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Old Testament Overview – Covenants – Part 3

Written by

Jay Downes

in

Pastor Thomas

The Drama of Scripture – God’s Story

Act 3: God Chooses Israel – Redemption Initiated
A People for the King

Fresh Start: Abram

God sends Abram and his family away from their home on a long journey that requires great faith (Genesis 12:1).

Contrast: Tower of Babel

  • The people of Babel sought to create symbols of security and strength apart from God.
  • Abram is called to give up symbols and security, recognizing that these are gifts from God.

God’s Initiative – He Chooses Abraham

  • Romans 9:18 – God’s mercy and choosing are His sovereign acts.
  • Abram is called to a new kind of life — one lived by faith.
    • Mark 8:34-37 – Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him by faith.
  • Abram is called the “father of faith.”
    • Where Adam’s failure brought a curse to humanity, through Abram, God promises to bless humanity through his seed.

The Covenant

God makes a series of covenants with His people:

  1. Noahic – God’s promise to never again destroy the earth by flood.
  2. Abrahamic – God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation.
  3. Mosaic – God’s law and covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai.
  4. Davidic – God’s promise that David’s line will produce the eternal King.
  5. New Covenant – God’s promise of redemption through Jesus.

Genesis 15 – God Initiates a Covenant Ceremony

  • Echoes of Ancient Near Eastern covenants between superpowers and vassal states.
  • God signifies that if He does not keep His promise, He will be torn apart like the sacrificed animals (Jeremiah 34:18-20; 2 Corinthians 1:20).
  • Abraham falls asleep — only God passes through the animals, fulfilling both sides of the covenant.
  • Circumcision – A cultural practice taken up as a sign of the covenant.
  • God promises land, but also foretells 400 years of oppression (Exodus).

Trusting God Against All Odds

  • God tests Abraham’s faith in waiting for the promised son.
  • If there is no son, the promise cannot be fulfilled.
  • God provides a son, Isaac, but then asks for him as a sacrifice.
    • Genesis 22 – God provides the ram; Abraham names the place Jehovah-Jireh (“The Lord Will Provide”).
    • Hebrews 11:17-19 – Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead.

The Patriarchs

  • Isaac – Father of Jacob and Esau.
  • Jacob (Israel) – “One who wrestles with God.”
    • Father of 12 sons — the 12 tribes of Israel.
    • Out of the tribe of Judah comes David and the Messiah.

Themes of the Patriarchs (Genesis 25–50)

  • Great dysfunction, yet God’s promises remain.
  • God’s faithfulness continues despite human failure.

Exodus – Formation of a People

  • A new Pharaoh rises in Egypt who does not remember Joseph.
  • Israel suffers under Egyptian oppression.
  • God commissions Moses to lead His people out of Egypt.

The Last Plague – Passover

  • The angel of death kills the firstborn of Egypt, sparing those with lamb’s blood on the doorframe.
  • Pharaoh releases Israel out of fear of God’s power.
  • Passover becomes a symbol of God’s deliverance.

The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19–24)

Elements of the Covenant:

  1. Preamble – Introduction of the parties involved.
  2. Review of Relationship – God’s faithfulness in deliverance.
  3. Principal Stipulations – The Ten Commandments.
  4. Detailed Stipulations – Civil, moral, and ceremonial laws.
  5. Witnesses – God and the people of Israel.
  6. Consequences – Blessings for obedience; curses for disobedience.

God’s Laws

  • Meant to shape Israel’s life under God’s rule.
  • The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20):
    • First 4 – Relationship with God.
    • Last 6 – Relationship with others.
  • Psalm 119 – God’s law is tied to freedom and abundant life.

Israel’s Failure to Keep the Law

  • After receiving the Ten Commandments, Israel quickly fails.
    • Golden Calf (Exodus 32) – Israel turns to idolatry.
  • Moses intercedes on their behalf.
    • Sin is communal, not just individual.
  • Moses returns to God at Mount Sinai to seek restoration (Exodus 33–34).

The Divine Paradox

  • God is gracious and compassionate — yet does not leave the guilty unpunished.

The Tabernacle – God’s Dwelling with His People

  • Exodus 29:45-46 – God promises to dwell among His people.
  • Exodus ends with God’s presence resting in the tabernacle (Exodus 40).

Leviticus – Living with a Holy God

  • God gives detailed instructions on holiness and worship (Leviticus 11:44-45).
    • “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
    • Over 150 references to holiness (Hebrew: qodesh).
  • The sacrificial system reflects God’s provision of grace.

Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

  • High priest enters the Holy of Holies.
  • Scapegoat ceremony reflects the removal of sin.
  • Leviticus 17:11 – “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.”
  • Hebrews 10 – Jesus becomes the final sacrifice.

Numbers – The Journey Through the Wilderness

  • Israel sends twelve spies into the Promised Land.
    • Ten report fear of giants.
    • Caleb and Joshua trust God’s promise.
  • Israel’s lack of faith leads to 40 years of wandering.
  • God preserves the next generation to enter the land.

Deuteronomy – On the Border of the Promised Land

  • Moses delivers a series of sermons, preparing the people to enter the land.
  • The covenant is revisited and renewed.
    • Deuteronomy 6:5-6 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.”
    • The Torah shapes both private and public life.
  • Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – Israel is called to choose life by obeying God.

Israel’s Moment of Decision

  • Obedience will lead to blessing; disobedience will bring judgment.
  • The people choose to move forward into the Promised Land.

The Death of Moses

  • Moses, at 120 years old, stands at the border of the land.
    • Numbers 20:1-13 – Moses disobeys God at Meribah and is barred from entering the Promised Land.
    • Deuteronomy 34 – God allows Moses to see the land but not enter it.
  • The baton of leadership passes to Joshua.

Key Takeaways

  • God’s faithfulness stands despite human failure.
  • The law reveals human sinfulness and the need for a Savior.
  • The story of Israel points forward to Jesus — the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

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