ESV Reformation Study Bible – Gen 9:12
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Gen 9:12

9:12 sign. Biblical covenants are usually certified by visual symbols; these include circumcision for the Abrahamic covenant (17:11), the Sabbath for the Mosaic (Ex. 31:13, 17), and the Lord’s Supper for the new covenant (Luke 22:20). The Davidic covenant required none since David’s offspring were its visible token (2 Sam. 7:11–16). Often these signs were already in existence (e.g., the Sabbath and circumcision), but were given new significance.