Topical Bible: Covenant: The Mosaic Law Called a Covenant

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The concept of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, serving as a divine framework through which God establishes and maintains His relationship with humanity. Among the various covenants mentioned in the Bible, the Mosaic Covenant, also known as the Mosaic Law, holds a significant place in the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Definition and Context

The Mosaic Covenant refers to the agreement established between God and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, following their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This covenant is detailed primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is named after Moses, the mediator through whom God delivered the law to the Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The Mosaic Covenant is introduced in Exodus 19-24, where God calls Moses to ascend Mount Sinai. There, God declares His intention to make Israel "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). The covenant is formally ratified in Exodus 24, where Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, and they respond, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" (Exodus 24:7).

Components of the Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant encompasses a comprehensive legal code, including moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as the moral foundation, outlining fundamental principles for righteous living. The civil laws provide guidelines for justice and social order, while the ceremonial laws dictate the religious practices and rituals that set Israel apart as God's chosen people.

Purpose and Significance

The Mosaic Covenant serves several purposes within the biblical narrative:

1. Revelation of God's Holiness: The laws reveal the holiness of God and His standards for righteousness, emphasizing the need for purity and obedience among His people.

2. Covenantal Relationship: The covenant establishes a unique relationship between God and Israel, with God as their sovereign ruler and Israel as His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).

3. Preparation for the Messiah: The sacrificial system and priestly functions foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and establishes a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

4. National Identity: The laws provide Israel with a distinct identity, setting them apart from surrounding nations and enabling them to serve as a witness to God's power and faithfulness.

Conditional Nature

The Mosaic Covenant is conditional, requiring Israel's obedience to God's commands in exchange for blessings, protection, and prosperity in the Promised Land. Conversely, disobedience would result in curses and eventual exile (Deuteronomy 28). This conditional aspect underscores the covenant's role in teaching Israel the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Mosaic Covenant is viewed in light of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the law is acknowledged as holy and good (Romans 7:12), it is also seen as insufficient for salvation, which is achieved through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). The Apostle Paul explains that the law served as a "guardian" until Christ came, enabling believers to be justified by faith.

Conclusion

The Mosaic Covenant remains a foundational element of biblical theology, illustrating God's desire for a holy people and His provision for redemption through the coming Messiah. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ.

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Exodus 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote on the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
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Library

Love in the Old Covenant.
... the new commandment of love opposed the Mosaic commandment of ... not be anything but
a perfect law; and Jesus ... to the saints under the Old Covenant this operation ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxix love in the old.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... to Moses as its author, and was called in common ... Paul makes when he opposes to the
Mosaic law the previous promise to Abraham: "The covenant that was ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

From Sinai to Kadesh.
... This covenant is commonly called "The Law of Moses." All the ... Old Testament is a
development of this fundamental law and shows ... The Purpose of the Mosaic Law. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vi from sinai to.htm

Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants.
... This is sometimes called several covenants but it seems best to consider it one
that is enlarged upon from time ... 4. The Mosaic Covenant, Ex.19-30 ... (1) Law of Duty. ...
/.../chapter iv sacred institutions of.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... of these words I have made a covenant with thee ... as it had been prescribed in "the
law of Moses ... Ezra testifies to the existence of the Mosaic law before his time ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

Perpetual Covenants
... My duty called me lately to examine a contract, and I ... by all means let us have the
covenant made in ... Under the Mosaic law a bondservant could only be held by ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xii perpetual covenants.htm

Hebrews viii. 1, 2
... former had been new, he would not have called this which ... [3006] That is, besides
the covenant being in ... promise in the Prophecy is that the Mosaic law shall be ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xiv hebrews viii 1.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... that was circumcised was debtor to do the whole law. And till the Mosaic dispensation
should come to an ... nation of Israel, by the solemn Covenant engagements of ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... individuals, who lived anterior to the Mosaic economy, employed ... well the character
and tendency of covenant obligation ... that of any other requirement of his law. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... The Mosaic Law. There is recorded in the Old Testament the account of God giving
a law to govern his people Israel. This is called a covenant, and was to serve ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm