenants, even in dire circumstances. While people may understand stealing to satisfy immediate needs, there are still consequences to be faced if one is caught, often leading to significant restitution.
Breaking covenants, even in seemingly justifiable situations, can incur consequences and require restitution. It serves as a reminder to act with integrity and honor the commitments we make, even during challenging times.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
This verse addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking of the covenant of marriage. It emphasizes that a man who divorces his wife without love is acting faithlessly and violently, and warns believers to guard themselves against such actions.
Breaking the covenant of marriage through divorce without just cause goes against God’s intention for relationships and causes harm. It serves as a reminder to treat marriage as a sacred covenant, valuing and cherishing love, and committing to nurture the relationship.
2 Chronicles 21:7
Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.
This verse showcases God’s faithfulness in upholding His covenant with King David, despite the unfaithfulness and wickedness of his descendants. God’s unwillingness to destroy the house of David is rooted in the covenant He made with him and the promise of an everlasting lamp.
While humans may betray and break covenants, God remains steadfast and faithful to His promises. It serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant and encourages believers to trust in His faithfulness, even when faced with human unfaithfulness.
Jeremiah 34:18-19
And the men who transgressed my covenant and did not keep the terms of the covenant that they made before me, I will make them like the calf that they cut in two and passed between its parts— the officials of Judah, the officials of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the parts of the calf.
This verse portrays the consequences faced by those who transgress the covenant and fail to keep the terms of their agreement with God. It depicts an image of those who broke the covenant being made like a calf cut in two.
Breaking a covenant incurs severe consequences, often resulting in brokenness and destruction. It serves as a reminder for believers to take their commitments seriously and honor the terms of the covenants they make, avoiding the devastating outcomes of transgression.
Ezra 10:2
And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.
This verse acknowledges the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel who broke faith with God by marrying foreign women against His command. However, it also highlights that there is hope for Israel to reconcile their relationship with God, despite their transgression.
Breaking faith with God through disobedience can be followed by repentance and restoration. It serves as a reminder that even when we break covenants, God is willing to offer forgiveness and a chance to rebuild our relationship with Him.
Leviticus 26:15-16
if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.
This verse outlines the consequences of breaking God’s covenant through disobedience and disregard for His commandments. It describes the afflictions and hardships that will befall those who choose to spurn God’s statutes and break the covenant.
Breaking God’s covenant leads to devastation and unfruitfulness in various aspects of life. It serves as a warning for believers to remain obedient to God’s commandments, valuing and cherishing the covenant relationship they have with Him.
Isaiah 33:8
The highways lie waste; the traveler ceases. Covenants are broken; cities are despised; there is no regard for man.
This verse paints a picture of the consequences of broken covenants, leading to desolation and disregard for others. It depicts a society where highways are abandoned, travelers cease, and cities are despised due to the breaking of covenants.
Breaking covenants results in the decay of society and the erosion of trust among people. It emphasizes the importance of upholding covenants and honoring commitments, fostering healthy relationships and a thriving community.
Nehemiah 1:9
but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
This verse offers hope and restoration for those who have broken the covenant with God but choose to return to Him in repentance. It highlights God’s willingness to gather and bring back His people, regardless of their location.
Breaking the covenant with God does not mean that all hope is lost. It serves as an encouragement for believers to turn back to God, repent, and actively keep His commandments, knowing that He is ready to receive and restore them.
2 Kings 23:3
And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.
This verse describes King Josiah’s commitment to renew the covenant with God and lead the people in obeying His commandments. It portrays a collective decision to join in the covenant and uphold its terms.
Renewing the covenant with God requires a wholehearted commitment to obey His commandments and live according to His statutes. It serves as a reminder for believers to continually renew their dedication to God, valuing and upholding the covenant relationship they have with Him.
Isaiah 24:16
From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One. But I say, “I waste away, I waste away. Woe is me! For the traitors have betrayed, with betrayal the traitors have betrayed.”
This verse expresses the distress caused by the breaking of covenants and the betrayal that accompanies it. It contrasts the songs of praise and glory for the Righteous One with the lamentation and feelings of waste resulting from the treachery.
Breaking covenants brings about pain and despair, tarnishing the trust and stability within relationships. It serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize faithfulness and integrity, avoiding the devastating effects of betrayal and broken covenants.
Lamentations 1:6
From the daughter of Zion all her majesty has departed. Her princes have become like deer that find no pasture; they fled without strength before the pursuer.
This verse reflects on the loss of majesty and strength resulting from the breaking of the covenant. It portrays the people, symbolized by the daughter of Zion, as vulnerable and lacking sustenance due to the absence of God’s presence caused by their transgression.
Breaking the covenant with God leads to spiritual and moral impoverishment, leaving individuals devoid of God’s provision and protection. It serves as a warning to value and honor the covenant with God, finding strength and sustenance in His presence.
Jeremiah 11:10
They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers.
This verse exposes the patterns of unfaithfulness displayed by the Israelites, who followed in the iniquities of their forefathers, disregarded God’s words, and pursued other gods. Their actions resulted in the breaking of the covenant made with their ancestors.
Breaking a covenant reveals a lack of regard for the faith and wisdom passed down through generations. It serves as a reminder to hold fast to the teachings of our predecessors and remain faithful to the covenant with God, avoiding the pitfalls of unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 16:59
“For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant,
This verse addresses those who despise the oath and break the covenant, warning of the consequences they will face. It serves as a reminder that God will respond in accordance with their actions, holding them accountable for their unfaithfulness.
Breaking a covenant reflects a lack of honor and reverence towards the agreement made. It serves as a cautionary reminder to value and respect the covenant with God, knowing that our actions have consequences and will be addressed by Him accordingly.