What is a covenant?

Answer

Generally, a covenant is a promise between two or more parties to fulfill specific actions. The term can also function as a verb, as in “We commit to collaborating on this project until completion.” A covenant closely resembles a promise.

The idea of covenant holds great importance in the Scriptures. Essentially, the word testament is synonymous with covenant. The Bible consists of two sections, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant (Old Testament and New Testament). Covenant was a familiar concept in ancient times, where agreements could be established between equals or between a ruler and a subject. The ruler would pledge certain protections, and the subject would vow loyalty to the ruler. Covenants could be either conditional or unconditional.

The Old Testament extends beyond Israel’s history; it serves as a narrative of the covenant through which God gradually revealed His character and His intentions for humanity. Many Bible scholars identify several significant covenants in the Old Testament where God commits to specific actions.

Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the world by flood again and providing fundamental principles for human conduct (Genesis 8:20—9:17). Despite humanity’s subsequent descent into widespread disobedience, the pledge to avoid another flood was unconditional.

God entered a covenant with Abraham, vowing, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was reaffirmed.In Genesis 15 and 17, an unconditional covenant was established.

God made a covenant with Israel concerning their possession of the Promised Land (Exodus 19—24). The land was unconditionally given to Abraham’s descendants; however, the utilization of the land by each specific generation of Israelites was contingent on their obedience. Consequently, there were times when they resided in the land but faced oppression and were unable to fully benefit from it, as depicted in the book of Judges. Subsequently, the Israelites were expelled from the land due to their disobedience and idolatry. Nevertheless, despite one generation’s disobedience, God pledged to restore a future generation to the land (Isaiah 11:11-12). He fulfilled His promise, as documented in Ezra and Nehemiah.

God made a covenant with David, promising that a descendant of his would reign on his throne eternally (2 Samuel 7). This covenant was unconditional, although the reign duration of any specific Davidic ruler could be curtailed by disobedience. Solomon’s son Rehoboam lost a significant portion of the kingdom due to his unwise decisions. Ultimately, this covenant finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

In Jeremiah 31, God pledged a New Covenant with Israel. Despite repeatedly violating the terms of previous covenants, God assured that this covenant would be distinct because the people’s hearts would be transformed, leading them to desire faithfulness. This promise is realized in the New Testament through the arrival of Christ and the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who instills in God’s people the inclination to obey Him. Surprisingly, Gentiles were also encompassed in this covenant.

The significance of covenant has diminished in contemporary society. Promises are broken when new circumstances emerge. Contracts are breached, with one party often flippantly saying, “Sue me.” Marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, yet divorce is prevalent in today’s world. Regardless of how

However unfaithful people may be, God will never be unfaithful to His covenant promises.