The Covenant Between God and the Hebrew People
The Covenant between God and the Hebrew People
The Old Testament presents several covenants. However, the Abrahamic Covenant is the only one that establishes a direct relationship with God. Following the Abrahamic Covenant, comes the Mosaic Covenant along with the covenant between God and the Hebrew people. The Hebrew people are expected to obey the word of God, upholding their part of the covenant. While most covenants made with God, are unconditional on God’s behalf, the covenant between God and the people of Israel is conditional; the people must honor their part of the covenant in order for God to honor his. A covenant is an agreement between two parties, similar to a contract. In biblical times, it was common for the two parties to get an animal, such as a goat or calf, and cut in in half. They would then place each half on opposite sides of a path and each party of the agreement would walk through the animal parts, sealing the agreement. It is said that if one party were to break the covenant, they would become like the animal (Storrs). In Genesis 12, God comes to Abram and tells him: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” At this moment, God makes several promises to Abram. He promises to make him into a great nation (Israel) and would bless him, making his name great, as he would be a blessing. Those who bless him would be blessed, and those who curse him, shall be cursed. Abram, without a sign of hesitation, leaves as God has commanded. Along with him, he brings his wife, nephew, their possessions, and their people from Haran. They arrive at the land of Canaan where God, again, comes to Abram and tells him that this land will be granted to his offspring. The Lord comes to Abram in a vision in Genesis 15 and says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abram replies to God explaining his concern for whom will inherit his possessions and
The Old Testament presents several covenants. However, the Abrahamic Covenant is the only one that establishes a direct relationship with God. Following the Abrahamic Covenant, comes the Mosaic Covenant along with the covenant between God and the Hebrew people. The Hebrew people are expected to obey the word of God, upholding their part of the covenant. While most covenants made with God, are unconditional on God’s behalf, the covenant between God and the people of Israel is conditional; the people must honor their part of the covenant in order for God to honor his. A covenant is an agreement between two parties, similar to a contract. In biblical times, it was common for the two parties to get an animal, such as a goat or calf, and cut in in half. They would then place each half on opposite sides of a path and each party of the agreement would walk through the animal parts, sealing the agreement. It is said that if one party were to break the covenant, they would become like the animal (Storrs). In Genesis 12, God comes to Abram and tells him: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” At this moment, God makes several promises to Abram. He promises to make him into a great nation (Israel) and would bless him, making his name great, as he would be a blessing. Those who bless him would be blessed, and those who curse him, shall be cursed. Abram, without a sign of hesitation, leaves as God has commanded. Along with him, he brings his wife, nephew, their possessions, and their people from Haran. They arrive at the land of Canaan where God, again, comes to Abram and tells him that this land will be granted to his offspring. The Lord comes to Abram in a vision in Genesis 15 and says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abram replies to God explaining his concern for whom will inherit his possessions and