Introduction
The Hebrew Bible contains a list of covenants that dictate the rules for dealing with God and between people. The covenants are based on some of the treaties and contracts of the ancient world that were used for cooperation and negotiation. There are different interpretations and opinions on how many covenants exist and their role in shaping justice.
Major Hebrew Covenants and Their Lasting Impact
The main covenants should be considered the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic covenant. The covenants exemplify a contract between God and human beings who are obligated to obey His commands and follow His teachings. The concept of the covenant is important because it establishes the idea of the covenant and its observance.
Abraham’s Covenant
The Abrahamic covenant arose as an agreement with God so that Abraham’s descendants could inherit the land after many trials (Genesis Chapter 15). The covenant influenced the sacred and secular traditions surrounding the circumcision of boys. It is considered a symbolic sacrifice in exchange for an agreement with God. Today, this covenant mode continues to be used and is considered by many Jews to be a sacred act.
Moses’ Covenant
The covenant with Moses is also associated with the sacrifice and the fact that God would reward the nation of Israel with holiness and make them his possession. The covenant led to the formation of the sacred idea that Israel is a holy nation with no other God and will not break the covenant (Exodus Chapter 20). This led to the formation of the Ten Commandments, which obligate the sacred people to act in a single way that does not violate their holiness and belonging to God.
Conclusion
Consequently, the covenants arose and became a part of Israel’s history to establish it as God’s possession and a holy place for faith. Such covenants with God, as with Abraham and Moses, formed sacred and secular practices used in Judaism to draw closer to God. Traditions from antiquity about the sanctity of circumcision and the need to use the Ten Commandments in daily life remain sacred and relevant.
Works Cited
“Exodus Chapter 20”, Mechon Mamre, Web.
“Genesis Chapter 15”. Mechon Mamre, Web.