Mt sinai pronunciation
This event was the formation of the covenant community. Regardless of the theories, the creation of covenants may be a mystery to scholars for centuries to come, however, the use of covenants evidenced throughout the biblical sources is an undeniable fact.Īccording to Mendenhall, the covenant was not just an idea, but actually a historical event. Furthermore, Mendenhall notes two additional theories noting how covenants may have begun with the work of Moses, or are even thought to have been established during a true historical event with a valid setting. This blood tie is compared to the tie that is established by a covenant, and implies that without their shared blood, covenants would be the only way to ensure such unification of a religious group. As stated in the Bible, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are the ancestors of Israel and because of their shared blood, they consequently form a bond. Mendenhall also addresses the theory behind blood ties and their significance to the concept of a covenant. The cost of not following this covenant is hard. This passage declares that as long as Israel is faithful to God it will be blessed with ample crops but should it follow other gods the land will not support it. This is clearly expressed in Deuteronomy 11:13–21, recited twice-daily as part of the foundational prayer, the Shema. Future covenants between Israel and God would be conditional. The covenant of the pieces between God and Abraham follows the form of the suzerain covenant what is significant is that Israel has no duties to uphold the covenant is not conditional. Such covenants assured that either blessings or curses be enacted in response to the circumstances. In the case of religion, the god(s) would be carrying out punishment. Engaging in an oath implied that the more powerful party would ensure that the other received proper punishment if it were to default. These covenants were created on the basis of an oath, a promise between two parties followed by performance. Mendenhall, covenants were originally established as legal customs and then later were replicated in the field of religion. The concept of a covenant began long before the biblical era, specifically the beginnings of Israel.