In Helaman 6:21-22 we find evidence of ancient wicked secret covenants:
But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings.
And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant
Victor Ludlow notes that 17 of the 154 references to “covenant” in the Book of Mormon relate to evil, secret covenants made between men and the devil. Fifteen of these secret covenant references are found in 12 verses in the book of Helaman and the first chapters of 3 Nephi. From the book of Deuteronomy we find that the covenant making process can be divided into the five steps: (1) Historical background (2) Stipulations (3) Blessings and Curses (4) Witnesses (5) Remembrance. These are the same steps that a sovereign ruler would use to establish a covenant or treaty relationship with his vassals in the ancient Near East. These same five steps also exemplify the covenant process between the Heavenly Sovereign of this earth and his children, particularly as demonstrated through baptism and the temple ordinances. We will see that all five of these steps are found among the imitation secret covenants of wicked men as recorded in Helaman and 3 Nephi. Analyzing these specific verses will tell us much about secret, evil vows… . The key elements and covenant steps are highlighted in charts (see illustrations). [Victor L. Ludlow, “Secret Covenant Teachings of Men and the Devil,” in The Book of Mormon: Helaman through 3 Nephi 8, According to Thy Word, pp. 265-279] [See the commentary and charts for Helaman 1:11-12, 3 Nephi 6:28-30]
Helaman 6:21 They did unite with those band of robbers, and did enter into their covenants ([Illustration] Secret Covenant Verses 4 & 5 = Helaman 6:21-22. [Victor L. Ludlow, “Secret Covenant Teachings of Men and the Devil,” in The Book of Mormon: Helaman through 3 Nephi 8, According to Thy Word, pp. 273-274]