![]() ![]() First, unlike the kings of Assyria and Babylon, whose goal was to subjugate their neighbors, Israel’s suzerain was benevolent. Recognizing the form and function of ancient treaties can help us understand the biblical covenant in several ways. Implications for understanding the biblical covenant Lastly, Moses calls on “heaven and earth”-every part of creation-to serve as witnesses against Israel (30:19 31:28). For Deuteronomy, the ultimate covenant curse is exile: Yahweh would expel his people from the promised land (28:36, 64 also 4:25–28).Ĭhapter 31 provides the statement about the document Moses instructs the people to read the covenant publicly every seven years (31:9–13) and to place it by the ark of the covenant (31:24–26). The largest section of the book, Moses’ speeches in chapters 4–26, details the stipulations of the covenant agreement-in this case, Israel’s obligations as the vassal.Ĭhapter 28 contains the blessings and curses, which spell out representative “good things” that will happen if Israel keeps the covenant and “bad things” if they do not. ![]() Then a historical prologue highlights Israel’s recent rebellion against God in the wilderness (1:6–3:29). ![]() The book begins with a preamble identifying Moses, who represents the suzerain, Yahweh (1:1–5). Witnesses are called to observe the agreement and, if necessary, to witness against a party that does not keep its terms.ĭeuteronomy contains each of these six elements.A statement about the document itself gives instructions about its storage, display, or periodic recital.The blessings and curses list consequences for faithfulness and unfaithfulness to the treaty.The stipulations are the heart of a treaty, defining the terms of the agreement, usually the obligations of the vassal. ![]()
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