Unit 3 - Lesson three: Covenant Covenant Lesson 3 May 2012

Unit 3 - Lesson three: Covenant

Covenant

Lesson 3May 2012


Old Testament In O.T. theology a

covenant was a compact or contract between God and his worshippers.

Usually described as “cutting a covenant”→


Archaeology Early evidence for covenants comes from

the Sumerians in the 3rd millennium B.C.E. Originally they were developed by early

civilizations as a means of regulating relations between social or political entities

In the late Bronze Age (14th to 13th century B.C.E.), covenants were used by the Hittites to define reciprocal obligations of suzerain and vassals.


Covenant: Early Form

Covenants usually took the form of military treaties

They were used to specify the terms of peace between a victor and a defeated foe.


Biblical Covenant The earliest reference to a covenant in

the Bible is in Genesis 15.12-2: As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a

deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then the LORD said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there.


Genesis 15.14-16

But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”


Genesis 15.17-21 When the sun had set and darkness had

fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”


Promissory vs. Obligatory This covenant like the one mentioned in

2 Samuel 7.13-17 between God and King David are unilateral pledges known as promissory covenants (one way). That is a promise is made from one party to the other

Suzerain: a nation that controls another nation in international affairs but allows it domestic sovereignty (independence)


Promissory vs. Obligatory In contrast to this is the obligatory

covenant that is made between two parties who will follow certain stipulations in their agreement Example is Exodus chapters 20-24.

Obligation: a social, legal, or moral requirement, such as a duty, contract or promise

Reciprocal: interchanged, given, or owed to each other


Benefits

From these examples of various covenants it has been accepted that in return for remaining obedient and faithful to God the people of Israel would enjoy God’s blessing and protection.

In short they become God’s Chosen People


Diaspora

Even after the Jewish people were driven out of Palestine and scattered over the earth, the covenant between God and them remained.

Its new interpretation was that it included the eventual restoration of them in their ancient homeland; the Promised Land


Christian Covenant Jesus’ death on

the cross signified the making or redefining of the new covenant through Jesus:

the redemption of all humanity.


Christian Covenant Controversy

Theologians differ on the exact meaning of this New Covenant or the Covenant of the New Testament.

Some believe that Christ’s voluntary sacrifice redeemed all people


Christian Covenant Controversy Others contend that

only those who earn their redemption by faith alone, (Martin Luther) →

Others contend that by both faith and good works, can one be saved. (Roman Catholic teaching)→


Coming up

Friday: Possibly a Supply Teacher (Castaway)

Partners for “Scrapbook” assignment

Documents

Unit 3 - Lesson three: Covenant Covenant Lesson 3 May 2012