The PentateuchThe Pentateuch

IntroductionIntroduction The presentation below aims at giving an enlightenment to the term covenant.The presentation below aims at giving an enlightenment to the term covenant. The presentor highlights some of the basic covenants in the pentateuch.The presentor highlights some of the basic covenants in the pentateuch. He proceeds further to elaborate the significance and meaning of each of them. He proceeds further to elaborate the significance and meaning of each of them.

DefinitionDefinition ““Pentateuch”: This is the term given to the first five books of the Holy Bible. I.e Genesis, Exodus, Pentateuch”: This is the term given to the first five books of the Holy Bible. I.e Genesis, Exodus,

Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. This five books record the introduction of the divine religion into the world. Each book gives one This five books record the introduction of the divine religion into the world. Each book gives one

phase of God’s plan and they have a real unity.phase of God’s plan and they have a real unity. Genesis speaks of the origin of the religion and the people chosen by God as its medium.Genesis speaks of the origin of the religion and the people chosen by God as its medium. Exodus records the formation of the people into a nation and the establishment of God’s Exodus records the formation of the people into a nation and the establishment of God’s

relationship into it.relationship into it. Leviticus shows various ways in which this relationship was maintained.Leviticus shows various ways in which this relationship was maintained. Numbers shows how the people were organized for the purpose of commencing the life of the Numbers shows how the people were organized for the purpose of commencing the life of the

divine religion in the promised land. It also tells of the nation’s failure and the consequent delay divine religion in the promised land. It also tells of the nation’s failure and the consequent delay with re-organization.with re-organization.

Deuteronomy shows how the people were prepared while on the border of the promised land for the Deuteronomy shows how the people were prepared while on the border of the promised land for the entry which was soon to follow. entry which was soon to follow.

Biblical and Theological meaningBiblical and Theological meaning

“ “Covenant”Covenant” The word Covenant, means a solemn The word Covenant, means a solemn

contract, oath, or bond.contract, oath, or bond. The Hebrew word is ‘berith’ as used in the The Hebrew word is ‘berith’ as used in the

Hebrew Bible, refers to the act or rite of the Hebrew Bible, refers to the act or rite of the making of a covenant and also to the making of a covenant and also to the standing contract between the partners. standing contract between the partners.

The equivalent Greek word, ‘The equivalent Greek word, ‘diatheke’diatheke’. . Means a testament.Means a testament.

Basically, the word "covenant“, in Theology Basically, the word "covenant“, in Theology and Biblical studies, refers to any of the and Biblical studies, refers to any of the solemn agreements made between God and solemn agreements made between God and the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible, likewise to the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible, likewise to the New Covenant, which Christians consider the New Covenant, which Christians consider to be the final fulfillment of these. to be the final fulfillment of these.

The term is used for the very first time in the The term is used for the very first time in the scriptures in Genesis 6:18scriptures in Genesis 6:18

Biblical covenants in PentateuchBiblical covenants in Pentateuch

Biblical covenants fall into two classes: Biblical covenants fall into two classes: (A) CONDITIONAL(A) CONDITIONAL This is the kid of covenant that This is the kid of covenant that

guarantees that God will do His part guarantees that God will do His part when the human requirements specified when the human requirements specified in that covenant are met. in that covenant are met.

(B) UNCONDITIONAL(B) UNCONDITIONAL Distinguished from a conditional Distinguished from a conditional

covenant by the fact that its ultimate covenant by the fact that its ultimate execution is promised by God and execution is promised by God and depends upon God's power and depends upon God's power and sovereignty for its accomplishment.sovereignty for its accomplishment.

The major covennts in Pentateuch are The major covennts in Pentateuch are classified as below; classified as below;

1 Edenic Covenant1 Edenic Covenant

2 Adamic Covenant2 Adamic Covenant

3 Noahic Covenant 3 Noahic Covenant

4 Abrahamic Covenant 4 Abrahamic Covenant

5 Mosaic Covenant5 Mosaic Covenant

The EDENIC covenant (conditional), Gen.

1:26-31;2:16-17

Made with Adam in which life and blessing or death and cursing depended on the faithfulness of Adam. Adam and Eve failed, died spiritually and physically and their sin plunged the whole human race into its pattern of sin and death.

This covenant made man in his innocence, to; be responsible to multiply, populate the earth

and subdue it.

have authority over the animals. cultivate the garden and eat of all its produce

except the fruit of the tree of good and evil.

Man disobeyed the last command which brought death as God had fore-warned him.

The ADAMIC covenant (unconditional), Gen. 3:16-19The ADAMIC covenant (unconditional), Gen. 3:16-19

Here God declares to man, after the fall, what Here God declares to man, after the fall, what his lot in life will be because of his sin. It his lot in life will be because of his sin. It includes the promise of the Redeemer. includes the promise of the Redeemer.

After the fall of man, God cursed the After the fall of man, God cursed the serpent andserpent and predicted the enmity between the serpent and the woman, between satan and Christ.

Satan would injure Christ but Christ would destroy him.

woman would have pain in childbirth and be subject to her husband

The ground was cursed and man was to toil hard contesting with thistles and thorns.

The end of man’s weariness was into the soil from which he was made.

The NOAHIC covenant (unconditional), The NOAHIC covenant (unconditional),

Gen 8 and 9:1-18Gen 8 and 9:1-18

This covenant was made by God with Noah This covenant was made by God with Noah and his sons after the flood.and his sons after the flood.

In this covenant, God:In this covenant, God: blesses Noah and his sons, (9:1) blesses Noah and his sons, (9:1) places all plants and animals under human places all plants and animals under human

command , i.e the establishment of human command , i.e the establishment of human government with power of c apital government with power of c apital punishment. (9:2-3) punishment. (9:2-3)

forbids eating meat with the blood still in it forbids eating meat with the blood still in it (9:4) (9:4)

forbids murder (9:5) forbids murder (9:5) commands humankind to practice capital commands humankind to practice capital

punishment for murderers (9:6) punishment for murderers (9:6) promises that He will never again destroy all promises that He will never again destroy all

life on earth by flood. (9:11) life on earth by flood. (9:11) creates the rainbow as the pledge of this creates the rainbow as the pledge of this

covenant for all ages to come (9:12-17)covenant for all ages to come (9:12-17) guranteed the regularity of time periods and

seasons, and redirected man to repopulate the earth.

Cursed Hams son, Canaan, to be a servant to Shem and Japheth.

The ABRAHAMIC covenant (unconditional), Gen. 12:1-4;13:14-17; 15:1-7; 17:1-8The ABRAHAMIC covenant (unconditional), Gen. 12:1-4;13:14-17; 15:1-7; 17:1-8 Abraham is the key figure in the book of Genesis.Abraham is the key figure in the book of Genesis. Most of the content concern him and his descendants.Most of the content concern him and his descendants. Eleven chapters are devoted to heaven and earth while thirty nine Eleven chapters are devoted to heaven and earth while thirty nine are to Abraham and his posterity are to Abraham and his posterity Genesis can be referred to as the unfolding of the divine Genesis can be referred to as the unfolding of the divine purpose of redemption and its steps to accomplishment. purpose of redemption and its steps to accomplishment.

This is one of the great revelations of God concerning This is one of the great revelations of God concerning future history. Abraham would have numerous posterity, personal future history. Abraham would have numerous posterity, personal blessing, his name would be great, and he, personally, would be ablessing, his name would be great, and he, personally, would be a blessing, via his descendents (the Jews) came the prophets of God, blessing, via his descendents (the Jews) came the prophets of God, the writers of God's written Word (the Bible) and Christ/Messiah the writers of God's written Word (the Bible) and Christ/Messiah according to the flesh. according to the flesh. In this covenant, God promises:In this covenant, God promises: To make of Abraham a great nation (Israel) and be a source of To make of Abraham a great nation (Israel) and be a source of blessings to others, have devine favour to his friends and a curse blessings to others, have devine favour to his friends and a curse to his enemies.. (12:1-3). to his enemies.. (12:1-3). To give Abraham's descendants all the land from the river To give Abraham's descendants all the land from the river (or wadi) of Egypt to the Euphrates (15:18-21) (or wadi) of Egypt to the Euphrates (15:18-21) To make Abraham a father of a great many nations (17:1-8)To make Abraham a father of a great many nations (17:1-8) To give Abraham and his male descendants circumcision as theTo give Abraham and his male descendants circumcision as the

permanent sign of this everlasting covenantpermanent sign of this everlasting covenant

The MOSAIC covenant (conditional), The MOSAIC covenant (conditional), Exodus 19-24 Exodus 19-24

It is contained in Exodus but amplified in many other It is contained in Exodus but amplified in many other portions of Scripture. It was given through Moses as its portions of Scripture. It was given through Moses as its mediator for the purpose of governing Israel's (national) mediator for the purpose of governing Israel's (national) relationship with God. It was mainly made up of (a) the relationship with God. It was mainly made up of (a) the commandments, the express will of God, (b) the commandments, the express will of God, (b) the judgments, the social and civic life of Israel, (c) and the judgments, the social and civic life of Israel, (c) and the ordinances. It was temporary and would terminate at the ordinances. It was temporary and would terminate at the cross of Christ. Though it had gracious elements it was cross of Christ. Though it had gracious elements it was basically a covenant of works. It could not impart life to basically a covenant of works. It could not impart life to the sinner in Adam (Gal. 3:21) but it served as a tutor the sinner in Adam (Gal. 3:21) but it served as a tutor which would lead those who were under its jurisdiction to which would lead those who were under its jurisdiction to the only One who could impart LIFE (Christ Jesus, Gal. the only One who could impart LIFE (Christ Jesus, Gal. 3:24).3:24). The Mosaic covenant was made with israel as a The Mosaic covenant was made with israel as a people who had been chosen I love unto redemption and people who had been chosen I love unto redemption and adoption.adoption.It contains the foundations of the Torah. It contains the foundations of the Torah.

In this covenant, God promises:In this covenant, God promises:•To make the Children of Israel His special possession To make the Children of Israel His special possession among all people if they obey God and keep His covenant among all people if they obey God and keep His covenant (19:5) (19:5) •To make the Children of Israel a kingdom of priests and To make the Children of Israel a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (19:6) a holy nation (19:6) •To give the Children of Israel the Sabbath as the To give the Children of Israel the Sabbath as the permanent sign of this covenant (31:12-17) permanent sign of this covenant (31:12-17) As part of the terms of this covenant, God gives Moses As part of the terms of this covenant, God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. The fullest account of the the Ten Commandments. The fullest account of the Mosaic Covenant is given in the book of Deuteronomy. Mosaic Covenant is given in the book of Deuteronomy. Many Christians believe that the Sermon on the Mount is Many Christians believe that the Sermon on the Mount is a form of commentary on the Ten Commandments. a form of commentary on the Ten Commandments.

Meaning for life.Meaning for life.

It is said that the Old Testament is New Testament concealed whileIt is said that the Old Testament is New Testament concealed while the New Testament is the old Testament revealed. At this point the the New Testament is the old Testament revealed. At this point the presenter would like to bring to attention the significance of the abovepresenter would like to bring to attention the significance of the above covenants in relation to the New Testament/ covenant. It is a new covenants in relation to the New Testament/ covenant. It is a new covenant with Israel in contrast with the old (Mosaic, "which they broke,covenant with Israel in contrast with the old (Mosaic, "which they broke, " Jer. 31:32). Christ Jesus is the Mediator (in His blood) of this new covenant" Jer. 31:32). Christ Jesus is the Mediator (in His blood) of this new covenant which was inaugurated at the cross and is described in Scripture as, "enacted which was inaugurated at the cross and is described in Scripture as, "enacted on better promises" (Heb. 8:6). The Mediator of this covenant has become,on better promises" (Heb. 8:6). The Mediator of this covenant has become, for all mankind, "the source of eternal salvation" (Heb. 5:9) to all who obey for all mankind, "the source of eternal salvation" (Heb. 5:9) to all who obey Him; as well as the cornerstone and Head of the Church (Eph. 2:20-22;Him; as well as the cornerstone and Head of the Church (Eph. 2:20-22; Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23) which is being built during this dispensation; individuals Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23) which is being built during this dispensation; individuals called out from both Jews and Gentiles alike. Ultimately and literally, this called out from both Jews and Gentiles alike. Ultimately and literally, this new covenant with its unconditional and eternal blessings will be established new covenant with its unconditional and eternal blessings will be established with NATIONAL Israel at Christ's second advent to earth. with NATIONAL Israel at Christ's second advent to earth.

Other covenants in PentateuchOther covenants in Pentateuch

There are two other covenants in the Pentateuch.There are two other covenants in the Pentateuch. However some scholars do not classify them among the major one discussed above.However some scholars do not classify them among the major one discussed above. It is of importance that we have a look at them briefly.It is of importance that we have a look at them briefly. 1) Covenant with Lot1) Covenant with Lot The covenant with Lot is a covenant independent of the Abrahamic Covenant. God promises the The covenant with Lot is a covenant independent of the Abrahamic Covenant. God promises the

land of the Moabites, and the land of the Ammonites to the descendants of Lot as a possession. land of the Moabites, and the land of the Ammonites to the descendants of Lot as a possession. David and Solomon were only allowed to rule over these lands as third and fourth generation David and Solomon were only allowed to rule over these lands as third and fourth generation descendants of Ruth, a Moabite.descendants of Ruth, a Moabite.

2) Palestinian Covenant2) Palestinian Covenant The Palestinian Covenant is a conditional covenant enlarging upon the Abrahamic Covenant The Palestinian Covenant is a conditional covenant enlarging upon the Abrahamic Covenant

promising the seed of Abraham eternal possession of Canaan. This covenant says that Israel will be promising the seed of Abraham eternal possession of Canaan. This covenant says that Israel will be dispersed among the nations, but when Israel repents, returns to God, and obeys his dispersed among the nations, but when Israel repents, returns to God, and obeys his commandments, then God promises:commandments, then God promises:

To regather Israel from its dispersion. To regather Israel from its dispersion. To bring the Israelites to the land which their fathers possessed. To bring the Israelites to the land which their fathers possessed. To prosper the Israelites above their fathers. To prosper the Israelites above their fathers. To restore the Israelites spiritually so that Israel will love the Lord with all their heart and soul. To restore the Israelites spiritually so that Israel will love the Lord with all their heart and soul. To put all the curses of Israel upon Israel's enemies. To put all the curses of Israel upon Israel's enemies.

conclusionconclusion

From the presentation we have discovered that the covenants were divinely designed , From the presentation we have discovered that the covenants were divinely designed , administered, confirmed and executed.administered, confirmed and executed.

The central figure of all the promises made is focused on the faithfulness of God. The central figure of all the promises made is focused on the faithfulness of God.

Some of the spiritual relationship in the covenants are identical.Some of the spiritual relationship in the covenants are identical.

A good example is the centre of Abrahamic and the Mosaic covenants where their centred on God’s A good example is the centre of Abrahamic and the Mosaic covenants where their centred on God’s promises to be their God and them to be his people.promises to be their God and them to be his people.

BibliographyBibliography

Douglas, J. D., ed. and others, Douglas, J. D., ed. and others, The New Bible dictionary. The New Bible dictionary. Suffolk: The Chaucer Press, 1962.Suffolk: The Chaucer Press, 1962.

Macdonald, William. Macdonald, William. Believer’s Bible CommentaryBeliever’s Bible Commentary, London: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995., London: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.

Griffith, W. Thomas H. Griffith, W. Thomas H. The Pentateuch, The Pentateuch, Michigan: Kregel publications, 1985. Michigan: Kregel publications, 1985. http://www.Biblicist.org/Bible/cove_Bib.shtml 08:03:2007 ,21:45 08:03:2007 ,21:45

http//www.answers.com/coven ants-Biblical 08:03:2007, 22:30http//www.answers.com/coven ants-Biblical 08:03:2007, 22:30