GOD'S Biblical Covenants with Man - Part II
Jul 16, 2019 12:17:19 #
Bible Covenants and Their Meanings
Part II
6. Palestinian/Deuteronomic Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:1-10)
. Established by God with Israel AFTER the 40 years of wandering, this covenant was given to insure that the people still understood that He would continue to be faithful to them and live up to His part of the Abrahamic/Mosaic covenant despite their unfaithfulness; but it was more than just a re-statement of the Abrahamic or Mosaic covenants (See Dt 29:1).
A new generation of Israelites needed to be reminded in a solemn way of their special, covenant relationship with YHWH. The covenant was given to the people just prior to their invasion of Palestine. Their location was on the plains of Moab, east of the Dead Sea and across from the land of Canaan. The Palestinian Covenant deals specifically with a specific plot of land--Palestine. The boundaries of this land was from the Euphrates River in the North to the "river of Egypt" in the South (the Nile) The western boundary is the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern boundary is the desert region beyond the Jordan river. This extensive geographic area has NEVER been fully occupied by the descendants of Abraham, consequently this prophecy/promise has never been fulfilled.
Moses indicated that the promises would be fulfilled when all the blessings AND the curses promised in Dt 28 had been fulfilled and then only when Israel genuinely turned to God in repentance and willingness to obey.
. Provisions included a miraculous regathering of Israel from all over the world (begun is the fulfillment of this in Israel's current regathering after the establishment of the nation on May 14, 1948). There was also to be a restoration of the land to Israel and a regeneration of the Jews causing them to love Him totally. Also included was God's judgment of their enemies and that the people would again obey Him leading to their renewed prosperity.
. Even though God chastened His people by driving them out of this promised land He would eventually bring repentance. This covenant spelled out the conditions under which Israel would be allowed to occupy the Promised Land.
As a nation the Jews will be fully, miraculously and permanently restored to the land which was given to them as an everlasting possession.
. God had the people divide in half - half on Mt. Ebal and half on Mt. Gerazim. Those on Gerazim were to shout out the blessings of the Law.Those on Ebal were to shout out the curses of the Law. This way no one would have an excuse for not knowing the contents of the Law and the terms of God's agreement with them.
. In the first 5 verses of Dt 30, 4 stages of Israel's history are outlined
1) their dispersion v.1;
2)their repentance v.2;
3) their regathering v.3,4;
4) their reward v5.
Due to their disobedience the Jews have suffered terribly. They were ruled by Rome in Christ's day but rebelled in A.D. 70 and250,000 were killed. They rebelled again in A.D. 135 and again Rome smashed them killing even more and scattering them throughout the empire.
Since then they have been bitterly persecuted.Forcibly expelled from England in 1290 and from France 1306. In 1298 more than 100,000 were killed in Europe. From 1648 to 1658 some 400,000 were massacred. From 1939-45 Hitler's Nazis killed more than 6 million.
Still the promises given to Abraham are just as valid as they were thousands of years ago. In its history Egyptian Pharoahs, Assyrian Kings, Babylonian rulers, Persian satraps, Greek Hellenists, Roman Caesars, Holy Roman Emperors, Roman Catholic Pontiffs, Medieval monarchs, Christian Crusaders, Spanish Inquisitors, Nazi dictators, Communist commisars, Arab shieks and United Nation delegates have all turned against the Jew yet they still survive. Someone has once said the existence of the Jew alone is proof of God's existence!
. This covenant was also unconditional as far as its fulfillment is concerned but is conditional in that the generation that applies the covenant must be obedient to God. The promise of Genesis 12:7 is valid but has been postponed numerous times due to disbelief and disobedience and ultimately will be fulfilled in the Millenium.Therefore the present return of Israel to the Land is important because it sets the stage for the miraculous return of ALL Israel to the Land.
. Centuries after giving these promises to Israel God reiterated them through the prophets Jeremiah (32:36-44) and Ezekiel (36:22-38).
. Several things need to be pointed out:
A. God made this covenant with the same national group which He later banished into dispersion. He made these promises to a literal national body - Israel thus the promises must be fulfilled to a literal national body - Israel.
B. God always leaves the way open for the unfaithful to return to Him.
C. The ultimate fulfillment of these promises is still future.
D. The fact that the promises can only come to fruition when all the curses are complete shows that God is obviously not finished with the Jew. Literal Israel will survive and figure prominently in future world events.
E. The on-going fulfillment of the promise of the Godly restoration of the land to Israel proves Israel's claim to the land as a God-given inheritance.
F. This covenant guarantees that literal Israel will repent and be saved (but after God finishes their chastening). This is made clear by later prophets: Hosea 3:4-5; Zec 12:10; 13:1; Romans 11:25-27
G. Though not specifically mentioned here, the Tribulation will be the last segment of the curses of Dt 28.It will be God's instrument to break Israel's rebellion and to bring that nation back to Him.
7. Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:4-16; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15)
. Though not specifically here stated to be a covenant, this was understood from other writings (2 Sam 23:5; 2 Chron 7:18; 21:7; Ps 89:3-4; Jer 33:19-26).
In this covenant God promised David 3 things: 1) David's "house" (his physical line of descent) would endure forever.
2) David's kingdom would never permanently pass away (though it would cease to function, it would always have the potential of being restored to full function.) This is why the Jews clung so tenaciously to Christ when He triumphantly entered Jerusalem
(See Mk 11:10 and Acts 1:6).
3) David's throne or his ruling authority would never permanently pass away. Again, it would cease to function but it would always be available for restoration (See Lk 1:32-33).
. Like so many of the other covenants, this one is unconditional. David had to do nothing to make its provisions come to pass, they are entirely dependent upon God for their fulfillment.
. Jesus is of David's linage - both Matthew and Luke attest to this in their genealogies. Gabriel announced the Davidic throne would be given to Christ forever (Lk 1:31-33). Peter attests to Christ's rightful heir's ownership of the David throne (Acts 2:30). Isaiah prophesied concerning the Messiah's government (Is 9:7). Based on these scriptures it is obvious that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these scriptures and this will be fulfilled during the Millenium when Christ will rule over the literal, earthly, political kingdom on this present earth (Mt 24:30).
. Anti-Amillennialist Theology (who say Christ will not reign over a literal, earthly, political kingdom on the present earth)
1. Dan 7:13-14 portrays God giving the kingdom forever to the Son of Man when He comes with the clouds of heaven (obviously not first coming.)
2. The kingdom is given after the Roman Empire (the little horn/Antichrist) have caused the terrible tribulation.
3. Mt 24:29-31 Jesus clearly teaches He will fulfill this when He comes the second time and that it would happen immediately after the tribulation.
4. All this proves He is not exercising this authority during the present age, as the Amillennialist would have us to believe.
5. Mt 25:31-46 clearly teach Christ's throne and kingdom are in conjunction with His second coming.
6. Zechariah 14:4,9 teaches Messiah will be king after His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives.
7. Psalm 110:1-2 indicate the Messiah is to sit at the right hand of God until it is time for Him to rule.
8. Mt 19:28 and Rms 8:18-22 set forth that Christ's reign would be after the earth is restored to its pre-Fall condition. In Acts 3:19-21 Peter teaches this will not happen while Christ is in heaven but at His return.
. The current state of Israel is not being guided by a Davidic king but that does not nullify the covenant it only is a fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy (3:4-5). Just as the Abrahamic covenant provided them with an everlasting entity as a nation (Jer 31:36); an everlasting possession of the land (Gen 13:15; 1 Chron 16:15-18; Ps 105:9-11) so the Davidic Covenant guarantees them an everlasting throne (2 Sam 7:16; Ps 89:36); an everlasting King (Jer 32:21); and an everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:14).
8. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31)
First attested to by the prophet Jeremiah, this covenant was written about 1,000 years after the Mosaic. The Israelites had lived under the blessings of God given for obedience, but more often they had lived under the judgments due to their disobedience. Now at a dismal time in their history, a time when they were in danger of being obliterated as a national entity, God makes this covenant known to them.
That this covenant was a covenant specifically established between God and Israel cannot be negated.
Jeremiah 31:31 states, "I (YHWH) will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah." Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 50:4-5; Ezekiel 34:25-30 and 37:21-28 all further attest that the parties involved were God and the nation of Israel. God specifically gave the Mosaic Law to the people of Israel (Lev 26:46; Dt 4:8) and not to the Gentiles (Rms 2:14) and since He promised to establish the new covenant with the descendants of those to whom He gave the Old Mosaic Law covenant, then the New Covenant must be established with Israel. Also, this covenant was an eternal, everlasting covenant, the same one spoken of in Isaiah 53 and 61:8.
The author of Hebrews indicates it is eternal (13:20) and "better" (8:6) In all the other covenants there were shadows - here there is substance. In all the others there were types - here, fulfillment. This covenant is eternal in both directions, it was established before the foundations of the world.
. Provisions of the New Covenant are:
1) Regeneration and the giving of a new heart;
2) Forgiveness of sin (Jer 31:34; Ez 36:26);
3) Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ez 36:27);
4) Universal knowledge of YHWH among the people of Israel (Jer 31:34)
5) That Israel would obey God and have a right attitude toward Him forever (Jer 32:39-40; Ez 36:27; 37:23-24);
6) National blessings to the people of Israel
a. His Spirit would not depart from them (Is 59:21)
b. They would have a great reputation because of special blessings (Is 61:8-9)
c. They would have a unique relationship with YHWH (Jer 31:33; Ez 36:28)
d. That God would do them good (Jer 32:40-42)
e. That wild beasts would be eliminated from their land (Ez 34:25, 28)
f. That Israel would enjoy complete security in their land (Ez 34:25-28)
g. They would not be threatened or insulted by other nations (Ez 34:28-29)
h. That great abundance of food would eliminate famine (Ex 34:27, 29; 36:29-30)
i. Their land would be compared to the Garden of Eden (Ez 34:29)
j. That rainfall would be perfectly controlled (Ez 34:29; 36:34-35)
k. Israel's cities would be rebuilt and inhabited (Ez 36:33)
l. The nation would enjoy a population explosion (Ez 36:37-38;37:26
m. That there would be complete unity in the land (Ez 37:21-22)
n. That they would live in their own land forever (Ez 37:25)
o. That once again, as in the past, God Himself would have His sanctuary in their midst and dwell with them in the midst of their nation forever (Ez 37:26-28)
p. That God would never again turn away from His people (Jer 32:40)
This covenant is meant to be unconditional, in fact God specifically states that He will fulfill it despite Israel's disobedience (Ez 36:21-22).
The idea that God would cause the people to have a new and right attitude about Him points out the unconditional nature of this covenant. Another proof of this is Ez 36:36 where God uncategorically states,
"I, YHWH, have spoken it, and I will do it."
Got Questions.org
https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/
https://www.openbible.info/topics/covenant
Charles L. Monk
Part II
6. Palestinian/Deuteronomic Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:1-10)
. Established by God with Israel AFTER the 40 years of wandering, this covenant was given to insure that the people still understood that He would continue to be faithful to them and live up to His part of the Abrahamic/Mosaic covenant despite their unfaithfulness; but it was more than just a re-statement of the Abrahamic or Mosaic covenants (See Dt 29:1).
A new generation of Israelites needed to be reminded in a solemn way of their special, covenant relationship with YHWH. The covenant was given to the people just prior to their invasion of Palestine. Their location was on the plains of Moab, east of the Dead Sea and across from the land of Canaan. The Palestinian Covenant deals specifically with a specific plot of land--Palestine. The boundaries of this land was from the Euphrates River in the North to the "river of Egypt" in the South (the Nile) The western boundary is the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern boundary is the desert region beyond the Jordan river. This extensive geographic area has NEVER been fully occupied by the descendants of Abraham, consequently this prophecy/promise has never been fulfilled.
Moses indicated that the promises would be fulfilled when all the blessings AND the curses promised in Dt 28 had been fulfilled and then only when Israel genuinely turned to God in repentance and willingness to obey.
. Provisions included a miraculous regathering of Israel from all over the world (begun is the fulfillment of this in Israel's current regathering after the establishment of the nation on May 14, 1948). There was also to be a restoration of the land to Israel and a regeneration of the Jews causing them to love Him totally. Also included was God's judgment of their enemies and that the people would again obey Him leading to their renewed prosperity.
. Even though God chastened His people by driving them out of this promised land He would eventually bring repentance. This covenant spelled out the conditions under which Israel would be allowed to occupy the Promised Land.
As a nation the Jews will be fully, miraculously and permanently restored to the land which was given to them as an everlasting possession.
. God had the people divide in half - half on Mt. Ebal and half on Mt. Gerazim. Those on Gerazim were to shout out the blessings of the Law.Those on Ebal were to shout out the curses of the Law. This way no one would have an excuse for not knowing the contents of the Law and the terms of God's agreement with them.
. In the first 5 verses of Dt 30, 4 stages of Israel's history are outlined
1) their dispersion v.1;
2)their repentance v.2;
3) their regathering v.3,4;
4) their reward v5.
Due to their disobedience the Jews have suffered terribly. They were ruled by Rome in Christ's day but rebelled in A.D. 70 and250,000 were killed. They rebelled again in A.D. 135 and again Rome smashed them killing even more and scattering them throughout the empire.
Since then they have been bitterly persecuted.Forcibly expelled from England in 1290 and from France 1306. In 1298 more than 100,000 were killed in Europe. From 1648 to 1658 some 400,000 were massacred. From 1939-45 Hitler's Nazis killed more than 6 million.
Still the promises given to Abraham are just as valid as they were thousands of years ago. In its history Egyptian Pharoahs, Assyrian Kings, Babylonian rulers, Persian satraps, Greek Hellenists, Roman Caesars, Holy Roman Emperors, Roman Catholic Pontiffs, Medieval monarchs, Christian Crusaders, Spanish Inquisitors, Nazi dictators, Communist commisars, Arab shieks and United Nation delegates have all turned against the Jew yet they still survive. Someone has once said the existence of the Jew alone is proof of God's existence!
. This covenant was also unconditional as far as its fulfillment is concerned but is conditional in that the generation that applies the covenant must be obedient to God. The promise of Genesis 12:7 is valid but has been postponed numerous times due to disbelief and disobedience and ultimately will be fulfilled in the Millenium.Therefore the present return of Israel to the Land is important because it sets the stage for the miraculous return of ALL Israel to the Land.
. Centuries after giving these promises to Israel God reiterated them through the prophets Jeremiah (32:36-44) and Ezekiel (36:22-38).
. Several things need to be pointed out:
A. God made this covenant with the same national group which He later banished into dispersion. He made these promises to a literal national body - Israel thus the promises must be fulfilled to a literal national body - Israel.
B. God always leaves the way open for the unfaithful to return to Him.
C. The ultimate fulfillment of these promises is still future.
D. The fact that the promises can only come to fruition when all the curses are complete shows that God is obviously not finished with the Jew. Literal Israel will survive and figure prominently in future world events.
E. The on-going fulfillment of the promise of the Godly restoration of the land to Israel proves Israel's claim to the land as a God-given inheritance.
F. This covenant guarantees that literal Israel will repent and be saved (but after God finishes their chastening). This is made clear by later prophets: Hosea 3:4-5; Zec 12:10; 13:1; Romans 11:25-27
G. Though not specifically mentioned here, the Tribulation will be the last segment of the curses of Dt 28.It will be God's instrument to break Israel's rebellion and to bring that nation back to Him.
7. Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:4-16; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15)
. Though not specifically here stated to be a covenant, this was understood from other writings (2 Sam 23:5; 2 Chron 7:18; 21:7; Ps 89:3-4; Jer 33:19-26).
In this covenant God promised David 3 things: 1) David's "house" (his physical line of descent) would endure forever.
2) David's kingdom would never permanently pass away (though it would cease to function, it would always have the potential of being restored to full function.) This is why the Jews clung so tenaciously to Christ when He triumphantly entered Jerusalem
(See Mk 11:10 and Acts 1:6).
3) David's throne or his ruling authority would never permanently pass away. Again, it would cease to function but it would always be available for restoration (See Lk 1:32-33).
. Like so many of the other covenants, this one is unconditional. David had to do nothing to make its provisions come to pass, they are entirely dependent upon God for their fulfillment.
. Jesus is of David's linage - both Matthew and Luke attest to this in their genealogies. Gabriel announced the Davidic throne would be given to Christ forever (Lk 1:31-33). Peter attests to Christ's rightful heir's ownership of the David throne (Acts 2:30). Isaiah prophesied concerning the Messiah's government (Is 9:7). Based on these scriptures it is obvious that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these scriptures and this will be fulfilled during the Millenium when Christ will rule over the literal, earthly, political kingdom on this present earth (Mt 24:30).
. Anti-Amillennialist Theology (who say Christ will not reign over a literal, earthly, political kingdom on the present earth)
1. Dan 7:13-14 portrays God giving the kingdom forever to the Son of Man when He comes with the clouds of heaven (obviously not first coming.)
2. The kingdom is given after the Roman Empire (the little horn/Antichrist) have caused the terrible tribulation.
3. Mt 24:29-31 Jesus clearly teaches He will fulfill this when He comes the second time and that it would happen immediately after the tribulation.
4. All this proves He is not exercising this authority during the present age, as the Amillennialist would have us to believe.
5. Mt 25:31-46 clearly teach Christ's throne and kingdom are in conjunction with His second coming.
6. Zechariah 14:4,9 teaches Messiah will be king after His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives.
7. Psalm 110:1-2 indicate the Messiah is to sit at the right hand of God until it is time for Him to rule.
8. Mt 19:28 and Rms 8:18-22 set forth that Christ's reign would be after the earth is restored to its pre-Fall condition. In Acts 3:19-21 Peter teaches this will not happen while Christ is in heaven but at His return.
. The current state of Israel is not being guided by a Davidic king but that does not nullify the covenant it only is a fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy (3:4-5). Just as the Abrahamic covenant provided them with an everlasting entity as a nation (Jer 31:36); an everlasting possession of the land (Gen 13:15; 1 Chron 16:15-18; Ps 105:9-11) so the Davidic Covenant guarantees them an everlasting throne (2 Sam 7:16; Ps 89:36); an everlasting King (Jer 32:21); and an everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:14).
8. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31)
First attested to by the prophet Jeremiah, this covenant was written about 1,000 years after the Mosaic. The Israelites had lived under the blessings of God given for obedience, but more often they had lived under the judgments due to their disobedience. Now at a dismal time in their history, a time when they were in danger of being obliterated as a national entity, God makes this covenant known to them.
That this covenant was a covenant specifically established between God and Israel cannot be negated.
Jeremiah 31:31 states, "I (YHWH) will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah." Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 50:4-5; Ezekiel 34:25-30 and 37:21-28 all further attest that the parties involved were God and the nation of Israel. God specifically gave the Mosaic Law to the people of Israel (Lev 26:46; Dt 4:8) and not to the Gentiles (Rms 2:14) and since He promised to establish the new covenant with the descendants of those to whom He gave the Old Mosaic Law covenant, then the New Covenant must be established with Israel. Also, this covenant was an eternal, everlasting covenant, the same one spoken of in Isaiah 53 and 61:8.
The author of Hebrews indicates it is eternal (13:20) and "better" (8:6) In all the other covenants there were shadows - here there is substance. In all the others there were types - here, fulfillment. This covenant is eternal in both directions, it was established before the foundations of the world.
. Provisions of the New Covenant are:
1) Regeneration and the giving of a new heart;
2) Forgiveness of sin (Jer 31:34; Ez 36:26);
3) Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ez 36:27);
4) Universal knowledge of YHWH among the people of Israel (Jer 31:34)
5) That Israel would obey God and have a right attitude toward Him forever (Jer 32:39-40; Ez 36:27; 37:23-24);
6) National blessings to the people of Israel
a. His Spirit would not depart from them (Is 59:21)
b. They would have a great reputation because of special blessings (Is 61:8-9)
c. They would have a unique relationship with YHWH (Jer 31:33; Ez 36:28)
d. That God would do them good (Jer 32:40-42)
e. That wild beasts would be eliminated from their land (Ez 34:25, 28)
f. That Israel would enjoy complete security in their land (Ez 34:25-28)
g. They would not be threatened or insulted by other nations (Ez 34:28-29)
h. That great abundance of food would eliminate famine (Ex 34:27, 29; 36:29-30)
i. Their land would be compared to the Garden of Eden (Ez 34:29)
j. That rainfall would be perfectly controlled (Ez 34:29; 36:34-35)
k. Israel's cities would be rebuilt and inhabited (Ez 36:33)
l. The nation would enjoy a population explosion (Ez 36:37-38;37:26
m. That there would be complete unity in the land (Ez 37:21-22)
n. That they would live in their own land forever (Ez 37:25)
o. That once again, as in the past, God Himself would have His sanctuary in their midst and dwell with them in the midst of their nation forever (Ez 37:26-28)
p. That God would never again turn away from His people (Jer 32:40)
This covenant is meant to be unconditional, in fact God specifically states that He will fulfill it despite Israel's disobedience (Ez 36:21-22).
The idea that God would cause the people to have a new and right attitude about Him points out the unconditional nature of this covenant. Another proof of this is Ez 36:36 where God uncategorically states,
"I, YHWH, have spoken it, and I will do it."
Got Questions.org
https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/
https://www.openbible.info/topics/covenant
Charles L. Monk
Jul 16, 2019 12:28:27 #
Zemirah wrote:
Bible Covenants and Their Meanings br br Part II ... (show quote)
Amen and Amen Zemirah very good boy that is some article thanks for posting all of that.
Jul 16, 2019 22:59:32 #
Thanks for commenting, bahmer.
If I had more time earlier, I would have included more.
There is a difference of opinion among Christians, regarding the Bible Covenants God has established with men.
Some see seven covenants, some eight, and others nine, in history, so abiding by eight seemed good middle ground, and Scripturally, I see these covenants well defined.
If I had more time earlier, I would have included more.
There is a difference of opinion among Christians, regarding the Bible Covenants God has established with men.
Some see seven covenants, some eight, and others nine, in history, so abiding by eight seemed good middle ground, and Scripturally, I see these covenants well defined.
bahmer wrote:
Amen and Amen Zemirah very good boy that is some article thanks for posting all of that.
Jul 17, 2019 09:17:05 #
Zemirah wrote:
Thanks for commenting, bahmer.
If I had more time earlier, I would have included more.
There is a difference of opinion among Christians, regarding the Bible Covenants God has established with men.
Some see seven covenants, some eight, and others nine, in history, so abiding by eight seemed good middle ground, and Scripturally, I see these covenants well defined.
If I had more time earlier, I would have included more.
There is a difference of opinion among Christians, regarding the Bible Covenants God has established with men.
Some see seven covenants, some eight, and others nine, in history, so abiding by eight seemed good middle ground, and Scripturally, I see these covenants well defined.
Spot on as always.
Jul 23, 2019 01:03:41 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.