Diving In Covenant 5 The Mosaic Covenant – Introduction

Introduction Week 1

In our review of all previous covenants, we reiterated that each period defined by a new covenant ended in failure on mankind’s part. But in each case, that was the platform for the development of the next stage of God’s redemptive purposes.

After the Patriarchs of the Abrahamic Covenant had died, it seems that the consciousness of the promises of being a great nation in their own land had faded, with the years of oppression and persecution. Their excitement at Moses announcement of deliverance soon turned sour when their work was made harder by the Egyptians (Ex.5:21; 6:9). They were worshipping the idols of Egypt (even after the Exodus Ezek. 20:7-13) and preferred the benefits of living in Egypt in slavery rather than the blessings of freedom. As a people group, it seems that they would be in danger of losing their corporate identity if they stayed where they were, even if Pharaoh’s genocidal plans weren’t successful at wiping them out. Assimilation has always been the greatest threat to Israel’s existence as a separate nation.

So we enter a new phase of redemption history in which God will demonstrate Who He is and the people will learn what they are! So this week we start to look at the Covenant God made with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, of which Moses was the mediator, which is why it is known as the Mosaic or Sinaitic Covenant.  Just as the Noahic covenant guaranteed the preservation of human life on earth, so the Mosaic covenant guaranteed the preservation of Israel, Abraham’s great nation, in the land. As such, it was crucial for the next stage in fulfilling God’s promises.

Reminder: Covenants all have a number of common features:

• God makes a promise
• There is a people group to whom it applies
• An expression of faith in response from that people group
• An expression of God’s grace towards that people group
• An aspect of righteousness expressed, or conferred
• A sanction, or consequence, of ignoring or disobeying the Covenant
• A Blood sacrifice seals the Covenant
• It points to Jesus

So we want to see what the Covenant actually was, and we’ll start with Exodus 19:1-8 and 24:1-8, which actually frame the making of the Covenant. Chapters 20-23 contain the terms of the Covenant and we will explore these further in future sessions, especially our relationship to them under the New Covenant.

Discuss Scriptures – questions to answer from Ex. 19:1-8:

• Who is the covenant granted to? (‘the vassals’ v.3).
• Who is granting the Covenant? (‘the Suzerain’ v.4)
• Conditions to be fulfilled by the vassals? (v.5a)
• Promises made by the Suzerain? (v.5b/6)
• What was the response of the people? (three times! v.7-8 by the representatives; Ex. 24:3,7 by the people)

We also need to note these Scriptures where the participants and terms are defined and limited.

• Deut. 4:6-14 – a people of wisdom and understanding, having God’s laws and statutes; those who actually heard the voice of God
• Deut. 7:6-11 – the people God chose because He loved them and would keep the oath He swore to their forefathers (Rom. 11:28)
• Deut. 9:4-6 – not for their righteousness or uprightness (they are a stiff-necked people) but for the sake of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
• Psa. 147:19-20 – the recipients of the Law, unlike any other nation

Discussion

We emphasized the significance of the Mosaic Covenant in God’s plan for the redemption of all mankind and the entire creation. The discussion also touched upon the transition from the Abrahamic covenant to the Mosaic covenant, the relationship between the Church and Israel in the New Testament era, and the symbolism of blood sacrifice in sealing the covenant.

Examining the Bible Covenant’s Significance

The significance of this covenant in God’s plan for the redemption of all mankind and the entire creation. Exodus 19 verses 1 to 8 is the basic outline of the covenant.

Exodus Story and Its Relevance

David, Nancy, John, Jan, Pat, and Elizabeth discussed the biblical story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. They focused on the Israelites’ journey through the desert, their complaints about lack of resources, and their forgetfulness of God’s help in their plight. and understanding and contextualizing these historical events. They highlighted the challenges of understanding the significance of God’s messages in such contexts and drew parallels between the Israelites’ plight and the treatment of Jews in Germany in the 1930s. Towards the end, they touched on the Israelites’ forgetfulness of God’s promises due to the pressures of slavery in Egypt.

Biblical Covenants: Transition, Identity, and Obedience

The meeting discussed the transition from the Abrahamic covenant to the Mosaic covenant in biblical theology. The participants emphasized the role of the Mosaic covenant as a preparation for the coming of the Messiah and the law as a tutor to guide them to Christ. The concept of identity and its significance in the biblical narrative was also discussed, highlighting the challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt and God’s reaffirmation of their identity. The meeting further explored the conditions and implications of the covenant granted to God’s people, emphasizing its importance in maintaining a special status and obeying God’s voice. The participants also discussed the role of Israel as a model of the Kingdom of God and the conditions of obedience and separation. The applicability of the covenant to non-Israelites was also touched upon, suggesting that strangers in Israel’s household were also part of the covenant (as they were allowed to take part in the Passover meal and passed through the Red Sea with Moses).

Church and Israel in New Testament Era

The participants delved into the relationship between the Church and Israel in the New Testament era. They concluded that Israel had the potential to lose its privileged status as the demonstration of God’s Kingdom on earth, if it fails to meet certain conditions (Ex. 19:5-6). The ongoing presence of believers from the tribes of Israel throughout Church history was also highlighted, with the potential for Israel to return to its place (Rom. 11:25-27). The concept of God’s grace and the idea that Israel had been temporarily set aside due to unbelief were discussed. The participants also explored the Hebrew word for “desert,” “midbar,” and its significance as a place of revelation and hearing.

Desert’s Significance in Biblical Narratives

The group discussed the significance of the desert in relation to biblical narratives. They highlighted the 40-year journey of the Israelites through the desert as a test of faith and a time of growth, with Eliza emphasizing that the desert was a place of divine revelation. The conversation also emphasized God’s faithful provision in difficult circumstances, even when people are unfaithful. The discussion concluded with the recognition that faith and grace are fundamental aspects of all of God’s covenants.

We discussed the relationship between the Abrahamic and new covenants, emphasizing that the new covenant extends and builds upon the Abrahamic covenant and highlighted God’s faithfulness to Israel despite their disobedience. We noted that the covenant was initially intended for the entire nation to be a kingdom of priests, but it evolved to a single tribe, and eventually to one family and finally to one man.

Blood, Law, and Unity in Biblical Covenant

We discussed the biblical concept of blood as a symbol of covenant, specifically in relation to the sprinkling of blood on the tabernacle and the people. The conversation also touched on the law, with the consensus being that while the law is holy, good, and perfect, it does not save people. Rather, it points to the necessity of Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law through his sacrifice. The group also highlighted the concept of God’s unity with his people, likening it to a bond, and the redemption and peace that come with this relationship.

Blood Sacrifice and Altars Discussion

We explored the role of altars in sanctifying gifts and offerings, and the importance of blood in the process. The conversation also touched on the concept of Jesus as the ultimate altar, with his body serving as the sacrificial site. We will delve deeper into the specifics of various offerings as described in Leviticus when we move on to study the Tabernacle.

In Summary

We concluded that while the covenant was unconditional in terms of God’s chosen people, certain aspects of it were conditional. The discussion also touched on the importance of faith, righteousness, and the role of the law as a guide to God’s expectations.

The focus at Sinai is not on what Abraham’s descendants must do in order to inherit the land, but on how they must conduct themselves within the land as God’s chosen people (Exod. 19:5-6. Cf. Gen. 17:1). They are to be the demonstration of God’s Kingdom on earth.

They were saved and separated from Egypt (the world) at the Exodus and sanctified by the Torah.

• Conditional?             Yes
• Type               Suzerain/Vassal
• Promise         People of God
• Applies to     Israel according to the flesh
• Faith               My righteous one will live by his faithfulness (Hab. 2:4; Lev. 18:5; Neh. 9:29; Ezek. 20:11,13,21; Luke 10:28; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:12)
• Grace             God dwelling in the midst and making a way of access to His Presence
• Righteousness         Law showing God’s standard
• Sanction        Exclusion from the People of God
• Blood sacrifice         Blood of the Covenant (Ex. 24:8) foreshadowing the sacrificial system
• Jesus              Israel’s schoolmaster to lead them to Christ (Gal. 3:24)