![]() ![]() ![]() Once written, the covenants were not to be altered or annulled although parts could be explicated or elaborated. These treaties were written on tablets for the purpose of establishing a continuing relationship as determined and authorized by the suzerain. Scholars have learned by studying tablets found by archaeologists that legal treaties between kings (suzerains) and subjects (vassals) existed during the time of the biblical patriarchs, Moses, Joshua, the judges, and the first kings of Israel. Persons are recipients, not contributors they are not expected to offer elements to the bond they are called to accept it as offered, to keep it as demanded, and to receive the results that God, by oath, assures will not be withheld. God initiated, determined the elements, and confirmed his covenant with humanity. Because a covenant confirmed between two human parties was bilateral, some scholars have concluded that the covenant Yahweh established with human beings is also bilateral. The bond was sealed by both parties vowing, often by oath, that each, having equal privileges and responsibilities, would carry out their assigned roles. The covenants referred to above were between two equal parties this means that the covenant relationship was bilateral. A friendship bond was sealed by oath between David and Jonathan ( 1 Samuel 20:3 1 Samuel 20:16-17 ). Solomon and Hiram made a binding agreement to live and work in peace together ( 1 Kings 5:12 ). Joshua and the Gibeonites bound themselves, by oath, to live in peace together ( Joshua 9:15 ), although Yahweh commanded that Israel was not to bind themselves to the people living in the land of Canaan ( Deut 7:2 Judges 2:2 ). When Abimelech and Isaac decided to settle their land dispute, they made a binding agreement, league, or covenant to live in peace. The generally accepted idea of binding or establishing a bond between two parties is supported by the use of the term berit. The though of the inequality of the parties is latent. This Greek word basically means to order or dispose for oneself or another. The New Testament word for covenant has usually been translated as covenant, but testimony and testament have also been used. This idea of bond will be explicated more fully. The preferred meaning of this Old Testament word is bond a covenant refers to two or more parties bound together. The origin of the Old Testament word has been debated some have said it comes from a custom of eating together ( Gen 26:30 31:54 ) others have emphasized the idea of cutting an animal (an animal was cut in half ) still others have seen the ideas of perceiving or determining as root concepts. The biblical words most often translated "covenant" are berit in the Old Testament (appearing about 280 times) and diatheke in the New Testament (at least 33 times). In political situations, it can be translated treaty in a social setting, it means a lifelong friendship agreement or it can refer to a marriage. ![]() It is used variously in biblical contexts. In religious and theological circles there has not been agreement on precisely what is to be understood by the biblical term. It presupposes two or more parties who come together to make a contract, agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities. The term "covenant" is of Latin origin ( con venire), meaning a coming together. ![]() The word "covenant, " infrequently heard in conversation, is quite commonly used in legal, social (marriage), and religious and theological contexts. ![]()
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