Foundations of Law II

Rule of Covenant

A government can only legitimately rule with the consent of the governed.

A covenant is a promise of a particularly solemn nature, with the force of law, made between a large group of people in such a manner as to communicate its enduring character and the highest commitment that the promise will be fulfilled.

An infinite God, who has absolute authority to rule man by virtue of Him being the creator, chooses to rule man through covenant.

Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9:8–17
Mosaic Covenant in Exodus 19–20

Finite man has no inherent authority to rule another man and was not given such authority in the dominion mandate of Genesis 1:26–27.