[100]The word covenant means contract; and it is the solemn form for expressing a compact, agreement, or contract between parties, or particularly on the part of one whereby he promises to do a certain thing. With Jehovah a covenant or a contract is sacred and inviolate, because Jehovah changes not. (Malachi 3:6) Having promised it, he will fulfill it. (Hebrews 6:18) It is always necessary that there be two parties to a contract. There may be more. Where one party only is bound to do a certain thing that contract is called unilateral, or one-sided; and where both parties are bound to perform certain things, the contract is called bilateral, or two-sided. [101]It will be observed that this oathbound covenant that Jehovah made with Abraham contained no conditions or limitations, but was merely a promise of Jehovah bound by his oath, and is therefore properly called a unilateral or one-sided covenant; for the reason that God's purpose was and is to carry out his plan to bless the human race, regardless of what any one may or may not do. There was no need for him to make any conditions to the covenant. He merely announced his benevolent purpose toward mankind. The covenant does not even say that the blessing of the people will follow upon the condition that Abraham should do a certain thing, or that the people should seek him. The covenant does not say that every person will be blessed with life everlasting; but it does say that all the families of the earth shall be blessed, which means that every one must in God's due time have a full, fair opportunity for life everlasting. It means, furthermore, that in God's due time knowledge will be brought to all in order that every one may avail himself of the opportunity thus provided for life. It means, furthermore, that assistance will be given to every one, that he may profit by this blessed opportunity; and all who prove their loyalty under the test that will come by reason of the opportunity will be granted life everlasting. How was the earth originally peopled? ¶ 92. Where did Cain get his wife? ¶ 92. To whom does Jehovah show his favor? ¶ 92. What effect does Satan's influence have on the people? ¶ 92. What kind of man was Noah? and whom did he serve? ¶ 93. Why did Jehovah direct Noah to build the ark? ¶ 93. How many persons escaped destruction at the time of the flood? and who were they? ¶ 93. How was the earth peopled after the flood? ¶ 93. What man is mentioned in the Scriptures as the friend of God? and what was the name of his wife? ¶ 94. What was the age of Abraham when God spoke to him? and what did Jehovah say? ¶ 94. What was Abraham's native land? and to what land did he go in obedience to God's command? ¶ 94. At what places did Abraham stop in Canaan that are specially mentioned in the Bible? ¶ 94. What promise did God make to Abraham at Bethel? and what promise did he make while Abraham dwelt in the plains of Mamre? ¶ 94.