These include the Edenic, Adamic, Noachic, Abrahamic, Land, Mosaic, Davidic and the New Covenant.
The covenants made with the Israelites refer to the physical descendants known as the seed of Abraham. "And I will establish My covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee."(Gen 17:7)
In a contemporary setting these covenants should not be understood as pertaining to "the church" or "spiritual Israel" if this passage and a multitude of others are interpreted literally.
If scripture is allegorized when there is nothing in the text indicating that it should be interpreted in that manner than there can be no objective system of interpreting scripture.
Furthermore if words of the same definition and context are rendered differently then biblical interpretation is nonsensical. However if the covenants are comprehended in their literal sense then it is true to say that there are tremendous promises guaranteed to Israel purely because of Yahweh’s unchanging faithfulness to honour His word.
Covenants in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament there is a single word used for covenant, "berit."
The underlying sense of berit is that of a “binding agreement” or “relationship” usually drawn up with a solemn vow. This is particularly the case when the divine covenant between Yahweh and his people are in view; and most of the occurrences of berit refer to this covenant (Exp. Dict p217) Also in the Greek "diatheke" is used meaning a contract (espec. A devisory will)._covenant, testament’ (Strongs)
The Purpose of Covenants
Generally speaking covenants provide a binding sense of commitment between two parties. More importantly though "The specific purpose of the divine covenants is for them to be the vehicles of the expression of God’s will and purpose for man. They are also to be the effective means by which His will and purpose is fulfilled." (Conner & Malmin p.3)
As "it is impossible for God to lie" (Heb 6:18) and as He is all powerful "for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev 19:6) and He is unchanging "For I am the Lord, I change not;" (Mal 3:6) the recipient has total assurance that Yahweh will honour His promises.
The principle use of the word "promise" in Hebrew is dabar which according to strongs includes "command, commune, pronounce, name" and in the Greek eppaglia meaning “an announcement, assent or pledge: espec (a divine assurance of good), message or promise."
Covenants Today
Covenants like legal documents have terms and conditions, though some of the covenants contain unconditional promises.
Covenants do not automatically expire when one enters the New Testament either. While the law was a tutor and Christ is the Lawgiver and believers are saved by grace, in particular the Abrahamic is an everlasting and unconditional covenant.
Today, Jewish people have returned to their homeland from over one hundred countries and they believe that the Messiah will return on the Mount of Olives and usher in the literal one thousand year millennial reign.
Sources:
- Renn, D. Expository Dictionary of Bible Words (Peabody: Hendrickson, 2005).
- Conner, K. & Malmin, k. The Covenants (Oregon: Bible Temple Publishing, 1983).
- Strong, J. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Iowa: World Bible Publishers, 1986).
Jonathan Taylor - Jonathan Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with Sport Science at Worcester University College, a two year Diploma in Theology ...
