The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Davidic and New

These are the notes from the last class that we had, (06/13/10):
1) The Davidic Covenant
A. The Scriptural references, (with the emphasis on Solomon), can be found in 2 Samuel 7:11b-16 and (with emphasis on the Messiah) 1 Chronicles 17:10b-14.
B. The Participants-God and David.
C. The Provisions-there are seven provisions:

1. an eternal dynasty-2 Samuel 7:11b, 16, 1 Chronicles 17:10b.
2. Solomon would be established on the throne after David-2 Samuel 7:12.
3. Solomon would build the Temple-2 Samuel 7:13a, (David could not build the Temple because he was considered a man of war by God).
4. The throne of David's kingdom would be established forever-2 Samuel 7:13b, 16.
5. Solomon would be disciplined for disobedience, but God would not remove His lovingkindness- 2 Samuel 7:14-15.
6. The Messiah would come from the seed of David-1 Chronicles 17:11.
7. The Messiah and His throne, house, and kingdom will be established forever-1 Chronicles 17:12-15

D. The Importance of the Davidic Covenant-it amplifies the Seed aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant.
E. The Status of the Covenant-this is an unconditional covenant and is still in effect today.

2) The New Covenant
A. The Scriptural References-Jeremiah 31:31-34.
B. The Participants of the Covenant-God and Israel.
C. The Provisions of the Covenant-there are nine provisions:

1. It is an unconditional covenant made with both houses of Israel. It includes the entire Jewish nation, (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and NOT the Church-Jeremiah 31:31.
2. It is clearly distinct from the Mosaic Covenant-Jeremiah 31:32.
3. It promises the regeneration of Israel-Jeremiah 31:33, Isaiah 59:21.
4. This regeneration is to be universal among all Jews-Jeremiah 31:34a, Isaiah 61:9.
5. There is provision for the forgiveness of sin, more than a covering of sin as provided in the Mosaic Covenant-Jeremiah 31:34b.
6. There is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit-Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:27.
7. Israel will be showered with material blessings-Isaiah 61:8, Jeremiah 32:41, and Ezekiel 34:25-27.
8. The Sanctuary will be rebuilt-Ezekiel 37:26-28.
9. Just as the Mosaic Covenant contained the Law of Moses, the New Covenant contains the Law of the Messiah-Romans 8:2, Galatians 6:2. Now if someone tries to tell you that we are still under the Law, you can smile and say, "Yes, we're still under the Law.......the Law of Christ!"  :)

D. The Importance of the Covenant-The importance of the New Covenant is that it amplifies the Blessing aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant, especially in relationship to salvation. It finally shows how the spiritual blessings of the Jewish covenants extent to the Gentiles.
E. The Relationship of the Church to the New Covenant-some confusion has arisen because the Covenant is made with Israel, but a number of Scriptures connect the New Covenant with the Church, (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 7:22, 8:6-13, 9:15, 1-:16, 29, 12:24, and 13:20). Most main-line denominations simply say that the Church has replaced Israel, especially since she rejected her Messiah., while others claim that there is one Covenant with two aspects-one for Israel and one for the Church. However, the solution is described in two passages:
Ephesians 2:11-16 and 3:5-6. I'll quote from Dr. Fruchtenbaum: "This could be called the “partaker view.” The point of these passages is that God made four unconditional covenants with Israel: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Land Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant. All of God’s blessings, both physical and spiritual, are mediated by means of these four covenants. However, there is also a fifth covenant, the conditional Mosaic Covenant. This was the middle wall of partition. Essentially, it kept the Gentiles from enjoying the spiritual blessings of the four unconditional covenants. For a Gentile to begin receiving the blessings of the unconditional covenants, he had to totally submit to the Mosaic Law, undergo circumcision, take upon himself the obligations of the Law, and, for all practical purposes, live as a son of Abraham. Gentiles, as Gentiles, were not able to enjoy the spiritual blessings of the Jewish covenants; hence, they were strangers from the commonwealth of Israel. They did not receive any of the spiritual benefits contained in the covenants. However, when the Messiah died, the Mosaic Law, the middle wall of partition, was broken down. Now by faith Gentiles, as Gentiles, can enjoy the spiritual blessings of the four unconditional covenants. That is why Gentiles today are partakers of Jewish spiritual blessings, not “takers over.”
The concept of partaking is also found in Romans 11:17: But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and did become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;
The Olive Tree represents the place of spiritual blessings of the Jewish Covenants. The types of branches partaking of the blessings: natural branches, which are the Jewish believers; wild olive branches, which are the Gentile believers."
F. The Gentile Obligation-Since the Gentile believers have become partakers of Jewish spiritual blessings, an obligation has been placed upon us according to Romans 15:25-27.
G. The Status of the Covenant-Since the New Covenant is the basis of the Dispensation of Grace for the Church, it is the basis for the Dispensation of the Kingdom for Israel and is therefore eternally in effect.
Once again, to quote from Dr. Fruchtenbaum, "All spiritual blessings are for believers in the Messiah, whether they are Jews of Gentiles. And through His death on the cross for their sins, believers reap spiritual benefits that would never be theirs otherwise. The eight covenants of the Bible are very explicit in their provisions and are valuable for a proper understanding of Scripture."




Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (38–39). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.