Biblical Covenants and Promises in Scripture
Biblical Covenants and Promises in Scripture
The concept of covenants is central to the biblical narrative, representing agreements or promises between God and humanity. The Hebrew word "berith" (בְּרִית) is used in the Old Testament to denote a covenant, which is derived from a root meaning "to cut," referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in two to solemnize an agreement [1, 3].
Biblical Anchor
The biblical account of covenants begins in Genesis, where God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising not to destroy the earth again with a flood (Genesis 6:18; 9:9-17) [7, 13]. This covenant is characterized as a unilateral pact, where God alone commits to maintaining the order of creation. Subsequent covenants are made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising land, descendants, and blessing [5, 4, 6].
The Abrahamic covenant is particularly significant, as it is reiterated throughout the biblical narrative and is seen as a precursor to the new covenant in Christ [8]. The covenant with David establishes a dynastic promise, guaranteeing an everlasting kingdom [2].
Definition and Characteristics
Covenants in Scripture involve mutual obligations, promises, or commitments between God and humanity. They are often marked by a sign or symbol, such as the rainbow in the Noahic covenant or circumcision in the Abrahamic covenant [12]. The New Testament equivalent, "diatheke" (διαθήκη), is sometimes translated as "testament," emphasizing the idea of a last will or disposition [1].
Confessional Articulation
Reformed traditions emphasize the importance of covenants in understanding God's relationship with humanity. Calvin's commentary on Genesis highlights the significance of the Abrahamic covenant as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and mercy [10]. The Westminster Confession, a Reformed creed, articulates the covenants as a framework for understanding God's redemptive plan.
Tradition Contrasts
While the concept of covenants is widely accepted across Christian traditions, there are differences in interpretation. Some traditions, like the Reformed tradition, emphasize the covenantal framework as a key to understanding Scripture [9, 10]. Others may focus more on the individual covenants or their Christological fulfillment.
Historical Development
The concept of covenants developed throughout Israel's history, with various covenants being established in response to changing circumstances. The prophets, such as Jeremiah, looked forward to a new covenant, which would be written on the hearts of God's people (Jeremiah 31:31-34) [11]. This new covenant is seen as being fulfilled in Christ, whose death establishes a new relationship between God and humanity [14].
The biblical covenants and promises are fundamental to understanding God's relationship with humanity. They demonstrate God's commitment to creation and redemption, and provide a framework for understanding the unfolding narrative of Scripture. As such, they remain a vital part of Christian theology and practice.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Covenant — The Heb. berith means primarily "a cutting," with reference to the custom of cutting or dividing animals in two and passing between the parts in ratifying a covenant. (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19) In the New Testament the corresponding word is diathece (diatheke), which is frequently translated testament in the Authorized Version. In its biblical meaning two parties the word is used-- + Of a covenant between God and man; e.g. God covenanted with Noah, after the flood, that a like judgment should not be repeated. It is not precisely like a covenant between”
- Brown-Driver-Briggs “[BDB H1285] berith (part 4/6) — with David Psa 89:4; 89:29; 89:34; 89:39; 132:12; Jer 33:21 (compare 2 Samuel 7 = 1 Chronicles 17); a divine promise to the seed of David of an everlasting kingdom, the relation of sonship, and the superintendence of the temple (compare Psalms 2..) g. Jehoiada and the people 2Kin 11:17 2Chr 23:3, a constitutional agreement to be the people of Yahweh. h. Hezekiah and the people2Chr 29:10, a constitutional agreement to reform the worship. i. Josiah and the people 2Kin 23:3, a constitutional agreement to obey the book of the covenant. j. Ezra and the people Ezra 10”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Covenant — A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19). The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith o”
- I Chronicles “I Chronicles 16:16 (BSB) — the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac.”
- Genesis “I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” -- Genesis 17:2”
- Psalms “Psalms 105:9 (BSB) — the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac.”
- Genesis “But I will establish my covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. -- Genesis 6:18”
- Galatians “Galatians 3:16 (LITV) — But the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his Seed (it does not say, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," which is Christ). Gen. 12:7, 13:15; 17:7, 8; 24:7”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 53.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1 1:27 1:27 3:17 3:17 3:18 4:11 4:13 4:14 6:5 7:11 8:1 10:4 10:11 11:29 11:31 11:31 12:1 12:1 12:17 14:6 14:16 15:1 17:7 17:7 19:24 19:37 20:2 20:8 20:14 21:2 21:5 25:1 25:14 25:14 27:38 27:38 32:3 32:10 32:12 36:8 36:9 Exodus 3:8 7:13 8:15 13:3 13:5 13:8 13:14 13:17 14:14 14:21 14:22 15:10 17 18:21 19:5 19:6 19:6 19:6 19:6 20:1 20:2 20:24 20:25 23:32 27:1 29:45 33:3 34:6 34:6 34:15 34:30 Leviticus 19:9 19:10 26:3-13 26:8 26:12 26:12 26:16 Numbers 3:1-4:49 10:36 12:6 13:22 23:19 24:13 30:3 32:34 Deutero”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 31:31: 31:31 The day of the new covenant was realized when Jesus Christ accomplished his redemptive mission on earth (see Heb 8:8-12).”
- Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 9:12: 9:12 In the Bible, covenants are frequently confirmed by some sort of sign (e.g., 17:11; Exod 31:13, 17; Luke 22:20).”
- Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 6:18: 6:18 This first explicit mention of a covenant in the Bible refers to the unilateral pact that God made with humankind and the world after the flood (see 9:9, 11, 14-17).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 22:20: 22:20 God’s covenants in the Old Testament were confirmed with the blood of a sacrifice (Gen 15:9-10; Exod 24:8). Jesus’ death established the new covenant that God had promised his people (Jer 31:31-34).”