rested, not merely in the
outward advantages, but also in the spiritual privileges of God's
covenant, and was a pleasing illustration of the manner in which the
Lord, by a special appointment, is pleased to testify even through many
ages, to the good of many, to the pleasure which he takes in his
servants performing duty in the strength of grace afforded by
himself.[745] When the Covenant was about to be ratified for the third
time, the Lord called his servant to a signal exercise of faith. The
giving of an enlarged view of the promise followed upon the provision of
a sacrifice, as a substitute for the once-devoted son; and united with
the oath of God, given for confirmation, in leading to the renovation of
the Covenant, as a sign of the Lord's approval of the vigorous exercise
of that faith through which its conditions are accepted. And the new
pre-intimation of a Saviour to come, that was made in the ram caught in
the thicket, gave to all who believed in God--and still more, the
actual offering of the Lamb of God, gives to all now who follow their
faith in Covenanting, to use in confidence the patriarch's
words,--"Jehovah-jireh," _the Lord will provide_.[746]

The Covenant made with Israel, like the others made thereafter with the
Church of God, was a renovation of that established with Abraham. Like
that, it was proposed by the Lord himself, and besides, was in token of
his enduring favour ratified by his oath.[747]

The Covenant with Jacob was entered into after that the Lord, by
anticipating and encouraging the faith of his servant, graciously
presented before him the vision of the Ladder, as an emblem of the
glorious Saviour bringing men to communion with God, and in the
accomplishment of his work directing the energies of unfallen angels
sent forth by him to minister to the heirs of salvation.[748]

The Covenant of Sinai was confirmed in a manner the most encouraging,
as well as condescending and glorious. By fire, the Lord intimated not
merely his power to punish, but also his gracious presence. By the voice
of speech, though the people were afraid, he afforded in kindness an
indisputable evidence of the truth of his gracious intercourse with
them.[749] And when it was renewed, the Lord added to the tokens which
he had given of his regard for his people drawing near to serve him,
while he passed by before his servant Moses, and proclaimed, "The Lord,
the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abu