Covenant of Salt
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5)—a covenant characterized by permanence and inviolability. Salt resists corruption and accompanied offerings; thus the phrase fittingly expresses an enduring divine grant. Sharing salt also became a widespread sign of hospitality and fidelity, though the encyclopedia’s descriptions of later Eastern custom are historical illustration rather than the basis of the biblical expression.