Covenant
“The Mosaic Covenant is given through Moses, where God delivers the Law to Israel as part of their agreement to be His people”
In Biblical terms, a covenant is a sacred agreement or promise made between God and humanity, signifying a commitment that establishes a relationship grounded in divine purpose and mutual responsibility. The word “covenant” comes from the Hebrew term berith, which implies a “binding agreement” or “pledge.” In Greek, the word is diatheke, often understood as a will or testament, emphasizing that a covenant is both legally binding and relationally meaningful. A covenant in the Bible is more than a contract; it reflects God’s desire to interact with humanity in a way that highlights His faithfulness, love, and justice. Covenants serve as the backbone of God’s dealings with people, defining both His promises and the expectations He has of those in covenant with Him.
Examples of Covenants in the Bible
The Bible contains several notable covenants, each revealing unique aspects of God’s plan and character. The Noahic Covenant is God’s promise to Noah to never again destroy the earth with a flood, symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:8-17). The Abrahamic Covenant is another major one, where God promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessing for all nations through him (Genesis 12:1-3). The Mosaic Covenant is given through Moses, where God delivers the Law to Israel as part of their agreement to be His people (Exodus 19-24). Later, the Davidic Covenant promises that a descendant of David will establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Finally, the New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled in Jesus, speaks of a renewed relationship where God’s law is written on people’s hearts, and forgiveness is fully realized (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20).
The Old and New Testaments as Covenants
The two parts of the Bible, traditionally called the Old Testament and the New Testament, are essentially two major covenants that reveal God’s unfolding plan for humanity. The “Old Testament” (or Old Covenant) encompasses the covenants made with figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, establishing guidelines and promises that formed the foundation of Israel’s relationship with God. This covenant focused on the Law and foreshadowed a coming Saviour Who would fulfill it. The “New Testament” (or New Covenant), inaugurated by Jesus, is about grace, faith, and redemption, where salvation is offered to all through Jesus Christ, not through the Law. Each “Testament” or “Covenant” signifies a shift in how God’s promises and relationships with humanity are expressed, providing a structure for understanding the Bible’s overarching story of salvation and restoration.
The Covenant as a Foundation of Faith
The concept of covenant shapes much of the Christian understanding of God’s character and His promises. Unlike contracts which can be terminated, Biblical covenants emphasize God’s enduring faithfulness and His willingness to remain committed to humanity despite their failures. Through covenants, we see God’s unchanging love and His desire to bring humanity into a reconciled relationship with Himself. This understanding enhances the Christian view of faith, as believers recognize that God’s promises are steadfast and that through the New Covenant in Christ, they are invited into an everlasting, personal relationship with their Creator. The idea of covenant, therefore, not only frames the structure of the Bible but also deepens the believer’s trust in God’s faithfulness across generations.