Covenant in the Bible

Answer

Covenant in the Bible

Covenant in general is described as an agreement between two parties or individuals. The principle elements defining covenant can be drawn from the biblical perspective. In Genesis 26:29 and 31:50 the term is described as the terms where different parties agree on the statement. It is a modification of the earlier term where the covenant approach was an all-inclusive strategy. Another definition is as drawn from Ezekiel 17:13 where every party which is entering the covenant had to take the oath regarding observation of the terms. In Genesis 26:31, God is the witness of the oath. Deuteronomy 27: 15-26 a curse is invoked for an individual who disregard the agreement. This is aimed at enhancing the emphasis on the importance of the agreement.

The Old Testament remain the central origin of the covenants. Since creation, the relationship between God and man has been characterized by particular promises and requirements. Notably, God directs people on what they need to do and the circumstances. While inferring to the relationship between man and God in the scripture, the Old Testament describes the term covenant as unchangeable and imposed agreement that defines the conditions of the relationship. The unchangeable aspect is as reflected in genesis 2: 16-17 where God directs Adam and eve that they should not eat from the tree of knowledge. Another definition as drawn from the Old Testament is that having circumstances once the agreement has been breached. God places the circumstances of the covenant and its consequences. The circumstances and consequences are as directed in the covenant between God and Adam and Eve where failure to observe the agreement would result in punishment while maintaining it would result to blessings. The consequences included death which could include physical or spiritual. These consequences are as shown when Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree. As mentioned above another definition is centered on God being the witness of the Oath of terms. As reflected in Genesis 31:48-53, Laban mentions that God is the witness and the judge.

The Pentateuch remain the books where covenant is clearly defined. Several types of covenants exits between God and humanity. In the Adamic covenant such as that found in Genesis 1:26-30 it is general in nature which included a command of not eating from the tree of knowledge. In the Abrahamic covenant which is unconditional, it was first made to Abraham where God promised to make him great through blessings. Another type is the conditional covenant also referred as mosaic. As shown in Deuteronomy 11, God promised blessings upon obedience and curse if they disobeyed. Notably, the mosaic covenant is reflected in most of the Old Testament chronicles through the judgement cycle.

Deuteronomy which marks the end of the Pentateuch is identified as the renewal of the Israel’s covenant which entails between God and the people. This covenant is described by transition of the Israelites to a nation that lived according to God’s requirements. While being led by Moses, the Israelites were given new rules and Laws. The book is also the account of the Israelites generation where Moses led them to embrace the covenant of a profound relationship between the people and God. Some of the directions being given by God included maintaining the ordinances and statutes, something which one was expected to do with their being and heart. In this relationship, God promised the Israelites that keeping the covenant, they would be successful in everything that they did. It is also the book where the commandments were introduced where the Israelites were expected to live according to these laws which were given to Moses. In the covenant relationship also, a description of the consequences as a result of their sins is provided.