Counting the Omer

• Day 21

Threshold Covenant

• Ex 12:21-23 - Dip in the blood that was on the threshold
• Basin - He: “Saf” means threshold
• Threshold 
  • Entrance to dwelling
  • Step “over” it
  • Stepping on it was dishonorable
• Guests entitled to protection, provision of the household
• If no blood substitute salt
• Stepping over it meant you accepted the covenant offered
• Striking the lintel and door posts
• Groom carries Bride over threshold
• Throwing rice at the wedding was an offering for the marriage
• Mezuza - De 6:4-9; 11:13-21

The Greater Threshold-Crossover Covenant

• Passover by the angel of death
• God crossed over to enter the covenant with us
• He stood in the door to keep executioner from entering
• Satan will not cross over and accept a covenant of Jesus sacrifice - He 2:14-15
• God / Jesus was the door by which we enter - Jn 10:9
• We have crossed over from natural to covenant people
• Ps 103:1-5, 11-12

The Salt Covenant

• Salt is important to life
• A symbol for covenant relationships, honor, friendship, loyalty, hospitality, marriage fidelity and commitment
• Used in blessings and curses - 2 Ki 2:19-22 
• Salt covenant was equal to blood covenant
• Sacrificial offerings include salt as a symbol of life - Le 2:13, Ez 43:24
• The land was salted - De 29:22-25; Le 26; Jud 9:45; Ez 47:11
• “Betraying the salt” - loyalty, friendship
• We are the salt of the earth - 1 Pe 2:9
• Don’t loose our effectiveness - 1 Jn 2:15-17

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/sefirah/omer-calendar_cdo/jewish/Omer-Calendar.htm