Covenant (theology)

Covenant (theology), in Old Testament theology, compact between God and his worshipers. Covenants were originally developed by the civilizations of the ancient Middle East as a means of regulating relations between social or political entities. The earliest evidence for covenants comes from Sumer in the 3rd millennium bc. In the late Bronze Age (14th century to 13th century bc), covenants were used by the Hittites to define the reciprocal obligations of suzerain and vassal. Covenants often took the form of military treaties and were used to specify the terms of peace between a victor and a defeated foe.

The earliest covenant recorded in the Old Testament occurs in Genesis 15:12-21, in which Yahweh pledges himself unconditionally to grant the land of Palestine to Abraham's descendants. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 7:13-17, Yahweh promises to establish the dynasty of King David forever. This type of unilateral pledge is called a promissory covenant, in contrast to the obligatory covenant, such as that made between Yahweh and Moses, in which both parties bind themselves to abide by certain stipulations. Exodus 24:7 relates that Moses took “the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.'!” Contemporary scholars believe that “the book of the covenant” includes the section in Exodus from 20:23 through 23:33.

From these and other passages in the Pentateuch has arisen the conception of a covenant between Yahweh and the people of Israel, whereby the Israelites were to enjoy the blessing and protection of Yahweh in return for remaining obedient and faithful to him. After the Jews were driven out of Palestine and scattered over the earth, the covenant between the Jews and Yahweh was interpreted by them to include an eventual restoration of their ancient homeland.

According to Christian theology, Jesus Christ, by his death on the cross, made a covenant for the redemption of humanity. Theologians differ about the precise meaning of this covenant, sometimes called the New Covenant or the Covenant of the New Testament. Some believe that Christ's voluntary sacrifice redeemed all; others contend that only those who earn their redemption by faith alone, or by faith and good works, can or will be saved.