What are the 5 covenant in the Bible?

A covenant is defined as an agreement or promise, usually formal, between two or more people or groups to do or not do something specified. In the Bible, covenants are agreements between God and an that reveals his plan to save the humanity. The covenants are a framework for the Bible and are thematically connected. Some of the covenants in the Bible include:

There are seven known covenants in the bible:

1. Abrahamic Covenant

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. ²“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a] ³I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”[b] Genesis 12:1-3

The covenant between Abraham and God consisted of three separate parts:

the promised land: The first part of the covenant is known as the promised land and can be found in Genesis 12:1, where Abraham is called by God to leave Ur and go to a place known as Canaan
the promise of the descendants: The second part of the covenant is known as the promise of the descendants and can be found in Genesis 12:2. This is where God promised Abraham that he would make a great nation out of him
the promise of blessing and redemption: The third and last part of the Abrahamic covenant is known as the promise of blessing and redemption. It can be found in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to bless Abraham and all of his descendants.

2. Noah Covenant

The Noahic Covenant is the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, as recorded in Genesis 9:8-17. It is a universal and unconditional covenant, meaning it applies to all of humanity and does not depend on human actions.

Key Aspects of the Noahic Covenant

a) God’s Promise:

- God promised never to destroy the earth again by a flood (Genesis 9:11).
- This covenant is with Noah, his descendants, and all living creatures (Genesis 9:9-10).
b)The Sign of the Covenant:
- God placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise (Genesis 9:12-13).
- Whenever a rainbow appears, it serves as a reminder of God’s everlasting covenant (Genesis 9:16).
c) Mankind’s Responsibility:
- Be fruitful and multiply – Humans were commanded to fill the earth (Genesis 9:1, 7).
- Respect for life – Murder is condemned, and capital punishment is introduced (Genesis 9:5-6).
- Dietary changes – Humans are allowed to eat meat but not consume blood (Genesis 9:3-4).

d) Significance of the Noahic Covenant

It establishes God’s mercy and faithfulness despite human sin.
It serves as a foundation for human government and justice (e.g., accountability for taking life).
It is a universal covenant, applying to all humanity and nature.
It foreshadows God’s ultimate redemption, as later covenants (like the Abrahamic and New Covenants) build upon it.

Read also Obadiah

3. The Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant, also called the Sinai Covenant, is the covenant God made with the nation of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. It is recorded primarily in Exodus 19–24 and expanded upon in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Key Aspects of the Mosaic Covenant

a) A Conditional Covenant

- Unlike the Noahic and Abrahamic covenants, which were unconditional, the Mosaic Covenant was conditional—Israel’s blessings depended on obedience to God’s laws.

Exodus 19:5 – “If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

b) The Giving of the Law

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) serve as the core moral law.

The covenant includes 613 laws covering moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects of Israel’s life.

The Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system were established to maintain the people’s relationship with God.

c)The Covenant Ceremony

The people agreed to obey God’s laws (Exodus 24:3).

The covenant was sealed with the sprinkling of blood (Exodus 24:8) as a sign of commitment.

d)Blessings & Curses (Deuteronomy 28)

Blessings: Prosperity, protection, and success if Israel obeyed God.

Curses: Exile, suffering, and destruction if Israel disobeyed.

4. The Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant is the covenant God made with King David, promising him an everlasting dynasty. It is found in 2 Samuel 7:8-16, with further developments in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 and Psalm 89.

Key Aspects of the Davidic Covenant

a) God’s Promise to David

1. God chose David as king and promised to make his name great (2 Samuel 7:8-9).
2. David’s descendants would rule Israel forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
3. David’s kingdom would never end (2 Samuel 7:16).

b) The Messiah from David’s Line

- - One of David’s descendants would establish an eternal kingdom.
  - This prophecy ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the “Son of David,” whose kingdom is everlasting (Luke 1:32-33, Matthew 1:1).

c) Unconditional Covenant

- - - Unlike the Mosaic Covenant, which depended on obedience, the Davidic Covenant was unconditional—God guaranteed David’s dynasty regardless of Israel’s failures.
    - Even when Israel sinned, God upheld the covenant but disciplined them (Psalm 89:30-37).

d)The Temple Promise

God told David that his son (Solomon) would build the temple in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 7:13).

The temple was a sign of God’s presence among His people. Israel’s history (exile to Babylon, destruction of Jerusalem) reflects their failure to keep the covenant.

read also Accuser of Brethren

The Davidic Covenant in Biblical History

Partial Fulfillment: David’s son Solomon ruled and built the temple, but his reign was not eternal.
Ultimate Fulfillment in Jesus:
- Jesus, from David’s lineage, is the eternal King (Matthew 1:1, Revelation 22:16).
- His kingdom is not earthly but spiritual, ruling over all believers.
- He is the perfect King who reigns forever (Luke 1:32-33).

5. The New Covenant

The New Covenant is the covenant God made through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe in Him. It was prophesied in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Read also Praying for Others: A Guide to Intercessory Prayer

Key Aspects of the New Covenant

Prophesied in the Old Testament
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 – God promised a new covenant, different from the Mosaic Covenant.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 – God would give people a new heart and His Spirit to help them obey.
Established by Jesus Christ
- Luke 22:20 – Jesus said at the Last Supper, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
- Hebrews 9:15 – Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, offering eternal redemption.
Key Differences from the Old (Mosaic) Covenant
- Law written on hearts, not stone (Jeremiah 31:33) – Internal transformation rather than external rules.
- Forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 8:12) – Unlike the Mosaic system, which required ongoing sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers (Ezekiel 36:27, Acts 2) – Instead of following laws by human effort, believers are guided by the Spirit.
Universal in Scope
- Unlike previous covenants made with Israel, the New Covenant is for all people—Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:16).

The New Covenant in Biblical History

Old Testament covenants pointed to it – The Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic Covenants all foreshadowed the New Covenant.
Fulfilled in Jesus – His death and resurrection sealed the covenant.
Ongoing in the Church – Believers today live under the New Covenant, receiving salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).