The concept of responsibility to teach and uphold the covenant is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the duty of God's people to instruct future generations in the ways of the Lord and to remain faithful to His commandments. This responsibility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of covenantal faithfulness and the transmission of divine truth.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the covenantal responsibilities of God's people. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the importance of teaching God's commandments to the next generation, ensuring that the covenant is upheld through continuous instruction and daily living.

The covenant with Abraham also highlights the responsibility to teach and uphold God's promises. In Genesis 18:19 , God says of Abraham, "For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him." Here, the covenantal relationship is linked to the responsibility of guiding one's family in righteousness and justice.

Role of the Priests and Levites

The priests and Levites held a special role in teaching and upholding the covenant. In Leviticus 10:11 , God commands Aaron and his sons to "teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given to them through Moses." The Levitical priesthood was entrusted with the task of instructing the people in the law, ensuring that the covenantal stipulations were known and followed.

Malachi 2:7 further emphasizes this role: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts." The priests were seen as custodians of divine knowledge, responsible for guiding the people in covenantal faithfulness.

Prophetic Call to Covenant Faithfulness

The prophets of Israel often called the people back to covenant faithfulness, reminding them of their responsibilities. In Jeremiah 11:6 , the prophet is instructed: "Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: ‘Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out.’" The prophetic message frequently included a call to remember and uphold the covenant, warning of the consequences of neglect and disobedience.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the responsibility to teach and uphold the covenant is expanded through the Great Commission. Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive underscores the continuation of covenantal teaching, now extended to all nations, emphasizing obedience to Christ's commands.

The apostle Paul also highlights the importance of teaching in the context of the new covenant. In 2 Timothy 2:2 , he instructs Timothy: "And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well." This passage reflects the ongoing responsibility to pass on the teachings of the faith, ensuring that the covenantal truths are preserved and propagated.

Parental Responsibility

The responsibility to teach and uphold the covenant is particularly emphasized in the context of the family. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Parents are called to nurture their children in the faith, instilling in them the principles of the covenant and guiding them in a life of obedience to God.

Conclusion

The responsibility to teach and uphold the covenant is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the transmission of His truth to future generations. This responsibility is seen in the roles of parents, priests, prophets, and the broader community of believers, all of whom are called to ensure that the covenant remains a living and active reality in the lives of God's people.