Insights on Covenants from the Five Books of Moses

Keywords

covenant structure, Law of Moses, covenant stipulations

Abstract

The connection of the Law of Moses to the covenant extends to the very structure of the Pentateuch. Other “tables of the covenant” from the time of Moses have survived archaeologically and allow us to see a particular pattern in use. The covenant began with a preamble or title discussing the covenant. This was followed by a historical prologue that gave the historical background of the relations between the two parties and the basis for the covenant. This was followed by stipulations, the various terms of the covenant. Various stipulations might also have explanations of historical circumstances that made the various stipulations necessary. This was followed by witnesses to the covenant. After that followed blessings for keeping the covenant and curses for breaking it. The deposition of the covenant is also described although the exact placement of this element can vary.

Original Publication Citation

The Covenantal Structure of the Old Testament: Plain and Precious Parts Restored, John Gee and Taylor Halverson, Meridian Magazine, February 13, 2018.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018

Publisher

Meridian Magazine

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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