Investigating the Hebrew Concept ברת Berit (Covenant) in Genesis 31:1-55 and its Theological Insights to the Concept of Aitutuket in Traditional Iteso Covenant Relationships

Abstract

One of the challenges facing society today is infidelity in agreements that are mutually and legally entered upon. As much as legal systems are used to address the overwhelming challenges of broken agreements, not much is achieved because of infidelity and violation of the instruments upon which relationships are built. In both the Ancient Near Eastern and Traditional African societies, covenants were made between two or more parties to establish a relationship with a particular purpose. Although some covenants were respected, many were broken. Regardless of whether or not Old Testament covenants were respected, they are laden with theological lessons that may benefit contemporary people. This study sought to find out how the Hebrew concept of Berith (covenant) could be used to strengthen the traditional Iteso Aitutuket agreement relationships. Both narrative criticism and ethnographical approaches were used in the study. The empirical part of the study was done among the Iteso people of Malaba region. Data from key informants was obtained through questionnaires, observation checklists and interview guides. The investigation on the Jacob-Laban covenant relationship in Genesis 31:1-55 and the traditional Iteso concept of Aitutuket (covenant) revealed that theological insights from the human covenants in the Old Testament could enrich contemporary Iteso concepts of Aitutuket (covenant) and enhance peaceful covenantal relationships.