What other biblical figures received covenants from God, and what were their circumstances? Setting the Scene—Phinehas and the Covenant of Peace Numbers 25:12 “Therefore declare that I am granting him My covenant of peace.” • Phinehas had just stopped rampant idolatry and immorality by zealously executing judgment (vv. 7-11). • God rewards him with a “covenant of peace” and “a perpetual priesthood” for his descendants (v. 13). • This moment reminds us that the Lord has made similar covenants with other individuals throughout Scripture. Noah — A Covenant of Preservation After the Flood Genesis 9:9-11 “Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you… never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” • Circumstance: Humanity’s wickedness had provoked a worldwide flood; only Noah’s family was spared (Genesis 6-8). • Sign: The rainbow (Genesis 9:12-17). • Promise: Earth and all living creatures would never again be wiped out by a flood; seasons and life-cycles would continue (Genesis 8:22, 9:11). • Scope: Universal—covers “every living creature of all flesh.” Abraham — A Covenant of Promise and Land Genesis 17:4-8 “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations… I will give to you and to your descendants… all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.” • Circumstance: God called Abram out of pagan Ur (Genesis 12:1-3) and reaffirmed His pledge after Abram believed (Genesis 15:6, 15:18-21). • Sign: Circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14). • Promises: Numerous descendants, a specific land, blessing to all nations (Galatians 3:8). • Unconditional—God alone walked between the covenant pieces (Genesis 15:17), showing He would fulfill it. Israel through Moses — A Covenant of Law and Relationship Exodus 19:5-6 “Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations.” • Circumstance: Freshly delivered from Egypt, Israel camped at Sinai. • Ratification: Blood sprinkled on altar and people (Exodus 24:3-8). • Content: Ten Commandments, civil and ceremonial laws (Exodus 20–23). • Nature: Conditional—blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). David — A Covenant of Kingship and an Eternal Throne 2 Samuel 7:12-16 “I will raise up your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” • Circumstance: David desired to build a house for the LORD; instead, God promised to build David’s “house.” • Promises: – A dynasty (“house”) that would not fail. – A throne established forever, ultimately fulfilled in Messiah (Luke 1:32-33). • Confirmation: Psalm 89:3-4; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. The New Covenant in Christ — Forgiveness and a New Heart Jeremiah 31:31-33 “Behold, the days are coming… when I will make a new covenant… I will put My law within them and write it on their hearts.” • Circumstance: Prophesied while Judah faced exile; fulfilled by Jesus. • Ratification: Luke 22:20 “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” • Promises: – Internal transformation—God’s law written on hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27). – Full forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 8:12). – A personal, unbreakable relationship with God (John 17:3). • Scope: “For many” (Matthew 26:28)—open to Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 2:39). Drawing It All Together • From preserving creation (Noah), to blessing nations (Abraham), to forming a holy people (Moses), to securing an eternal throne (David), and finally to transforming hearts (New Covenant), God’s covenants progressively reveal His redemptive plan. • Phinehas’ covenant of peace slots into this larger tapestry, showing that the Lord faithfully honors zeal for His holiness while moving history toward the ultimate peace found in Christ (Ephesians 2:14). |
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