Quote:
Originally Posted by pookiwah
Anyone know anything about this? There is a reference to a covenant of salt in Numbers 18 verse 19b, and I saw it done in someone's wedding. Basically the couple each hold a small pouch containing salt, and they pinch some salt from their own pouch, and put it in the others'. They both then shake their pouches - significance being that they are now one and their covenant to one another could only be broken if they were each able to extract only their own grains of salt from the pouch of their spouse. I have been unable to find much reference to it online, if anyone has more in depth info it would be really appreciated - I plan to incorporate this into my wedding later this year.
Thanks!
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I did another search and found some good info. Below is part of an article I found. Hope it helps someone other than just me.
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YHWH’s Salt Covenant (Hebrew, b'rith melah), is the most extraordinary of all HIS Covenants. It is symbolic of endurance, preservation, and freedom from corruption. It is a perfect picture of our CREATOR, and it is sprinkled liberally on HIS Ancient Path to preserve it and keep it pure. The Salt Covenant is rich in spiritual symbolism, and so important that for those who can see, it is visually demonstrated by the salting of the Temple sacrifices, which was to perpetually remind the faithful of their solemn Covenant responsibility to YHWH (Num.18:19). YHWH instructed the Israelites that every sacrifice, including grain offerings, was to be seasoned with salt as a sign of their Covenant with HIM (Lev. 2:13, Ezek. 43:23-24). Even the Holy ingredients used for the incense offering were to have salt added. "You shall make of these an incense, a compound according to the art of the perfumer, salted, pure and holy" (Ex. 30:34-35). Salt, like the rainbow, is a sign of our CREATOR. Curiously, you will never see salt in any pagan rites.
Traditionally, salt was shared to seal a truce between former enemies or as a symbol of alliance between close friends. Treaties or friendships were often formalized by the partaking of a lick of salt to seal the deal or heal the difference between them.
Entering into a Covenant of Salt means binding oneself to another in utmost loyalty and truthfulness, even suffering death, rather than breaking the covenant. For this very reason a Covenant of Salt was never done lightly or haphazardly – it deserves serious respect. To the ancient Hebrews, salt represented purification, and was also symbolic of enduring friendship, honesty, and loyalty (2Kin.2:19 -21; 2Chr.13:5). Today some Eastern people still use the phrase: “There is salt between us.” Having no salt, meant disloyalty and barrenness.
Salt is rich in Spiritual Metaphors…
Salt is an important ingredient of life. The Biblical lore of salt begins in Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19, where it becomes part of YHWH's Covenant with humanity and was directed to be part of all the grain offerings in the Temple.
Salt is a vital part of YHWH’S Covenant Rite before Moses (2Chr.13:5), and its symbolism teaches many important spiritual lessons.
Jewish/Hebrew Salt Covenant
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