Guide
What is the covenant?
The concept of covenant — a binding agreement between God and his people — is the backbone of the entire Bible.
The English word "testament" means covenant. The Bible is literally divided into the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Understanding what a covenant is and how the biblical covenants develop is essential for understanding Scripture as a whole.
This guide traces the major covenants from Noah through Abraham, Moses, and David to the new covenant in Christ, and shows how each one builds on what came before.
What is a covenant?
A covenant in the ancient world was a solemn, binding agreement between two parties. It could be between equals (a treaty) or between a greater and a lesser party (a suzerainty covenant). Biblical covenants between God and humanity are of the second type: God initiates, sets the terms, and provides the means of keeping them.
Unlike a contract, a covenant creates a relationship, not just an exchange. God does not merely agree to certain terms; he binds himself to his people. "I will be your God, and ye shall be my people" is the covenant formula that echoes throughout Scripture.
The major biblical covenants
The Noahic covenant promises that God will never again destroy the earth by flood — a universal covenant with all creation. The Abrahamic covenant promises land, descendants, and blessing to all nations through Abraham’s line. The Mosaic covenant at Sinai gives the law as the terms of Israel’s relationship with God. The Davidic covenant promises an eternal throne to David’s dynasty.
Each covenant reveals something new about God’s character and purposes. The Noahic covenant reveals patience. The Abrahamic covenant reveals promise. The Mosaic covenant reveals holiness. The Davidic covenant reveals kingship. Together they form a crescendo that culminates in Christ.
The new covenant
Jeremiah 31:31–34 promises a "new covenant" in which God will write the law on his people’s hearts rather than on stone tablets. Jesus inaugurated this covenant at the Last Supper: "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
The new covenant does not abolish the old covenants; it fulfils them. Jesus is the seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed. He is the prophet like Moses. He is the son of David who reigns forever. He is the faithful covenant partner that Israel could never be. The whole Bible is the story of God keeping his promises.
Key passages
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:"
I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee.
"But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
He is the mediator of a better covenant, established upon better promises.