Breadcrumb: Pinky swearing

Covenants occur all the time in Genesis, and we have another one in Gen. 31:44-55, between Jacob and Laban. Since there was a lack of outside witnesses, the men build a heap (or pillar) of rocks to act as a witness for them. In fact, the name of the pillar ("Jegarsahadutha" in Aramaic and "Galeed" in Hebrew) means "witness heap." Interestingly, another name for the same heap, "Mizpah," means "watchtower." The covenant was concluded, as many others, with a sacrifice and a meal. Covenant in place, Laban was content to bless his children and grandchildren and return to his own home.