Salt covenant

The term salt covenant is the translation of the Hebrew term ברית מלח. The exact meaning and origin of the term can no longer be determined. Its meaning seems to underline a special, everlasting quality of YHWH's covenant promise to the people of Israel .

Biblical use

ברית מלח can be found in the Hebrew Bible in two places: In Num 18,19  LUT the term is related to the naming of the parts of the sacrifice that are due to the priests. This arrangement is confirmed by the term salt union. In 2 Chr 13,5  LUT king Abijah of Judah uses the salt covenant to confirm his claim to the whole Syropalestinian territory and to legitimize his campaign against the northern kingdom of Israel .

In the reverse position as "salt of the covenant" (מלח ברית) the term occurs in Lev 2,13  LUT . There the salt is mentioned as an indispensable addition to the food offering .