Tanakh vs. The Old Testament - 5 Covenants

Attribute	Tanakh	The Old Testament - 5 Covenants
Definition	Sacred texts of Judaism	Collection of religious writings in Christianity
Language	Hebrew	Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
Books	24 books	39 books
Authorship	Believed to be written by multiple authors	Believed to be written by multiple authors
Divisions	Divided into Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim	Divided into Pentateuch, Historical, Wisdom, and Prophetic books

Introduction

Tanakh and The Old Testament are two important religious texts that are foundational to Judaism and Christianity, respectively. While they share many similarities, there are also key differences between the two. One area where these differences can be seen is in the concept of covenants. In this article, we will explore and compare the attributes of the five covenants found in Tanakh and The Old Testament.

Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant is a central covenant in both Tanakh and The Old Testament. In Tanakh, this covenant is made between God and Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan as an inheritance. In The Old Testament, this covenant is also made with Abraham, but it is expanded to include the promise of a great nation and blessings for all nations through his descendants. Both texts emphasize the importance of faith and obedience in fulfilling this covenant.

Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant is another significant covenant found in both Tanakh and The Old Testament. In Tanakh, this covenant is made between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where they receive the Ten Commandments and other laws to guide their lives. In The Old Testament, this covenant is also made with the Israelites, but it is seen as a conditional covenant based on their obedience to the law. Both texts highlight the importance of following God's commandments and the consequences of disobedience.

Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant is a covenant specific to The Old Testament, as it is centered around King David and his descendants. In this covenant, God promises to establish David's throne forever and to bless his descendants with a kingdom that will never end. This covenant is seen as a fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and is a key element in the messianic prophecies of The Old Testament. Tanakh does not have a specific covenant related to King David, but it does contain prophecies about a future king who will reign in righteousness.

New Covenant

The New Covenant is a covenant that is unique to The Old Testament, as it is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. In this covenant, God promises to forgive sins, write His laws on the hearts of His people, and establish a new relationship with them. This covenant is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecies in Tanakh about a Messiah who will bring salvation to the world. While Tanakh does not explicitly mention a New Covenant, it does contain prophecies about a time when God will make a new covenant with His people.

Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant is a covenant that is found in both Tanakh and The Old Testament. In this covenant, God promises never to destroy the earth again with a flood and establishes a sign of the rainbow as a reminder of this promise. This covenant is seen as a covenant of preservation and grace, showing God's mercy towards humanity despite their sinfulness. Both texts emphasize the importance of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises and the need for humanity to respond with faith and obedience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Tanakh and The Old Testament share many similarities in their teachings about covenants, there are also key differences that reflect the unique perspectives of Judaism and Christianity. The five covenants discussed in this article highlight the importance of faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness in both texts. By studying and comparing these covenants, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between God and His people as revealed in Tanakh and The Old Testament.