Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, covenants hold a central place in the relationship between God and His people, particularly the Jews. These covenants are seen as sacred agreements, divinely instituted and eternally binding. The Jewish understanding of covenants is deeply rooted in their history and theology, reflecting a profound reverence for these divine promises and obligations.The Abrahamic Covenant The Abrahamic Covenant is foundational to the Jewish faith, marking the beginning of God's special relationship with the Jewish people. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. This covenant is further elaborated in Genesis 15 and 17, where God promises Abraham numerous descendants and the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. The sign of this covenant is circumcision, as stated in Genesis 17:10-11: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised." The Mosaic Covenant The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, is another pivotal covenant in Jewish history. It establishes the Israelites as God's chosen people and provides them with the Law, which includes the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:5-6 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenant underscores the sacredness of the relationship between God and Israel, with the Law serving as a guide for holy living. The Davidic Covenant The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, promises that David's lineage will endure forever and that his throne will be established eternally. This covenant is significant for the Jewish understanding of the Messiah, who is expected to come from the line of David. The promise of an everlasting kingdom highlights the sacred nature of God's commitment to His people and His plan for redemption. The New Covenant The concept of a New Covenant is introduced in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This covenant is characterized by the internalization of God's law and a direct, personal relationship with Him. "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33). This promise is seen as a fulfillment of the earlier covenants and is regarded as sacred, offering hope for restoration and renewal. The Sacredness of Covenants Throughout the Scriptures, the Jewish people are depicted as regarding covenants with utmost reverence. The covenants are not merely legal agreements but are seen as sacred bonds that define their identity and purpose. The faithfulness of God in keeping His promises is a recurring theme, and the Jewish response is one of obedience and devotion. The sacredness of these covenants is reflected in the rituals, traditions, and laws that have been preserved and practiced throughout Jewish history. In summary, covenants in the Jewish tradition are regarded as sacred, divinely instituted agreements that shape the identity and destiny of the Jewish people. They are central to the biblical narrative and continue to hold profound theological significance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 9:16-19And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they dwelled among them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 15:4 Library Celsus, Still Expressing his Opinion Regarding the Jews, Says... Sunday Before Lent Treatise vi. On the Vanity of Idols: Showing that the Idols are ... The Preface That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. Different Degrees of Knowledge. Of the Sacraments. Chapter xvii P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... The Blood of the Testament Resources How should Christians view the Book of Mormon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Edenic covenant? | GotQuestions.org Should the Old Testament instead be called the First Testament? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenants of God's Promises to Man Covenants of the Contract of Marriage Covenants of the United Determination of a People to Serve God Covenants: (With Death and Hell) Carnal Security Covenants: (With Stones and Beasts, of the Earth) Peace Covenants: Agreements Between Two Parties Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Conditions of Witnessed Covenants: Conditions of Written and Sealed Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: Designed For: Procuring Assistance in War Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Covenants: Designed For: Selling Land Covenants: Followed by a Feast Covenants: God often Called to Witness Covenants: Made by Passing Between the Pieces of the Divided Sacrifices Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands Covenants: Salt a Sign of Perpetuity In Covenants: The Jews: Condemned for Making, With Idolatrous Nations Covenants: The Jews: Forbidden to Make, With the Nations of Canaan Covenants: The Jews: Frequently Made With Other Nations Covenants: The Jews: Regarded, As Sacred Covenants: Violated by the Wicked Covenants: when Confirmed, Unalterable Related Terms |
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