Five Covenants of the Old Testament vs. New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs

Attribute	Five Covenants of the Old Testament	New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs
Number of Books	39	27
Time Period	Before the birth of Jesus	After the birth of Jesus
Language	Hebrew, Aramaic	Greek
Themes	Covenant between God and Israel	Teachings of Jesus, letters from apostles

Introduction

Throughout the Bible, there are various covenants that God made with His people, each with its own unique attributes and significance. In this article, we will compare the attributes of five covenants from the Old Testament and New Testament with the books of Psalms and Proverbs.

Five Covenants of the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains several covenants that God made with His people, including the covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the Israelites. Each of these covenants had specific promises and requirements that God laid out for His people.

• The covenant with Noah was a promise from God to never again destroy the earth with a flood, symbolized by the rainbow in the sky.
• The covenant with Abraham was a promise of land, descendants, and blessings for all nations through his offspring.
• The covenant with Moses was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, outlining the moral and ceremonial laws for the Israelites to follow.
• The covenant with David was a promise of an eternal kingdom through his descendants, culminating in the Messiah.
• The covenant with the Israelites was a conditional covenant based on obedience to God's commands, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Five Covenants of the New Testament

In the New Testament, there are also significant covenants that God made with His people, including the covenant through Jesus Christ, the covenant of grace, the covenant of the Spirit, the covenant of redemption, and the covenant of the church. These covenants build upon the foundation laid in the Old Testament covenants.

• The covenant through Jesus Christ is the new covenant prophesied in the Old Testament, where Jesus' sacrifice on the cross atones for sin and offers salvation to all who believe.
• The covenant of grace is God's unmerited favor towards His people, offering forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
• The covenant of the Spirit is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, empowering them to live a life pleasing to God and bearing spiritual fruit.
• The covenant of redemption is the plan of salvation orchestrated by God, where Jesus redeems humanity from sin and death through His sacrifice.
• The covenant of the church is the community of believers united in Christ, called to worship, fellowship, and spread the gospel to all nations.

Psalms

The book of Psalms is a collection of songs and prayers that express a range of emotions and experiences, including praise, lament, thanksgiving, and wisdom. The Psalms reflect the covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting His faithfulness, mercy, and love towards those who trust in Him.

• Psalms of praise exalt God for His greatness, power, and majesty, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation.
• Psalms of lament cry out to God in times of distress, expressing feelings of abandonment, sorrow, and longing for His deliverance.
• Psalms of thanksgiving give thanks to God for His provision, protection, and faithfulness, recounting His past acts of deliverance and mercy.
• Wisdom Psalms offer practical advice and insights on living a righteous life, emphasizing the fear of the Lord, humility, and obedience to His commands.

Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon, offering practical guidance on various aspects of life, including relationships, work, speech, and character. The Proverbs reflect the covenantal wisdom of God, encouraging His people to seek understanding, knowledge, and discernment in their daily decisions and actions.

• Proverbs on relationships emphasize the importance of choosing trustworthy friends, avoiding gossip and quarreling, and honoring parents.
• Proverbs on work highlight the value of diligence, honesty, and integrity in one's labor, as well as the dangers of laziness and dishonesty.
• Proverbs on speech caution against lying, flattery, and slander, while promoting honesty, kindness, and wisdom in communication.
• Proverbs on character stress the virtues of humility, patience, self-control, and righteousness, warning against pride, anger, and folly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the covenants of the Old Testament and New Testament, along with the books of Psalms and Proverbs, collectively reveal God's character, purposes, and promises to His people. Each covenant and book contributes to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity, inviting us to trust in His faithfulness, seek His wisdom, and live in covenantal relationship with Him.