Five Covenants in the Old Testament vs. Seven Covenants

Attribute	Five Covenants in the Old Testament	Seven Covenants
Number of Covenants	5	7
Parties Involved	God and various individuals/groups	God and various individuals/groups
Significance	Established God's relationship with humanity	Established God's promises and agreements with humanity
Duration	Varied durations	Varied durations
Key Features	Promise, Law, Sacrifice, Land, and Grace	Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New, and Everlasting

Introduction

Throughout the Old Testament, covenants play a significant role in the relationship between God and His people. These covenants serve as agreements or promises made by God to His chosen people, outlining the terms of their relationship and the blessings or consequences that come with obedience or disobedience. In this article, we will compare the attributes of five covenants in the Old Testament with seven covenants that are commonly recognized by theologians and scholars.

Five Covenants in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains several covenants that God made with various individuals and groups. These covenants include the covenant with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Each of these covenants has its own unique characteristics and implications for God's people.

• Covenant with Adam: The covenant with Adam is often referred to as the Adamic Covenant. This covenant was made in the Garden of Eden and included the command for Adam and Eve to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The consequences of disobedience to this covenant were severe, resulting in the fall of humanity.
• Covenant with Noah: The covenant with Noah was made after the flood, with God promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. This covenant was marked by the sign of the rainbow, symbolizing God's faithfulness and mercy.
• Covenant with Abraham: The covenant with Abraham is often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant. In this covenant, God promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation and to bless all the nations of the earth through his descendants. This covenant was marked by the sign of circumcision.
• Covenant with Moses: The covenant with Moses, also known as the Mosaic Covenant, was given to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and other laws that governed the behavior of God's people. Obedience to these laws was required for blessings, while disobedience brought curses.
• Covenant with David: The covenant with David was made with King David, promising that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. This covenant was significant because it established the Davidic dynasty and foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah.

Seven Covenants

In addition to the five covenants in the Old Testament, theologians and scholars often recognize seven covenants that are significant in understanding God's plan for humanity. These covenants include the Edenic Covenant, Adamic Covenant, Noahic Covenant, Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, Palestinian Covenant, and Davidic Covenant.

• Edenic Covenant: The Edenic Covenant refers to the covenant made with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This covenant included the command to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the consequence of death for disobedience.
• Noahic Covenant: The Noahic Covenant was made with Noah after the flood, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. The sign of this covenant was the rainbow, symbolizing God's faithfulness.
• Abrahamic Covenant: The Abrahamic Covenant was made with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation and to bless all the nations of the earth through his descendants. This covenant was marked by the sign of circumcision.
• Mosaic Covenant: The Mosaic Covenant was given to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments and other laws. Obedience to these laws brought blessings, while disobedience brought curses.
• Palestinian Covenant: The Palestinian Covenant was made with the nation of Israel, promising them the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. This covenant was conditional on their obedience to God's laws.
• Davidic Covenant: The Davidic Covenant was made with King David, promising that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. This covenant established the Davidic dynasty and foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah.
• New Covenant: The New Covenant is often seen as the culmination of God's plan for humanity, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This covenant is marked by the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing the attributes of the five covenants in the Old Testament with the seven covenants commonly recognized by theologians, several similarities and differences emerge. One key similarity is the emphasis on God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands in both sets of covenants. Another similarity is the presence of signs or symbols that serve as reminders of God's promises and the consequences of disobedience.

However, there are also differences in the scope and implications of the covenants. The Old Testament covenants focus primarily on the relationship between God and His chosen people, while the seven covenants encompass a broader understanding of God's plan for humanity as a whole. Additionally, the New Covenant stands out as a unique covenant that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and brings about a new era of salvation and redemption for all who believe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the covenants in the Old Testament and the seven covenants recognized by theologians offer valuable insights into God's relationship with His people and His plan for humanity. While each covenant has its own unique attributes and implications, they all point to God's faithfulness, mercy, and desire for a relationship with His creation. By studying and understanding these covenants, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's love and grace throughout history.