Five Covenants of the Old Testament vs. Tanakh

Attribute	Five Covenants of the Old Testament	Tanakh
Number of Covenants	Five	Not specified
Parties Involved	God and various individuals/groups	God and the people of Israel
Content	Promise, conditions, and sign	Promise and conditions
Duration	Varies for each covenant	Varies for each covenant
Significance	Established relationship between God and humanity	Established relationship between God and Israel

Introduction

Throughout the Old Testament and Tanakh, there are various covenants that God made with different individuals and groups. These covenants serve as agreements or promises between God and His people, outlining the responsibilities and blessings associated with them. In this article, we will compare the attributes of five significant covenants found in the Old Testament and Tanakh.

Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant is one of the most well-known covenants in the Old Testament and Tanakh. It was made between God and Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him. This covenant is unconditional, meaning that God's promises are not dependent on any actions by Abraham or his descendants. The sign of this covenant is circumcision, which serves as a physical reminder of the agreement.

• Unconditional nature of the covenant
• Promises of descendants and blessings
• Sign of circumcision

Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant was made between God and the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and other laws that the Israelites were to follow in order to remain in a right relationship with God. Unlike the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant is conditional, meaning that the blessings or curses associated with it are dependent on the obedience of the people. The sign of this covenant is the keeping of the Sabbath and other rituals.

• Conditional nature of the covenant
• Inclusion of laws and commandments
• Sign of Sabbath observance

Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant was made between God and King David, promising that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. This covenant is significant because it establishes the lineage from which the Messiah would come. Like the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant is unconditional in nature, meaning that God's promises are not dependent on the actions of David or his descendants. The sign of this covenant is the establishment of David's throne.

• Unconditional nature of the covenant
• Promises of eternal kingship
• Sign of David's throne

Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant was made between God and Noah after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth again with a flood. This covenant is universal in nature, applying to all of humanity and even to the animals. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, which serves as a reminder of God's promise. Unlike the other covenants, the Noahic Covenant does not include specific conditions or requirements for the people to fulfill.

• Universal nature of the covenant
• Promise of no more floods
• Sign of the rainbow

New Covenant

The New Covenant is a promise made by God in the Old Testament and Tanakh to establish a new relationship with His people. This covenant is fulfilled through Jesus Christ in the New Testament, where His death and resurrection provide forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant is unconditional in nature, as it is based on God's grace and not on human works. The sign of this covenant is the communion meal, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.

• Unconditional nature of the covenant
• Fulfillment through Jesus Christ
• Sign of the communion meal

Conclusion

In conclusion, the covenants found in the Old Testament and Tanakh vary in their nature, conditions, and promises. The Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional, focusing on descendants and blessings. The Mosaic Covenant is conditional, including laws and commandments. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional, promising eternal kingship. The Noahic Covenant is universal, promising no more floods. The New Covenant is unconditional, fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Each covenant serves a unique purpose in God's plan for His people, highlighting different aspects of His character and relationship with humanity.