LEV25 Don Isaac Abarbanel … points out that … the word b'rith (covenant) denotes the contractual commitment into which the people Israel and the Almighty mutually entered: Israel undertakes to uphold the Torah and observe his precepts, all the Almighty promises to protect His people and reward it with Messianic fulfillment and life in the world-to-come.… In regard to the sacrifices on the altar (kodashim) we are told, "With all your offerings you shall offer salt" [this verse] and further, "It is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord , for you and for your offspring with you." (Numbers 18:19). Salt is a preservative and is it self not subject to decay; it thus symbolizes the enduring nature of the people Israel's relationship to God.