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Covenant Confusion

The title of this article says it all. There is considerable confusion regarding Adonai's covenants within the community of believers (the church), who they have been made with, who they apply to and their relevance today. The purpose of this article is to provide some clarity and perspective to the confusion that exists today. Before going into detail, we must first understand some terminology.

What is a covenant?

From a biblical perspective, for which we are writing, it is an agreement between Adonai and his people in which Adonai makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from His people in return. Honoring and keeping the covenant with Adonai would lead to blessings and provisions, while breaking the covenant with Adonai would lead to judgment and curses. We will expand on this definition as we look at the covenants that Adonai has made. Within the framework of Adonai's covenants there would be a sign identifying the covenant.

The Hebrew word used in relation to covenant is b'rit. On our web site, you will likely find the term B'rit Hadoshah which means New Covenant. You will not find a word in Hebrew that translates directly into the term testament.

You will also hear the term testament ("old testament" and "new testament") used in connection with Adonai's promises.

In that the word testament doesn't exist in Hebrew...what exactly is a testament?

It is a term derived to be a legal document, created while the person is still living with the intention of providing instructions to survivors after their death. It is primarily used for the transference of property from the deceased person to a surviving family member, friend or organization.

As mentioned above, the term testament isn't from a Hebrew word, but derived from the Greek word diathdeke. This word is defined to mean contract, covenant or testament.

When we define covenant and testament, even though today they are considered to be and used interchangeability, they are very different. When Adonai made a covenant, it was to establish a relationship between Himself and His creation, based upon mutual commitments and involved promises, obligations, and rituals. The intent of Adonai's covenants is to ultimately lead to the restoration for His creation, mankind. Not all covenants required death, in order for them to be enacted.

There are two types of covenants that Adonai has made - Universal and non-Universal, and can be found throughout Torah and the Tenach as a whole. We will look at all of these covenants made by Adonai, but our primary focus for this article will be on the non-Universal covenants Adonai made with Avraham and include Yitz'chak (Isaac), Ya'akkov (Jacob), Moshe (Moses) and David. This article wouldn't be complete without the New Covenant.

Universal Covenants

Adonai made universal covenants that whether you are Jewish or not, directly affect you. The impact of these covenants are still felt today. They are for all of mankind, His creation. For the purpose of this article there are two Universal covenants:

1. The Adamic Covenant

2. The Noahic Covenant

Many, believe there is a third universal covenant, the Edenic Covenant. My reasoning for not having this same view is provided below.

These Universal covenants were made with all mankind, all nations prior to their. They predated the covenants that Adonai would make with Israel.

Adamic (Mankind) Covenant

There are those who have taught of the Adamic Covenant as being in two parts: the Edenic Covenant (innocence) and the Adamic Covenant (grace). Two covenants - one before man's fall and one after man's fall. In this manner, I would have to disagree with this extremely common view. It isn't that there were two different covenants or two covenants in one, but rather one covenant made with mankind in Eden and the results / consequences for not keeping Adonai's instruction.

"Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth." So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. God blessed them: God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air and every living creature that crawls on the earth." Then God said, "Here! Throughout the whole earth I am giving you as food every seed-bearing plant and every tree with seed-bearing fruit. And to every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul, I am giving as food every kind of green plant." And that is how it was." Genesis 1:26 - 30

Based on our definition of covenant, Adonai gave mankind the following:

• Created in the image of Adonai
• Were given the responsibility to take care of the garden
• Were given dominion to rule over the entire Earth, including the animals kingdom
• Were given every seed bearing plant and tree for food. (with the exception of one)
• Were instructed to inhabit all the Earth, to be done through reproduction
• Were vegetarians

Adonai's lone instruction for mankind was:

• "Adonai, God, gave the person this order: "You may freely eat from every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You are not to eat from it, because on the day that you eat from it, it will become certain that you will die." Genesis 2:16 - 17

In all that Adonai had done, He only had one primary instruction, "one don't" - to refrain from eating of the fruit of one tree, that being the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

There was only one instruction given by Adonai. Why?

There was no need for a vast list of instructions, because the reality of what was good and evil was not instilled into Adonai's creation. The knowledge of good and evil were acquired by mankind through our action of disobedience. This happened after our creation. Adonai didn't intend for us to have this knowledge, or else He would have provided it.

We can look at this one tree that was set apart from all others in the garden as the origin of tithing. Everything that Adonai created belongs to Him. However, He gave it all to us, but asks for a portion to remain His, sanctified, set apart. That one tree was off limits.

The results of mankind's transgression were: Genesis 3:14 - 24

The one who instigated and deceived the man and woman was punished: Adonai, God, said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all livestock and wild animals. You will crawl on your belly and eat dust as long as you live. (v.14)

In addition to his punishment, continual confrontation and ultimate defeat: I will put animosity between you and the woman, and between your descendant and her descendant; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel." (v.15)

This is the first promise from Adonai regarding Messiah. Out of this tragedy, Adonai promises that one would be born from the woman, who was deceived by the serpent, that would destroy our adversary the deceiver (Ha Satan).

As a result, for her part in this tragedy: To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pain in childbirth. You will bring forth children in pain. Your desire will be toward your husband, but he will rule over you." (v.16)

Adam was given the instruction directly from Adonai and therefore should have known not to eat, yet he still did. In addition, it was his responsibility to convey this to his wife, yet she still did as the serpent said.

To Adam he said, "Because you listened to what your wife said and ate from the tree about which I gave you the order, 'You are not to eat from it,' the ground cursed on your account; you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat field plants. You will eat bread by the sweat of your forehead till you return to the ground for you were taken out of it: you are dust, and you will return to dust." (v.17 - 19)

Even in their disobedience, Adonai still made provision for them, by clothing them:

The man called his wife Havah (life), because she was the mother of all living. Adonai, God, made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. (v.20)

This can be construed as the first sacrifice, whereby Adonai made a covering for mankind's transgression.

The final outcome of their disobedience was expulsion from Eden. Even greater still was that they had experienced spiritual death. Their innocence was gone, with the revelation of what was good and evil. Even though they were still physically alive, a part of them died at this time. In time, they would also experience a physical death, for which was never intended by Adonai.

Adonai, God, said, "See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, to prevent his putting out his hand and taking also from the tree of life, eating, and living forever" therefore Adonai, God, sent him out of the garden of `Eden to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So he drove the man out, and he placed at the east of the garden of `Eden the k'ruvim and a flaming sword which turned in every direction to guard the way to the tree of life. (v.21 - 24)

The results of not keeping this covenant with Adonai, a life that was to be without curse, has led to a life full of strife and struggle:

• Enmity between Satan and the Woman and her descendants.
• Painful childbirth for women.
• Marital strife between husband and wife.
• The ground is cursed to the point where produce that once was abundant, now man had to work hard to produce food.
• Introduction of thorns and thistles.
• Survival is now a struggle.
• Death introduced.
• Death will be the inescapable fate of all living things.

I have used a personal tense (our, us, we) when referring to Adam (mankind) in that regardless of who the specific people were (Adam and Eve or You and Me), the outcome would have still been the same. A deception occurred, a transgression happened and today we are experiencing the consequences of our actions. Today, are we not enticed by the things that we can't have, rather than the things we have complete access to?

Sound familiar?

Some will argue that this characteristic is a result of "original sin". However, this happened when we were still innocent and without the knowledge of good and evil.

Noachic Covenant

Many years had passed since Adonai created mankind. As a result of mankind's transgression and our acquisition of knowing what was good and evil, Adonai's creation chose evil. It had gotten so bad that Adonai regretted his creation of mankind.

"Adonai saw that the people on earth were very wicked, that all the imaginings of their hearts were always of evil only. Adonai regretted that he had made humankind on the earth; it grieved his heart. Adonai said, "I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the whole earth; and not only human beings, but animals, creeping things and birds in the air; for I regret that I ever made them." Genesis 6:5 - 6

"The earth was corrupt before God, the earth was filled with violence. God saw the earth, and, yes, it was corrupt; for all living beings had corrupted their ways on the earth. God said to Noach, "The end of all living beings has come before me, for because of them the earth is filled with violence. I will destroy them along with the earth." Genesis 6:11 -13

Adonai found one person for whom He would start again - Noach and his family.

"But Noach found grace in the sight of Adonai Here is the history of Noach. In his generation, Noach was a man righteous and wholehearted; Noach walked with God. Noach fathered three sons, Shem, Ham and Yefet." Genesis 6:8 - 10

Through a great flood, everything that Adonai had created, ultimately becoming corrupt was destroyed. The exception being, what / whom was on the ark that Adonai had instructed Noach to build.

"But I will establish my covenant with you; you will come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife and your sons' wives with you." Genesis 6:18

As a result of this purging by Adonai, through Noach, he brought forth new order for mankind by establishing a set of moral laws that would become the foundation for non-Jewish believers in Messiah, regarding their responsibilities. Within Judaism, gentiles who lived according to the Noachide Laws were regarded as "righteous gentiles" and considered assured for a place in olam haba (the world to come). Within Messianic Judaism the issue of gentiles coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah was the issue of the day. The discussion centered around whether they were to become Jewish through circumcision and be accountable to all of Torah. The decision is accounted in Acts 15:19 - 21:

"Therefore, my opinion is that we should not put obstacles in the way of the Goyim who are turning to God. Instead, we should write them a letter telling them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from what is strangled and from blood. For from the earliest times, Moshe has had in every city those who proclaim him, with his words being read in the synagogues every Shabbat."

There is additional teaching required to fully understand this passage, but for the purpose of this article, let me state that the Noachide laws are a starting point for all non-Jewish believers. Growth in maturity as a believer in Messiah is based on the last verse (5:21) that refers to Moshe (referring to Torah) being taught in the synagogues every Shabbat.

After the rain had stopped and the waters subsided, Noach and his family came out of the ark, built an altar and offered up sacrifices to Adonai:

"Noach built an altar to Adonai. Then he took from every clean animal and every clean bird, and he offered burnt offerings on the altar. Adonai smelled the sweet aroma, and Adonai said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, since the imaginings of a person's heart are evil from his youth; nor will I ever again destroy all living things, as I have done. So long as the earth exists, sowing time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease." Genesis 8:20 - 22

Adonai promise to Noach are:

1. Never to curse the ground again as a result of mankind's sinful nature.

2. Never to destroy all living things again.

3. The seasons will not cease

4. Never to flood the earth again (Genesis (9:12 - 17)

Noach's obligations can be found in what are known as the Noachide laws. So, what exactly are the Noachide Laws?

There are a total of seven Noachide Laws. Six of them reaffirm Adonai's first covenant with mankind.

Many of these instructions were part of the first covenant Adonai made with mankind, and therefore reaffirmed. In addition to the above, Noach and his family were given the same instruction that Adam was given:

"God blessed Noach and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth." Genesis 9:1

You will notice a pattern with each covenant, in that they will build upon the previous covenant, not abolishing or replacing them.

Adonai's covenant with Noach also included another promise and a sign to seal it. The promise - Adonai would never again flood the earth again.

"I will establish my covenant with you that never again will all living beings be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth." Genesis 9:11

The Sign - "Here is the sign of the covenant I am making between myself and you and every living creature with you, for all generations to come: I am putting my rainbow in the cloud it will be there as a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow is seen in the cloud; I will remember my covenant which is between myself and you and every living creature of any kind; and the water will never again become a flood to destroy all living beings. The rainbow will be in the cloud; so that when I look at it, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of any kind on the earth." God said to Noach, "This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between myself and every living creature on the earth." Genesis 9:12 - 17

When we see a rainbow, it signifies that Adonai is remembering His covenant with Noach.

Additional information can be found regarding the Noachide laws in the Talmud, also known as the "Oral Law":

"Our Rabbis taught: seven precepts were the sons of Noah commanded: social laws; to refrain from blasphemy, idolatry; adultery; bloodshed; robbery; and eating flesh cut from a living animal." (Tractate Sanhedrin 56a)

"These commandments may be regarded as the foundations of all human and moral progress. Judaism has both a national and a universal outlook in life. In the former sense it is particularistic, setting up a people distinct and separate from others by its peculiar religious law. But in the latter, it recognizes that moral progress and its concomitant Divine love and approval are the privilege and obligation of all mankind. And hence the Talmud lays down the seven Noachian precepts, by the observance of which all mankind may attain spiritual perfection, and without which moral death must inevitably ensue. That perhaps is the idea underlying the assertion (passim) that a heathen is liable to death for the neglect of any of these. The last mentioned is particularly instructive as showing the great importance attached to the humane treatment of animals; so much so, that it is declared to be fundamental to human righteousness." (Footnote from Sanhedrin 56a)

From Sanhedrin 56b:

'Social laws.' Were then the children of Noah bidden to observe these? Surely it has been taught: The Israelites were given ten precepts at Marah, seven of which had already been accepted by the children of Noah, to which were added at Marah social laws, the Sabbath, and honoring one's parents; 'Social laws,' for it is written, There [at Marah] he made for them a statute and an ordinance; 'the Sabbath and honouring one's parents'. for it is written, As the Lord thy God commanded thee!  — R. Nahman replied in the name of Rabbah b. Abbuha: The addition at Marah was only in respect of an assembly, witnesses, and formal admonition. If so, why say 'to which were added social laws'?  — But Raba replied thus: The addition was only in respect of the laws of fines.  But even so, should it not have been said, 'additions were made in the social laws'? — But R. Aha b. Jacob answered thus: The Baraitha informs us that they were commanded to set up law courts in every district and town. But were not the sons of Noah likewise commanded to do this? Surely it has been taught: Just as the Israelites were ordered to set up law courts in every district and town, so were the sons of Noah likewise enjoined to set up law courts in every district and town! — But Raba answered thus: The author of this Baraitha [which states that social laws were added at Marah] is a Tanna of the School of Manasseh, who omitted social laws and blasphemy  [from the list of Noachian precepts] and substituted emasculation and the forbidden mixture [in plants, ploughing. etc.].  For a Tanna of the School of Manasseh taught: The sons of Noah were given seven precepts. viz., [prohibition of] idolatry, adultery, murder, robbery, flesh cut from a living animal, emasculation and forbidden mixtures. R. Judah said: Adam was prohibited idolatry only, for it is written, And the Lord God commanded Adam.  R. Judah b. Bathyra maintained: He was forbidden blasphemy too. Some add social laws. With whom does the following statement of Rab Judah in the name of Rab agree: viz., [God said to Adam,] I am God, do not curse Me; I am God, do not exchange Me for another; I am God, let My fear be upon you? — This agrees with the last mentioned

Non-Universal Covenants

In contrast to a universal covenant that Adonai made with everyone and affecting everyone, Adonai made a non-universal covenant with one man, Avraham. From Avraham would come the nation of Israel and the Jewish people with whom this one Covenant would be reaffirmed and expanded. In order of their establishment we will look at:

1. The Avrahamic Covenant

2. The Mosheaic Covenant

3. The Davidic Covenant

4. The Brit Hadoshah (New Covenant)

As we progress through our examination of these exclusive covenants that Adonai made with Avraham and Israel, you will also notice that provisions have been made for the people outside of the Jewish nation. Although these covenants are made exclusively with the Jewish people, the impact of these covenants will be (are) felt by the nations outside of Israel, the non-Jewish person.

What were Adonai's intentions for making a covenant with one person?

We will answer that question and others as we expand upon each covenant.

Avrahamic Covenant

We first read of a man named Avram in Genesis 11:31

"Terach took his son Avram, his son Haran's son Lot, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Avram's wife; and they left Ur of the Kasdim to go to the land of Kena`an. But when they came to Haran, they stayed there."

The son of Terach, Avram, must have found favor with Adonai in a similar manner as Noach did. Although there is very little written about Avram, prior to his encounter with Adonai, we will find in the verses to come that Avram found favor with Adonai.

The first mention of the covenant that Adonai would enter in with Avram is found in Genesis 12:1 - 3. It is the first of three parts that comprise the entire Avrahamic Covenant.

This covenant that Adonai is making with Avram is a one sided covenant. One sided, in that it is Adonai establishing it and it is Adonai telling Avram what He will do. At this point, the only responsibility from Avram's perspective would be to leave his family and go where Adonai tells him to go.

"Now Adonai said to Avram, "Get yourself out of your country, away from your kinsmen and away from your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great; and you are to be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 12:1 - 3

• Adonai will make Avram a great nation.
• Adonai will bless Avram and make his name great. In doing so, Avram will be a blessing.
• Adonai will bless those who bless Avram and curse anyone who curses Avram.
• Adonai will bless all the families of the earth, through Avram.

The blessings would come through the Jewish people. More on that later.

In order for the initial promise of Avram becoming a great nation, there needed to be an heir, to continue the lineage of Avram.

"Some time later the word of Adonai came to Avram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Avram. I am your protector; your reward will be very great." Avram replied, "Adonai, God, what good will your gifts be to me if I continue childless; and Eli`ezer from Dammesek inherits my possessions? You haven't given me a child," Avram continued, "so someone born in my house will be my heir." But the word of Adonai came to him: "This man will not be your heir. No, your heir will be a child from your own body." Then he brought him outside and said, "Look up at the sky, and count the stars if you can count them! Your descendants will be that many!" He believed in Adonai, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, "I am Adonai, who brought you out from Ur-Kasdim to give you this land as your possession." He replied, "Adonai, God, how am I to know that I will possess it?" Genesis 15:4 - 8

The promise of an heir reaffirms Adonai's covenant promise with Avram.

The second part of the covenant Adonai makes with Avram involves the promise of land. The first mention of land is when Avram, Sarai and Lot leave Haran and continue on the original journey to Kena'an:

"Adonai appeared to Avram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to Adonai, who had appeared to him." Genesis 12:7

This expands upon the covenant relationship Adonai has made with Avram.

"Only in the fourth generation will your descendants come back here, because only then will the Emori be ripe for punishment." After the sun had set and there was thick darkness, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared, which passed between these animal parts. That day Adonai made a covenant with Avram: "I have given this land to your descendants from the Vadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River the territory of the Keni, the K'nizi, the Kadmoni, the Hitti, the P'rizi, the Refa'im, the Emori, the Kena`ani, the Girgashi and the Y'vusi." " Genesis 15:16 - 21

The third installment of Adonai's covenant with Avram, further expands upon the impact Avram will have through his heirs towards the nations of the world. A small nation that will struggle to curtail the worldly pagan influences of the nations, ultimately infecting Israel with the diseases of idolatry and disobedience. The intent and purpose of this covenant is to create a people, a nation, set apart for Adonai. A nation that would adhere to and follow the creator of the universe and mankind.

"When Avram was 99 years old Adonai appeared to Avram and said to him, "I am El Shaddai [God Almighty]. Walk in my presence and be pure-hearted. I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers greatly." Avram fell on his face, and God continued speaking with him: "As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Avram [exalted father], but your name will be Avraham [father of many], because I have made you the father of many nations. I will cause you to be very fruitful. I will make nations of you, kings will descend from you. "I am establishing my covenant between me and you, along with your descendants after you, generation after generation, as an everlasting covenant, to be God for you and for your descendants after you. I will give you and your descendants after you the land in which you are now foreigners, all the land of Kena`an, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God." God said to Avraham, "As for you, you are to keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, generation after generation. Here is my covenant, which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised, including slaves born within your household and those bought from a foreigner not descended from you. The slave born in your house and the person bought with your money must be circumcised; thus my covenant will be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who will not let himself be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin that person will be cut off from his people, because he has broken my covenant." Genesis 17:1 - 14

Many nations would come forth through Avram. Adonai expands, not just nations but leadership, kings will descend from him.

This is the first time we witness that the covenant Adonai is making (now Avraham) will be an everlasting covenant, from generation to generation. The simplest definition of everlasting is something that will last for ever. How long is forever? A LONG TIME. At this point in time as I am writing, for ever hasn't ended yet, meaning that this covenant is still valid today.

This third installment, reaffirms the provision of land and that it will be an everlasting possession. We need not go into detail again with regards to everlasting, but if it applies to Adonai's relationship and mentions the land, then the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, because of this covenant promise.

In this passage, we are now made known the sign of Adonai's covenant with Avraham - circumcision.

God said to Avraham, "As for you, you are to keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, generation after generation. Here is my covenant, which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised, including slaves born within your household and those bought from a foreigner not descended from you. The slave born in your house and the person bought with your money must be circumcised; thus my covenant will be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who will not let himself be circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin that person will be cut off from his people, because he has broken my covenant." Genesis 17:11 - 14

If you remember, the initial part of the covenant was one sided, what Adonai would do. We now read what Adonai is requiring of Avraham and his decedents. Adonai is requiring circumcision of every male. Every male refers to Avraham's direct descendents. From birth, they are to be circumcised on the eighth day. This instruction also includes the "gare", Hebrew for foreigner who is not of the lineage of Avraham but is part of the community. We are not talking someone passing through, but a permanent resident. This covenant also includes anyone who is residing in the community and produces offspring.

Not being circumcised is a violation of the covenant. As a result of their disobedience, they would be cut off, separated, expelled from the community. Adonai was serious about this relationship. If the sign of the covenant is broken, the covenant itself is broken. circumcision marks Israel as the unique recipients of the Avrahamic Covenant.

In each instance, Adonai reaffirms His promises to Avraham...He will be their God.

Through Avraham's child with Sarah - Yitz'chak, Adonai's covenant is reaffirmed:

"Stay in this land, and I will be with you and bless you, because I will give all these lands to you and to your descendants. I will fulfill the oath which I swore to Avraham your father, I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, I will give all these lands to your descendants, and by your descendants all the nations of the earth will bless themselves. All this is because Avraham heeded what I said and did what I told him to do, he followed my mitzvot, my regulations and my teachings." Genesis 26:3 - 5

and later with Ya'akov (Yitz'chak's son) on two separate occasions:

"Then suddenly Adonai was standing there next to him; and he said, "I am Adonai, the God of Avraham your [grand] father and the God of Yitz'chak. The land on which you are lying I will give to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed. Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won't leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Ya`akov awoke from his sleep and said, "Truly, Adonai is in this place and I didn't know it!" Genesis 28:13 - 16

"After Ya`akov arrived from Paddan-Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. God said to him, "Your name is Ya`akov, but you will be called Ya`akov no longer; your name will be Isra'el." Thus he named him Isra'el. God further said to him, "I am El Shaddai. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed a group of nations, will come from you; kings will be descended from you. Moreover, the land which I gave to Avraham and Yitz'chak I will give to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you." Genesis 35:9 - 12

From generation to generation the covenant Adonai made with Avraham is still relevant today. Just as then, today, circumcision marks Israel as the unique recipients of this covenant. We are a people set apart with an enormous responsibility given by Adonai, to be a light and example to the world. This will become more evident as we progress through the covenants Adonai makes with the Jewish people.

Out of this covenant with Avraham, the other covenants would come forth. Without Avraham, there is no Israel and no covenants in that Adonai made it specifically with Avraham for ever. Adonai would reaffirm this covenant with the descendants of Avraham, Yitz'chak, and Ya'akov as we witnessed earlier and will witness moving forward.

Mosheaic Covenant

Some 600+ years have passed since Adonai first made His Covenant with Avraham. The patriarchs have long since passed on. However, Adonai didn't forget His promises that He made with Avraham. After 400+ years of living in Egypt, first as guests, because of Yosef, then later as slaves, the children of Israel became a great nation, numbering over two million people. The blessings and the promises that were upon them, through Adonai's covenant with Avraham never left.

"Adonai said to Moshe, "Now you will see what I am going to do to Pharaoh. With a mighty hand he will send them off; with force he will drive them from the land!" God spoke to Moshe; he said to him, "I am Adonai. I appeared to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya`akov as El Shaddai, although I did not make myself known to them by my name, Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh Also with them I established my covenant to give them the land of Kena`an, the land where they wandered about and lived as foreigners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Isra'el, whom the Egyptians are keeping in slavery; and I have remembered my covenant. "Therefore, say to the people of Isra'el: 'I am Adonai. I will free you from the forced labor of the Egyptians, rescue you from their oppression, and redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am Adonai your God, who freed you from the forced labor of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya`akov I will give it to you as your inheritance. I am Adonai.' " Exodus 6:1 - 8

In remembering, Adonai Reaffirms His covenant with Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. In doing so, Adonai also reaffirms the aspects of His Covenant with Avraham which include the land and the relationship He will have with His people - "I will take you as my people, and I will be your God."

"Moshe went up to God, and Adonai called to him from the mountain: "Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya`akov, to tell the people of Isra'el: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.' These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra'el." Exodus 19:3 - 6

Adonai makes an offer with a condition - "if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant" and a promise "then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.'

Then Moshe goes to the leaders:

"Moshe came, summoned the leaders of the people and presented them with all these words which Adonai had ordered him to say. All the people answered as one, "Everything Adonai has said, we will do." Moshe reported the words of the people to Adonai." Exodus 19:7 - 8

There response was as one and in agreement. If it were an election today, it would have been a landslide. Adonai reaffirms and expands His relationship with the nation that came out of Avraham.

The next part, is when Adonai gives Israel instruction that will set them apart from all other nations, even more so than with Avraham, You will remember the sign of Adonai's covenant with Avraham - circumcision. No other people on the earth were circumcised. This was a specific and visual sign of Adonai's relationship with Avraham and his people. These next instructions that Adonai will give to Moshe for Israel will further establish the uniqueness of this relationship. A nation unlike any other nation in the world then or now. A nation set apart by Adonai and for Adonai's purpose of being a light to the other nations.

Knows as the 10 words or utterances, Adonai conveys the conditions of this reaffirmed covenant relationship. (found in Exodus 20:1 - 17)

"Then God said all these words:

Known as Torah, (which translates from Hebrew as "instruction or law") these 10 utterances are the foundation of the covenant relationship with Adonai. Remember what He said, "if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant", these are the instructions that He wants them to pay careful attention. From these 10 core Words of instruction, Adonai will expand upon them, creating a constitution for the nation of Israel. It has been documented that there are a total of 613 instructions. For the purpose of this article, we will not go into detail regarding what applies to whom.

There is a common misconception that the Laws, rules, statues and judgments found in Torah constitute the covenant itself. This view is incorrect, in that these mitzvots frame the boundaries of what is to be done and not done as a person in covenant relationship through Israel with Adonai. It renews the terms of the covenant with Avraham..."I will be your God" and the instructions given to Noachic, as referenced above.

Within the confines of the instructions given by Adonai in Torah and expanded upon, specifically found Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, we now have:

• An expanded set of instructions defining right and wrong
• A priesthood - acting as intermediary between us and Adonai
• A sacrificial system - as a means to make atonement for transgression,
• A tabernacle for Adonai to inhabit when He is with His people and a place where atonement is made.

This covenant made with Moshe is a conditional covenant. Obedience is the condition - if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant". This is no different from Adonai's original instruction to His creation in the garden. Again, obedience is required.

There were blessings and curses associated with this covenant.

"If you listen closely to what Adonai your God says, observing and obeying all his mitzvot which I am giving you today, Adonai your God will raise you high above all the nations on earth; and all the following blessings will be yours in abundance - Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Conditional blessings were part of this covenant. One such example is " if you will do what Adonai your God says: "A blessing on you in the city, and a blessing on you in the countryside." Deuteronomy 28:3

If you do as you have been instructed, you will be blessed in the city. Good things will happen in that you are living according to the instruction Adonai has given you.

In contrast, there were consequences for disobedience.

"But if you refuse to pay attention to what Adonai your God says, and do not observe and obey all his mitzvot and regulations which I am giving you today, then all the following curses will be yours in abundance: "A curse on you in the city, and a curse on you in the countryside." Deuteronomy 28:15

Through Adonai's covenant with Avraham, the sign that represented the covenant was circumcision. The renewal of Avraham's covenant through Moshe, brought forth a new sign representing the covenant between Adonai and the Jewish people - Shabbat

"Adonai said to Moshe, "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'You are to observe my Shabbats; for this is a sign between me and you through all your generations; so that you will know that I am Adonai, who sets you apart for me. Therefore you are to keep my Shabbat, because it is set apart for you. Everyone who treats it as ordinary must be put to death; for whoever does any work on it is to be cut off from his people. On six days work will get done; but the seventh day is Shabbat, for complete rest, set apart for Adonai. Whoever does any work on the day of Shabbat must be put to death. The people of Isra'el are to keep the Shabbat, to observe Shabbat through all their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the people of Isra'el forever; for in six days Adonai made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and rested.' " Exodus 31:16 - 17

A day of rest was foreign to the nations outside of Israel. Shabbat was established long before Moshe, long before Avraham. It was established at the time of Adonai's creation. Adonai chose his people to give this gift of rest to. No other people or nation have been given Shabbat. We go into more detail in our "What Happened to Shabbat" article.

Fair and equitable...all that was required was obedience. The intent of Adonai's instructions is to provide His people who are living through a perpetual (everlasting) covenant, with the ways in which they should live, according to their creator. A sign of keeping Torah enables Israel to follow Adonai and live in peace. Call it a National constitution, that enables the people to live out the fullness of Adonai's promise.

Why was Torah given to Israel?

Torah was given to enable Israel to live out the promises given to Avraham, Yitz'chak, and Ya'akov so that they could follow Adonai with all their heart and live in peace in the land.

Adonai's intention was to make Israel a great nation, not a nation of wanders. In order to be a nation, structure was needed. Through Moshe, that structure was given.

Even though this covenant was made with Israel, it affects those outside of Israel, then, now and in the future. There are provisions for the foreigner, temporary resident and sojourner who desire to come along side Israel. Our article "What About The Gare?" goes into more detail regarding the provisions, responsibilities and promises.

Davidic Covenant

The covenant Adonai made with Avraham established an everlasting relationship between them. This covenant relationship was reaffirmed through Avraham's decedents (heirs) Yitz'chak and Ya'akov. Within this covenant, there was a promise of land that would be given to Avraham's decedents that would be theirs for ever.

The covenant that Adonai established through Moshe reaffirmed Adonai's covenant with Avraham. The instructions provided in Torah established a structure for the people of Israel who had now grown into a nation. This covenant didn't eliminate Adonai's covenant with Avraham, but built upon it.

The same is true for the Davidic Covenant...

"When your days come to an end and you sleep with your ancestors, I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your own flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership. He will build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. I will be a father for him, and he will be a son for me. If he does something wrong, I will punish him with a rod and blows, just as everyone gets punished; nevertheless, my grace will not leave him, as I took it away from Sha'ul, whom I removed from before you. Thus your house and your kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set up forever.' "2 Samuel 7:12 - 16

It doesn't replace the previous covenants but builds upon them. In this case specifically, the establishment of a King for Israel, whose reign will last forever. Going back to Adonai's promises to Avraham:

"...kings will descend from you." Genesis 17:6

It is for this reason that the Messiah would be known as the son of David. After Yeshua's resurrection, His talmadim posed the following question, knowing full well His identity as the promised Messiah:

"When they were together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra'el?" He answered, "You don't need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority." Acts 1:6 - 7

We witness the promised fulfillment of the establishment of His kingdom, first for 1000 years, known as the Millennial (thousand) Kingdom

"Next I saw an angel coming down from heaven, who had the key to the Abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan [Adversary], and chained him up for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, locked it and sealed it over him; so that he could not deceive the nations any more until the thousand years were over. After that, he has to be set free for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them received authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for testifying about Yeshua and proclaiming the Word of God, also those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands. They came to life and ruled with the Messiah for a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is anyone who has a part in the first resurrection; over him the second death has no power. On the contrary, they will be cohanim of God and of the Messiah, and they will rule with him for the thousand years." Revelation 20:1 - 6

And after the millennium is completed and final judgment is complete, Adonai's Kingdom will continue for ever.

"Next the angel showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Between the main street and the river was the Tree of Life producing twelve kinds of fruit, a different kind every month; and the leaves of the tree were for healing the nations no longer will there be any curses. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, so they will need neither the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because Adonai, God, will shine upon them. And they will reign as kings forever and ever." Revelation 22:1 - 5

Brit Hadoshah (New Covenant)

As we have witnessed from the initial universal covenants Adonai made with mankind, in combination with our acquisition of the knowledge of good and evil, led Adonai to conclude that His creation's intent was ultimately evil.

"Adonai saw that the people on earth were very wicked, that all the imaginings of their hearts were always of evil only. Adonai regretted that he had made humankind on the earth; it grieved his heart. Adonai said, "I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the whole earth; and not only human beings, but animals, creeping things and birds in the air; for I regret that I ever made them." Genesis 6:5 - 6

Even after the earth was purged of this evil, it didn't take long for the next generation to conspire against their creator and follow their own desires.

"The whole earth used the same language, the same words. It came about that as they traveled from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shin`ar and lived there. They said to one another, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them in the fire." So they had bricks for building-stone and clay for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city with a tower that has its top reaching up into heaven, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth." Adonai came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. Adonai said, "Look, the people are united, they all have a single language, and see what they're starting to do! At this rate, nothing they set out to accomplish will be impossible for them!" Genesis 11:1 - 6

Israel itself wasn't immune from this nature either. There are many instances throughout the history of Israel, found in the Tenach, where the nation of Israel had been seduced by the desirous trappings of following after other gods. The enticement by these idolatrous nations ultimately led Israel into exile from the land Adonai had promised them. As a result of their actions, they repeatedly broke Adonai's instructions, therefore, breaking the covenant that was made.

In breaking the requirements of the covenant that they had agreed to didn't make the covenant null and void for the simple reason of who made the covenant to begin with. Adonai's covenant with Avraham is an everlasting covenant. The covenant that Adonai made through Moshe, with Israel is an everlasting covenant as well.

Additionally, for their to be a new covenant, there had to be a covenant that existed before.

Today, the common view regarding the New Covenant is that it was made with the church. To expand upon this premise, because of Israel's unfaithfulness Adonai, through Jesus Christ made a New Covenant and the people of the New Covenant are now the church, not the Jewish people. There are specific teachings on this view that we will address later. Needless to say, the view of the New Covenant is anything but a Jewish covenant.

This is unfortunate and confusing, because when you read the New Covenant writings, they are very Jewish, yet the effort to remove the Jewishness of the New Covenant began some 1800+ years ago with its impact still felt today.

Some might even tell you that the New Covenant is a universal covenant Adonai made with all of mankind, similar to the Adamic and Noachic Covenants.

Scripture tells a very different story regarding the New Covenant.

Many will point to and use Hebrews 8:6 - 13 as their primary reference regarding the establishment of the New Covenant:

"But now the work Yeshua has been given to do is far superior to theirs, just as the covenant he mediates is better. For this covenant has been given as Torah on the basis of better promises. Indeed, if the first covenant had not given ground for faultfinding, there would have been no need for a second one. For God does find fault with the people when he says, "

'See! The days are coming,' says Adonai, 'when I will establish over the house of Isra'el and over the house of Y'hudah a new covenant. " 'It will not be like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by their hand and led them forth out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, did not remain faithful to my covenant; so I, for my part, stopped concerning myself with them,' says Adonai. " 'For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days,' says Adonai: 'I will put my Torah in their minds and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people. " 'None of them will teach his fellow-citizen or his brother, saying, "Know Adonai!" For all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest, because I will be merciful toward their wickednesses and remember their sins no more.' "

By using the term, "new," he has made the first covenant "old"; and something being made old, something in the process of aging, is on its way to vanishing altogether." Hebrews 8:6 - 13

What many fail to realize is that the author of the book to the Hebrews is not authoring something original, but rather quoting the prophet Jeremiah, specifically, 31:31 - 34.

"Here, the days are coming," says Adonai, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Isra'el and with the house of Y'hudah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day I took them by their hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, violated my covenant, even though I, for my part, was a husband to them," says Adonai. "For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days," says Adonai: "I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will any of them teach his fellow community member or his brother, 'Know Adonai'; for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest; because I will forgive their wickednesses and remember their sins no more."

Furthermore, it is odd that many will use this reference to establish the authenticity of the New Covenant through a New Covenant reference, rather than the the original source. Why would you quote a quote of a quote, rather than the original quote?

In general terms...the church emphasizes the New Covenant writings as the current, only and final authority. The Tenach, a Jewish book is considered to have been replaced and therefore no longer valid, the "old testament". More on that later

A New Covenant is also mentioned by the prophet Ezekiel on two separate occasions, with Adonai giving Israel a new heart and a new spirit:

"Therefore, say that Adonai Elohim says this: ' "I will gather you from the peoples and collect you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give the land of Isra'el to you." Then they will go there and remove all its loathsome things and disgusting practices, and I will give them unity of heart. "I will put a new spirit among you." I will remove from their bodies the hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh; so that they will live by my regulations, obey my rulings and act by them. Then they will be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:17 - 20

and...

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and cause you to live by my laws, respect my rulings and obey them. You will live in the land I gave to your ancestors. You will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanliness. I will summon the grain and increase it, and not send famine against you. I will multiply the yield of fruit from the trees and increase production in the fields, so that you never again suffer the reproach of famine among the nations. When you will remember your evil ways and your actions that were not good; as you look at yourselves, you will loathe yourselves for your guilt and disgusting practices. Understand,' says Adonai Elohim, 'that I am not doing this for your sake. Instead, be ashamed and dismayed for your ways, house of Isra'el.' "Adonai Elohim says, 'When the day comes for me to cleanse you from all your guilt, I will cause the cities to be inhabited and the ruins to be rebuilt. The land that was desolate will be tilled, whereas formerly it lay desolate for all passing by to see. Then they will say, "The land that used to be desolate has become like Gan-`Eden, and the cities formerly ruined, abandoned and wasted have been fortified and are inhabited!" Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, Adonai, have rebuilt the ruins and replanted what was abandoned. I, Adonai, have spoken; and I will do it.'" Ezekiel 36:26 - 36

Whether you use the quote from either Hebrews 8 or the original source from Jeremiah 31, (or even Ezekiel 11 and 36) all will rectify any confusion regarding the New Covenant.

First, in order for their to be a New Covenant, there had to exist other covenants. As we have expanded upon, there are two types of covenants that Adonai has made, universal, with all mankind, and non-universal, through Avraham and his decedents

We can rule out the notion that the New Covenant is a universal covenant, by the specific nature of what is found in Jeremiah:

Here, the days are coming," says Adonai, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Isra'el and with the house of Y'hudah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day I took them by their hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, violated my covenant, even though I, for my part, was a husband to them," says Adonai.

1. Adonai is specific - this New Covenant will be made with the house of Israel and with the house of Y'hudah. NO OTHER PEOPLE.

2. There are no other people that Adonai specifically made a covenant with other than the Jewish people, had been broken, and thoroughly documented by Israel's history found in the Tenach. This passage, in no way can be referencing the Adamic or Noachic covenants.

3. There is no way that one could support the notion that the New Covenant is with an entity known as the church and that they have replaced Israel as God's chosen people. If this were true, then all the covenants Adonai had made previously would be meaningless. Why? Because it would mean that He had gone back on His promise to Avraham. We know this isn't true, because, even after 400+ years of living in Egypt, with many of those years being as slaves, Adonai said that He remembered His covenant that He had made with Avraham. And for that very reason, delivered them from the grips of Egyptian tyranny. Even when Adonai is angry with Israel for their idolatry in the desert, and was ready to start over again with Moshe, Moshe reminds him of the covenant He had made with Avraham Yitz'chak and Isra'el:

"Adonai continued speaking to Moshe: "I have been watching these people; and you can see how stiff necked they are. Now leave me alone, so that my anger can blaze against them, and I can put an end to them! I will make a great nation out of you instead." Moshe pleaded with Adonai his God. He said, "Adonai, why must your anger blaze against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a strong hand? Why let the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intentions that he led them out, to slaughter them in the hills and wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger! Relent! Don't bring such disaster on your people! Remember Avraham, Yitz'chak and Isra'el, your servants, to whom you swore by your very self. You promised them, 'I will make your descendants as many as the stars in the sky; and I will give all this land I have spoken about to your descendants; and they will possess it forever.' " Adonai then changed his mind about the disaster he had planned for his people." Exodus 32:9 - 14

Why did Adonai promise to make a New Covenant with Israel?

Adonai made provision for a New Covenant, in order for Israel to better be able to live by the instructions provided by Adonai. They also had a purpose. That purpose was and is today to be a light to the nations with regards to the responsibility of presenting Adonai's way to the rest of the world:

"He said to me, "You are my servant, Isra'el, through whom I will show my glory." But I said, "I have toiled in vain, spent my strength for nothing, futility." Yet my cause is with Adonai, my reward is with my God. So now Adonai says he formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Ya`akov back to him, to have Isra'el gathered to him, so that I will be honored in the sight of Adonai, my God having become my strength he has said, "It is not enough that you are merely my servant to raise up the tribes of Ya`akov and restore the offspring of Isra'el. I will also make you a light to the nations, so my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:3 - 6

Circumcision of the heart isn't a new concept or exclusive to the New Covenant writers, but is found in the Tenach.

Then Adonai your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your children, so that you will love Adonai your God with all your heart and all your being, and thus you will live. Deuteronomy 30:6

"People of Y'hudah and inhabitants of Yerushalayim, circumcise yourselves for Adonai, remove the foreskins of your heart! Otherwise my fury will lash out like fire, burning so hot that no one can quench it, because of how evil your actions are." Jeremiah 4:4

Jewish commentaries relate this verse in a similar context to Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36, stating that there is skepticism regarding the people's ability to have such a change of heart independently of Adonai.

"I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts;

It has always been Adonai's intention for Israel to follow His ways with all of their heart. No better passage of scripture provides this intent than the Sh'ma:

""Sh'ma, Yisra'el! Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad [Hear, Isra'el! Adonai our God, Adonai is one] and you are to love Adonai your God with all your heart, all your being and all your resources. These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart; Deuteronomy 6:4 - 6

Does this New Covenant abolish the previous covenants Adonai made with Israel? Common thought is that the entire Tenach has been fulfilled and is replaced by the New Covenant.

Yeshua Himself, answers this question:

"Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah not until everything that must happen has happened. So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P'rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" Matthew 5:17 - 20

In making a New Covenant, Adonai made a better way for Israel to follow Him. A better way for obtaining and receiving redemption from sin and our nature, which is sinful. No longer would there need to be a sacrificial system and a Cohen Ha Gadol (High Priest) in the form of a man with the same sin nature. We would now have a new High Priest. There would be one permanent and perpetual sacrifice that would cover all transgressions.

The sign of this covenant is the shed blood of Yeshua, our Messiah. Yeshua, who came through the nation of Israel, so that Israel would be the light to the world proclaiming Adonai's salvation. So that Israel through Avraham, would be a blessing to the world and that all the families of the world would be blessed.

The writer of Hebrews writes, with regards to Yeshua as our Cohen Ha Gadol:

"It becomes even clearer if a "different kind of Cohen," one like Malki-Tzedek, arises, one who became a Cohen not by virtue of a rule in the Torah concerning physical descent, but by virtue of the power of an indestructible life. For it is stated, "You are a Cohen FOREVER, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek." Thus, on the one hand, the earlier rule is set aside because of its weakness and inefficacy (for the Torah did not bring anything to the goal); and, on the other hand, a Hope of something better is introduced, through which we are drawing near to God. What is more, God swore an oath. For no oath was sworn in connection with those who become cohanim now; but Yeshua became a Cohen by the oath which God swore when he said to him, "Adonai has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a Cohen forever.' " Also this shows how much better is the covenant of which Yeshua has become guarantor. Moreover, the present cohanim are many in number, because they are prevented by death from continuing in office. But because he lives forever, his position as Cohen does not pass on to someone else; and consequently, he is totally able to deliver those who approach God through him; since he is alive forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf. This is the kind of Cohen gadol that meets our need holy, without evil, without stain, set apart from sinners and raised higher than the heavens; one who does not have the daily necessity, like the other cohanim g'dolim, of offering up sacrifices first for their own sins and only then for those of the people; because he offered one sacrifice, once and for all, by offering up himself. For the Torah appoints as cohanim g'dolim men who have weakness; but the text which speaks about the swearing of the oath, a text written later than the Torah, appoints a Son who has been brought to the goal forever." Hebrews 7:15 - 28

We now have a High Priest, the mediator of this New Covenant, unlike the priesthood of the first covenant. This Priest does not need to first purify himself, in order to enter the Holy place to intercede for us. He is already set apart, from the time of His conception, when through Adonai's Ruach, He was conceived through the seed of a woman, as first promised in Genesis 3:15. His conception was not through man, but through Adonai Himself. As a result, the nature of Yeshua, was that of Adonai directly, not of man.

With regards to the sacrificial system that had served its purpose for a time and now is no longer needed as a result of Yeshua's sacrifice:

"But when the Messiah appeared as Cohen gadol of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world), he entered the Holiest Place once and for all. And he entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus setting people free forever. For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!" Hebrews 9:11 - 14

As was stated earlier, through the words of Yeshua, His purpose wasn't to do away with Torah or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. In fulfilling Torah (the Law), meaning the entire Tenach, that we are no longer required to follow anything. Everything in Torah and the Prophets is the old way. This is only partially correct. The completion of the Levitical sacrificial system and priesthood have been replaced by the sacrifice and priesthood of Messiah. The previous system required yearly atonement, while the New Covenant, required one sacrifice and a High Priest whose office and position is permanent.

The instructions found in Torah, given by Adonai to Israel are how are we to live our lives.

As previously discussed, each covenant builds upon the previous covenants. The New Covenant is no different. Compare the promise given to Moshe with Adonai's promise of a New Covenant for Israel

"I will take you as my people, and I will be your God." Exodus 6:7

"For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days," says Adonai: "I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Jeremiah 31:33

The New Covenant reaffirms all the covenants that preceded it, establishing an everlasting relationship between Adonai and Israel.

new terms - forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more, obey Adonai receive promises of Avraham and fulfill obedience required in Torah. forgiveness and no longer remember sin

At the Passover, Yeshua said:

"When the time came, Yeshua and the emissaries reclined at the table, and he said to them, "I have really wanted so much to celebrate this Seder with you before I die! For I tell you, it is certain that I will not celebrate it again until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God." Then, taking a cup of wine, he made the b'rakhah and said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on, I will not drink the 'fruit of the vine' until the Kingdom of God comes." Also, taking a piece of matzah, he made the b'rakhah, broke it, gave it to them and said, "This is my body, which is being given for you; do this in memory of me." He did the same with the cup after the meal, saying, "This cup is the New Covenant, ratified by my blood, which is being poured out for you." Luke 22:15 - 22

Just as each covenant has reaffirmed the previous covenants, so to have they made provision for those outside of Israel.

When Yeshua talks of Israel, he refers to them as His sheep. However, he also makes mention of another sheep pen that isn't His:

"He said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Isra'el." Matthew 15:24

"I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep. Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd." John 10:14 - 16

This sheep from another pen are the sheep of the nations. Many will hear the Shepherd of Israel, and come close to Him, accept His message and follow Him.

Notice what Yeshua says of this flock. Both flocks will be one flock. There are not two separate pens anymore. There are not two separate ways. There is only one way.

Many will debate what that one way is.

It is His way that Adonai revealed to Israel through His Covenants.

"Therefore, remember your former state: you Gentiles by birth called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised at that time had no Messiah. You were estranged from the national life of Isra'el. You were foreigners to the covenants embodying God's promise. You were in this world without hope and without God. But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah's blood. For he himself is our shalom he has made us both one and has broken down the m'chitzah which divided us by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with its commands set forth in the form of ordinances. He did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom, and in order to reconcile to God both in a single body by being executed on a stake as a criminal and thus in himself killing that enmity." Ephesians 2:11 - 16

The nations were once foreigners to the covenants, without hope. Now they have access, freely without becoming circumcised. The path still flows through Israel and the Jewish people. The enmity / contention, between Jew and Gentile has now been eliminated. Torah being the source of that enmity, is now not the issue, in that through Yeshua, He too has written the instructions of Adonai on the hearts of all who will trust and follow Him. Torah has not been abolished as a result of this writing from Sha'ul, but rather the customs that developed as a result of Torah were abolished. One example would be the vision the Kefa had, prior to going to the house of Cornelius:

"The next day about noon, while they were still on their way and approaching the city, Kefa went up onto the roof of the house to pray. He began to feel hungry and wanted something to eat; but while they were preparing the meal, he fell into a trance in which he saw heaven opened, and something that looked like a large sheet being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals, crawling creatures and wild birds. Then a voice came to him, "Get up, Kefa, slaughter and eat!" But Kefa said, "No, sir! Absolutely not! I have never eaten food that was unclean or treif." The voice spoke to him a second time: "Stop treating as unclean what God has made clean." This happened three times, and then the sheet was immediately taken back up into heaven." Acts 10:9 - 16

Many believe and teach that this vision received by Kefa abolishes kashrut (kosher). However, the use of animals that were clean and unclean wasn't intended to nullify the instructions regarding which animals are permissible for food but rather nullifying the ordinance that developed with regards to separation of Jewish people and Gentiles, in that as a result of Gentiles pagan life style were deemed to be unclean. As a result of this vision, Kefa went without hesitation to visit with Cornelius:

"He said to them, "You are well aware that for a man who is a Jew to have close association with someone who belongs to another people, or to come and visit him, is something that just isn't done. But God has shown me not to call any person common or unclean; so when I was summoned, I came without raising any questions. Tell me, then, why did you send for me?" Acts 10:28 - 29

The ultimate intent of the New Covenant Adonai made with Israel, is to live in the fullness of all previous covenants. None of the changes nullify or conflict with the terms, conditions, provisions, promises or expectations of the previous covenants. They are still valid today. With each covenant, new provisions are made for Israel, with better promises. The New Covenant is no different. None of the previous covenants included an eternal High Priest whose sacrifice was sufficient once and for all. No other covenant stated that with this sacrifice as our atonement, would lead to Adonai not only forgiving our transgressions, but, He would not even remember them. As stated earlier, provision has been made for the foreigner / stranger who was not Jewish by birth.

The New Covenant restores an important aspect of our original creation. Through Adonai, He breathed His Ruach (Spirit) into us, thus giving us life.

"Then Adonai, God, formed a person [adam] from the dust of the ground [adamah] and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, so that he became a living being." Genesis 2:7

It was His Spirit that gave us life.

A result of our transgression led to a spiritual death that removed Adonai's Spirit from us, although not completely. We are still living breathing creatures, yet separated from Adonai. Yeshua spoke of a new birth (being born again).

"This man came to Yeshua by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know it is from God that you have come as a teacher; for no one can do these miracles you perform unless God is with him." "Yes, indeed," Yeshua answered him, "I tell you that unless a person is born again from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:2 - 3

A valid question raised by Nakdimon (Nicodimus) "How can a grown man be 'born'? Can he go back into his mother's womb and be born a second time?" John 3:4

"Yeshua answered, "Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." John 3:5

Yeshua's response to the above question provides some clarity to the question, but at the time, being born of the Spirit had not yet become a reality. The how was still a mystery that wouldn't be revealed until after His resurrection, first to His talmadim, and at Shavuot to many.

"Shalom aleikhem!" Yeshua repeated. "Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you." Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh!" John 20:21 - 22

"The festival of Shavu`ot arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak." Acts 2:1 - 4

It is the receiving of Adonai's Spirit again that begins our restoration back to our original form. There are two contrary factions working against one another - our acquired knowledge of good and evil (sin nature) and Adonai's Ruach Ha Kodesh that has been returned to us, for those who accept Yeshua as the promised Messiah. This comes through the New Covenant.

New Covenant Misconceptions

The New Covenant is vastly known and taught as a Covenant Adonai made with a new entity called the church. This misconception is the result of many false teachings, dating back centuries, with the intent of minimizing the importance of Adonai's Covenants with Avraham and the Jewish nation. It is unfortunate that the original intent was based on anti-semitism. The result can still be felt today, by the non-Jewish perspective the New Covenant is presented, and ultimately accepted by the vast majority within the church today. As we have presented above, of the two different types of covenants, universal and non-universal, neither type of covenant was ever made with an entity known as the church. (more below) Please keep in mind that there is mention of a plan made by Adonai, whereby in Genesis 3:15 it is mentioned that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent, but the fullness of Adonai's plan is still hidden to us.

The two universal covenants were made with all of mankind, but do not offer a path for redemption. At the time of the first covenant, there was no need for redemption, in that we were still in our original form of being a sinless creation of Adonai. The covenant promise Adonai made through Noach was that Adonai would never again flood the earth, after purging it of the evil that had consumed it. In addition, Adonai reaffirmed the first covenant by commanding Noach and his children to repopulate the earth. Adonai provided additional instruction for Noach and his descendents to live by. This covenant didn't include a path for the redemption of mankind from our sin nature.

The path for mankind's redemption begins with the covenant Adonai makes with Avraham, leading to the creation of the Jewish nation, for which Adonai will use to convey His plan for the redemption of all mankind. No other nation would have such a responsibility to undertake.

Another misconception regarding the New Covenant is that it is a universal covenant, made with all of mankind, similar to the Adamic and Noachic covenants. As we have shown previously, this New Covenant was made specifically with the Jewish people. The fact remains that without the Jewish people, there would be no provision for our redemption, because it is the path Adonai chose. For centuries, the importance of the Jewish people in conjunction with Adonai's plan have been minimized. Ha Satan's intent is to eliminate the Jewish people from existence. In doing so, without the Jewish people, the promises of Adonai couldn't be fulfilled. Unfortunately, throughout the centuries, the church (as an entity) have been facilitators of this plan, whether they were aware of it or not. I am not saying that the entire church is corrupt, but its history with the Jewish people is anything but positive. There are believers whose blindness has been removed from the erroneous teachings that have led to countless tragedies aimed at the destruction of the Jewish people. This faithful remnant see the significance and importance of the role Adonai has placed on the Jewish people.

It is through the Jewish people, with whom the New Covenant is established, enabling the non-Jewish believer to be brought nearer to Adonai. Jew and non-Jew are united in Messiah. Through the Jewish people, Adonai chose the path of Messiah Yeshua to follow. Unfortunately, history has completely changed this once Jewish dynamic into something that is unrecognizable. Simply put, one cannot deny the Jewishness of this New Covenant. Anyone that tries is deceiving themselves.

Another misconception is that each covenant replaced the previous covenant. This is also a false concept. As we have presented throughout this article, each covenant reaffirms the previous covenant and provides us with better promises.

To further expand on this false concept, many believe the "old testament" is the entire Jewish bible, the Tenach, which includes Torah. This leads to the premise that the entire Tenach is done away with, and the New Covenant writtings are the only authority. Again, this way of thinking stems from centuries of false teaching influenced by anti-semetism. The proper understanding is that Torah contains within it the covenants Adonai has made, but it isn't the covenant itself. The Tenach is Adonai's account of His relationship, first with mankind, then specifically with Avraham and Israel.

Below, we offer a brief presentation on two very dangerous theologies in existence today:

1. Covenant Theology

2. Dual Covenant Theology

Not only are they in existence today, but these theologies are still part of the structure of beliefs for many denominations, whether taught outright or just the influence of its teaching from centuries past.

Beware of Covenant Theology

Under the premise of what is known as "Covenant Theology" lies several different theories regarding Adonai's covenants. Unfortunately, the common theme in all diminishes the importance of the Jewish people and the covenants Adonai made exclusively with them. Dan Gruber provides an excellent presentation of "Covenant Theology" in his book "The Church and the Jews - The Biblical Relationship". He states that the Covenant view is based on the following:

1. Throughout history Israel and the church are one and the same, representing the faithful within mankind.

2. There exists a "Covenant of Grace" which is partially revealed in all of the covenants (universal and non-universal)

3. From its beginning, the church is the only covenant people, because all covenants, prophecies and promises are fulfilled through the New Covenant. Furthermore, Jewish people are grafted into the church when they become believers in Messiah. The significance of the Jewish people and Israel moving forward is non-existent, in relation to Adonai's plan.

Throughout this presentation, we have continually shown the progression of each covenant that Adonai has made through the Jewish people. With the advent of a new covenant, the previous covenant was not eliminated or abolished but reaffirmed and built upon. The premises regarding "Covenant Theology" cannot be supported by scripture.

1. Adonai set Israel apart for the purpose of being His witness to the world. Out of Israel would come the Messiah, whom would impact not only the Jewish people, but all nations.

2. The premise whereby the church and Israel are one is also not supported by scripture. Yeshua spoke of sheep from another pen that were not his own (John 10:14 - 16), referring to the nations outside of Israel. Yeshua has identified Himself with the Jewish people, yet mentions another people who will be receptive to His message, Adonai's message, for the redemption of all, who believe and follow the Jewish Messiah.

3. There is no evidence within the scriptures that can support the notion that the church are the only covenant people.

As a result of these teachings, Israel and the Jewish people have been spiritualized away. The church is now Israel, and the promises that result in a blessing are meant for the church, whereas the curses still apply to the Jewish people. Building upon the premise of the New Covenant being made with the church (rather than the Jewish people) has led to other teachings that fall under "Covenant Theology"

• Replacement Theology
• Dispensationalism
• Dominion Theology
• Kingdom Now Theology
• New Israel Theology

Be aware and be careful.

Beware of Dual Covenant Theology

Unlike "Covenant Theology" whereby the underlying premise is the church has replaced Israel, "Dual Covenant Theology" states that the Jewish people are redeemed through the covenant with Avraham while the church is redeemed through the New Covenant with Yeshua. Two ways not one. This method has been used recently to establish a non-confrontational relationship between Jewish people who are not believers in Yeshua and the church. By presenting a "two path" approach eliminates any contention or threat. Unfortunately, this premise is more harmful, because the "bridge building" that it is promoted as, is similar to the Alaskan bridge project that became prominent during the 2008 United States presidential election. The project became known as the "bridge to nowhere". The same can be said for the premise behind the guise of dual covenant theology. The non-threatening relationship being built, will lead to nowhere, because the truth of Messiah is being kept from many within the Jewish community.

The overwhelming tragedy of this belief is that it presents a false message to the Jewish people, deceiving them of the truth of Messiah. Sadly, one of the original promises made to Avraham is the motivation of this belief. " I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you" Genesis 12:3. The thinking is:

How can one be a blessing, when they are denying the truth of Adonai, to His very own people? Some consider, that by giving financially is a blessing. In some cases it is, because we are in a world that is financially driven. However, when we look at the bigger picture, Adonai's truth is the greatest blessing any Jewish person can receive.

"Then, as Kefa and Yochanan placed their hands on them, they received the Ruach HaKodesh. Shim`on saw that the Spirit was given when the emissaries placed their hands on them, and he offered them money. "Give this power to me, too," he said, "so that whoever I place my hands on will receive the Ruach HaKodesh." But Kefa said to him, "Your silver go to ruin and you with it, for thinking the free gift of God can be bought!" Acts 8:17 - 20

The errors in this way of thinking are many:

1. The covenant Adonai made with Avraham makes no mention of redemption from sin. There is no provision for atonement.

2. There is only one path by which one can be redeemed, not two. Yeshua himself states - "I AM the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

3. Many teachings indicate that the New Covenant is distinct and separate from the other covenants. However, the New Covenant teaches that belief in Yeshua as Messiah leads to fulfillment of the promises made to Avraham:

"His father Z'kharyah was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and spoke this prophecy: "Praised be Adonai, the God of Isra'el, because he has visited and made a ransom to liberate his people by raising up for us a mighty Deliverer who is a descendant of his servant David. It is just as he has spoken through the mouth of the prophets from the very beginning that we should be delivered from our enemies and from the power of all who hate us. "This has happened so that he might show the mercy promised to our fathers that he would remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore before Avraham avinu to grant us that we, freed from our enemies, would serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." Luke 1:67 - 75

"It was the same with Avraham: "He trusted in God and was faithful to him, and that was credited to his account as righteousness." Be assured, then, that it is those who live by trusting and being faithful who are really children of Avraham. Also the Tanakh, foreseeing that God would consider the Gentiles righteous when they live by trusting and being faithful, told the Good News to Avraham in advance by saying, "In connection with you, all the Goyim will be blessed." So then, those who rely on trusting and being faithful are blessed along with Avraham, who trusted and was faithful." Galatians 3: 6 - 9

Conclusion

The result of these covenants isn't that Adonai has changed but that man had. As with a child, a parent needs to establish boundaries in the form of rules, in order to properly raise a child into adulthood. The intent isn't to punish but to develop. Adonai's intent for us, was a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, we didn't abide by our creator's instructions. Through our history, Adonai was preparing a way back for us...to the relationship He had originally intended for us.

There have been some unfortunate outcomes over the centuries that have led us to where we are now. We can't go back and change what has already happened, but we can reeducate those who have been led astray. The challenge we face today, is that these false teachings are so established within the mainstream of believers. Seminaries continue to teach these false theologies, equipping new leaders with the wrong tools. It is Adonai Himself who guides us, when we first submit to Him. We need to be immersing ourselves in His Word, and He will show us His truth.

We must view His Word through Jewish eyes and with a Jewish understanding. Removing the Jewishness of Messiah and the Word of Adonai changes the context for which it was originally presented to the world. It is through the Jewish people that Adonai chose to present His plan for the redemption of the people in this world. In doing so, the traits, mannerisms and understanding have taken on a Jewish identity.

From personal experience, it was these inconsistencies (mentioned throughout this article) of what was being taught in relation to what I was reading in Adonai's Word that motivated me to dig deeper. Hopefully this presentation will encourage you to dig deeper into the Jewishness of Adonai's truth found through Messiah.

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Permission has been granted to Jewish Heritage Revival for the use of Scripture quotations in its articles, taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright 1998 by  David H.  Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications,  Inc., 6120 Day Long  Lane, Clarksville, Maryland 21029.  www.messianicjewish.net

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