What is the Abrahamic Covenant?
The Abrahamic covenant is a one-sided agreement between God and Abraham. A unilateral covenant is an agreement between two parties in which only one party has the authority to act. In the instance of God and Abraham's agreement, God was the only one who had to act, making it a unilateral (or unconditional) covenant. Genesis 12:1-3 contains the Abrahamic covenant. Abram was a man who lived in ancient Mesopotamia and was a descendant of Noah via Shem (Genesis 11:10-27). "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you," God said one day. And I will create you a big country, bless you, and magnify your name so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who dishonour you, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed" (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise is now referred to as the Abrahamic covenant.
We know the pact was unilateral because in the ancient world, a covenant was made formal by cutting open a dove, ram, or other animal or animals and placing the pieces on the ground so that both persons involved in the covenant could walk between them. In the event of God's covenant with Abraham, God took the appearance of a "smoking furnace and a flaming torch" and travelled only between the pieces. During this time, God induced Abraham to fall asleep, guaranteeing that the full weight of duty in the covenant would fall on God rather than Abraham (Genesis 15).
The Abrahamic covenant is divided into three parts:
The promise of land came first (Genesis 12:1). When God called Abram, he was living in Ur of the Chaldeans, and God instructed him to relocate to another area that God would show him. That land turned out to be Canaan (Genesis 12:6-7), but it would take several generations for Israel to fully occupy it (Joshua 22:1-6).
Second, there was the promise of a progeny as numerous as the sand on the beach or the stars in the sky, who would bless the entire earth (Genesis 22:17-18). God promised Abraham's descendants that they would become a powerful country with mighty kings (Genesis 17:6).
Third, God promised to deliver blessing and redemption to all humanity via Abraham's people. God repeated this promise to Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:3-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28:14-15). Despite the fact that all three patriarchs committed sins, God's unconditional promise stands. Because Jesus was the sole partner in the covenant, no human action could render the vow null and worthless.
The Abrahamic covenant is an everlasting covenant that extends into Christ's future kingdom. Ezekiel foresaw a day when Israel will be entirely restored to the Promised Land as a nation (Ezekiel 20:33-37, 40-42; 36:1—37:28). As promised, Israel as a country shall be rebuilt, blessed, and redeemed (Romans 11:25-27). Most importantly, not only Israel, but all people, have entry to God's kingdom through the Messiah, who is an Abrahamic descendent (John 3:16-17).
SIN
God hates sin because it opposes His very nature and is the work of the devil (John 8:44). God describes sin as wounds and bruises (Isaiah 1:6), as a burden (Psalm 38:4), as something that defiles (Titus 1:15), a heavy debt (Matthew 6:12-15), a stain (Isaiah 1:18), and as darkness (1 John 1:6).
God created the world and called it good. Soon, however, Adam and Eve sinned, bringing judgment (Genesis 3). Sin disrupted Adam and Eve's fellowship with God and their relationship with each other, as well as their relationship with creation. Sin is a perversion of the good God created. God hates sin because it brings death and separation (Romans 6:23) whereas He longs to bring us life (John 10:10).
Cain brought an unacceptable offering and then killed his brother Abel in jealousy. His sins were despised or hated by God and brought judgment upon him (Genesis 4).
The sins of the world led to God's judgment through a Great Flood during the time of Noah (Genesis 6—8). Only eight members of Noah's family escaped this wrath. Even following the Flood, God judged the pride of men at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). He would soon call Abraham to begin a people who would be devoted to Him, later known as Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).
The Israelites would serve as an example of God's hatred of sin and His forgiveness when they repented. When Jesus came, He gave His very life to pay the price of sin.
The sins of humanity cost God greatly. However, He offers us forgiveness and eternal life through faith in His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He longs to remove our sins and restore us to the right relationship with Himself.
All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). This sin leads to death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23) for those who do not believe in Jesus by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Isaiah 59:2 notes, "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." Yet Paul noted the change Jesus can bring: "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25).
As Christians, we should also hate sin as God does. Sin is deceitful and brings about death (James 1:14-15). We are called to be "children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness" (1 Thessalonians 5:5). God has called us to be holy (1 Peter 2:9).
God will ultimately conquer sin when He makes all things new at the end of time. There will be a new heaven and new earth, with the end of the curse of sin on God's people (Revelation 21—22).
To be a disciple of Jesus you must want to be understand sin and how sin serrate you from a loving god you must want to be free from the bondages of this world cry out to Jesus for help.
Ten Egyptian Plagues for Ten Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Moses, called of God to be the Deliverer.
The God of Israel Is the Greatest
Moses was a great prophet, called by God with a very important job to do. As an instrument in the Lord's hand, he performed many signs, or "wonders," attempting to convince the Pharaoh to allow the Israelites freedom from their bondage of slavery to the Egyptians. These "wonders" are more commonly referred to as "plagues" sent from the God of Israel as proof that the "one true God" was far greater than all of the multiple Gods of the Egyptian These Egyptian plagues were harsh and varied to correspond to the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses prevalent during Moses's time in Egypt.
Significance of the Number 10 in Biblical Numerology
Just as the "Ten Commandments" become symbolic of the fullness of God's moral law, the ten ancient plagues of Egypt represent the fullness of God's expression of justice and judgment upon those who refuse to repent.
Ten times God, through Moses, allows Pharaoh to change his mind, repent, and turn to the one true God, each time increasing the severity of the consequence of the plagues suffered for disobedience to His request. Ten times Pharaoh, because of pride, refuses to be taught by the Lord and receives "judgments" through the plagues, pronounced upon his head from Moses, the deliverer.
Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
The Ten Egyptian Plagues and Jesus
Moses and Aaron are sent as messengers of the Lord to Pharaoh to instruct him to let the children of Israel go "so that they may serve the Lord." It is further stipulated that they must be allowed to travel a three-day journey to offer their sacrifices as a means of worship.
Pharaoh responds simply: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go." Soon, however, Pharaoh will find out who this God is and why he should obey His voice. He will understand His power over all the other Egyptian gods and goddesses.
These ten Egyptian plagues not only demonstrated the power of God to Moses, the children of Israel, the Egyptians, and Pharaoh, but they were of such magnitude that they would be remembered for all generations throughout the entire world. They again testify, as does both the Old and New Testament alike, that salvation from beginning to end, is only accomplished through Jesus Christ (Heb 12:2)
The following list will provide further info on each of God's plagues as well as the Egyptian god each plague correlated with.
Ten Plagues and the Corresponding Egyptian God
- Water Turned to Blood (Hapi)
- Frogs Coming From the Nile (Heket)
- Lice From the Earth's Dust (Geb)
- Swarms of Flies (Khepri)
- Death of Cattle and Livestock (Hathor)
- Ashes Turned to Boils and Sores (Isis)
- Hail in the Form of Fire (Nut)
- Locus Sent From the Sky (Seth)
- Three Days of Complete Darkness (Ra)
- Death of the Firstborn (Pharaoh)
Hapi, the Egyptian god of the Nile.
1. Water Turned to Blood (Hepi)
The first plague that was given to the Egyptians from God was that of turning the water to blood. As Aaron, the spokesman for Moses, touched the "rod" of the Lord to the Nile River it immediately turned to blood, all the fish died, and the river stank. Partially able to duplicate this miracle, the magicians of Pharaoh also turn water into blood, leaving Pharaoh unimpressed with this great wonder from God.
Seven days the water throughout all the land of Egypt remained in this state, unsuitable for drinking, the perfect length of time to demonstrate that the Lord was superior to all the other Gods of Egypt.
Heket, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, water, and renewal.
2. Frogs Coming From the Nile (Heket)
Still, Pharaoh refused to let the children of Israel go from the presence of Egypt.
The second plague that was extended upon Egypt, from the "rod" by Aaron, was that of frogs. The frogs came up from the river and were in their houses, in their food, in their clothing, in every place possible. From the greatest to the least, no one in Egypt escaped the plague of frogs. Pharaoh's magicians were able to bring more frogs in their attempt to imitate the power of God, but only Moses was able to make the frogs go away. This was another attack on a famous Egyptian Goddess, Heket.
Geb, the Egyptian god of the Earth.
3. Lice From the Earth's Dust (Geb)
Still Pharaoh would not concede, even after this display of power from the Lord, or magnificent plague, he would not let them go.
At the command of the Lord to Moses, Aaron was told to stretch forth his rod and smite the dust of the earth. When he did the dust became lice throughout all the land, on both people and beasts. The very dust that was referred to in the creation process of man is now used to plague men, as a reminder of his mortality and sin which both lead to death.
Finally, the magicians of Pharaoh are humiliated, being unable to compete with this power that was so much greater than themselves and the powers that they had from their Egyptian gods and goddesses, and they profess, "this is the finger of God." This was the last plague that required Aaron's involvement, as the next set of three plagues are issued by the word of Moses himself.
Khepri, the Egyptian god of creation, movement of the sun, and rebirth.
4. Swarms of Flies (Khepri)
With the fourth Egyptian plague, which consisted of flies, begins the great miracle ot separation or differentiation. Moses met Pharaoh at the Nile River in the morning and made the demand, speaking on behalf of the Lord, "Let My peole go, that they may serve Me." Again, Pharaoh hardened his heart and disregarded the request, resulting in a pronouncement of swarms of flies.
This time, however, only the Egyptians are affected by the judgement, or plague, and the children of Israel remain unscathed. This wonder also moves the Egyptian plagues to a different level, adding destruction as well as discomfort to the consequence of their decisions.
Plagued by flies, Pharaoh tried a new tactic and begins bargaining with the Lord, showing his desire to maintain power and authority over God. He tries to dictate the terms and conditions of the offer, telling them they may sacrifice but only "in the land" clearly not complying with the requested "three days journey" that the Lord required. Moses wouldn't budge, and Pharaoh relented allowing them to leave, but telling them not to "go very far."
This temporary allowance is made solely to have Moses "intreat the Lord that the swarms of flies may depart", at this point Pharaoh has learned in part who the Lord is and asks for His assistance over the Egyptian gods and goddesses. As soon as the request is granted by the Lord, Pharaoh reneges on his promise and will not let them go, and continues to worship his Egyptian Gods.
Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love and protection.
5. Death of Cattle and Livestock (Hathor)
Moses once again demanded of Pharaoh, "Let my people go, that they may serve me", revealing also the next Egytian plague to occur on the condition of continued disobedience to the request. This plague was given with an advanced warning, allowing a period of repentance to occur, which goes unheeded.
"Tomorrow" the hand of the Lord would be felt upon all the cattle and livestock, of only the Egyptians, as"grievous murrain." This means that disease and pestilence would fall upon their livestock with so severe a consequence as to cause them to die. This plague affected the Egyptian by creating a huge economic disaster, in areas of food, transportation, military supplies, farming, and economic goods that were produced by these livestock. Still Pharaohs heart remained hard and he would not listen to the Lord but remained faith to the Egytian gods and goddesses.
Isis, the Egyptian goddess of medicine and peace.
6. Ashes Turned to Boils and Sores (Isis)
Unannounced the sixth Egyptian plague is given, for the first time, directly attacking the Egyptian people themselves. Being instructed by the Lord, Moses took ashes from the furnace of affliction, and threw them into the air. As the dust from the ashes blew all over Egypt, it settled on man and beast alike in the form of boils and sores.
As with the previous two, throughout the remaining Egyptian plagues the division is drawn between the Egyptians and the children of Israel, as God gives protection to his covenant people. The severity of the judgment of God has now become personal, as it is actually felt by the people themselves.
Cleanliness being paramount in the Egyptian society, this plague pronounces the people "unclean." The magicians who have been seen throughout the previous plagues are unable to perform ceremonially rituals to their Egyptian Gods and Goddesses in this unclean state, not allowing them to even stand before Pharaoh; they are seen in the scriptural account no more. It is great to notice the contrast shown as Moses and Aaron are the only ones left standing in front of Pharaoh, with the "One True God" as their support.
Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky.
7. Hail in the Form of Fire (Nut)
Again warning is given before the enactment of the plague takes place. Pharaoh is warned of the impending doom that will be faced if he does not listen to the Lord, and forget his own Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Hail of unspeakable size and ability to destroy, would rain down from the sky and turn to fire as it hit the ground. The Lord, in showing Pharaoh that "there is none like Him in the Earth", allows those who are willing to hear His word, and do as He commands, to be saved.
A division is now felt between the Egyptians in the form of those "converted" to the Lord, as shown by their obedience and willingness to escape to the protection of their "houses." Similarly we are warned to make our houses a place of refuge from the world today, we have been warned.
Interestingly enough, the crops that were destroyed by the hail consisted of flax and barley, which were ripening in the fields. These two particular crops were not the mainstay of their diet, but were used more specifically for their clothing and libations. This destruction would make their life uncomfortable, but as far as effecting their food supply , the wheat still survived. This gave the Egyptians still another chance to turn to "the One True God", and forsake their own Egyptian gods and goddesses, thus showing His mercy and grace even yet.
Seth, the Egyptian god of storms and disorder.
8. Locusts Sent From the Sky (Seth)
Still Pharaoh would not listen to the message of the Lord, still he relys on his own Egyptian gods and goddesses.
The eighth plague issued by the Lord had an even greater purpose than all the others, it was to be felt so that Pharaoh would tell even "his sons and son's sons" the mighty things of the Lord, thus teaching even future generations of the power of the "strong hand of God" over all the other Egyptian gods and goddesses.
Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh with the same request, "Let my people go so that they may serve me", and pronounced the judgment of locusts if not heeded. This is the second wave of destruction to follow the hail, and whatever crops were left in tact after that display, were now completely consumed by the swarms of locusts that were unleashed from the sky. This wonder definitely affected their life source. By hitting them in their food supply, the Lord displayed the possibility of eminent death if a change of heart did not occur. Yet still, Pharaoh would not listen.
Ra, the Egyptian sun god.
9. Three Days of Complete Darkness (Ra)
Darkness now fell upon Egypt, unannounced, as a prelude to the future fate to be felt by the Egyptian empire when the message of the Lord was not heeded, and they still turned to their own Egyptian gods and goddesses. Three days of palpable darkness, that was so immense it could be physically felt, covered the land of Egypt.
The sun, the most worshipped God in Egypt other than Pharaoh himself, gave no light. The Lord showed that he had control over the sun as a witness that the God of Israel had ultimate power over life and death. The psychological and religious impact would have had a profound influence on the Egyptians at this point. Darkness was a representation of death, judgment and hopelessness. Darkness was a complete absence of light.
Pharaoh, the ultimate power of Egypt.
10. Death of the Firstborn (Pharaoh)
Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, was worshipped by the Egyptians because he was considered to be the greatest Egyptian God of all. It was believed that he was actually the son of Ra himself, manifest in the flesh.
After the plague of darkness felt throughout the land was lifted, Pharaoh resumed his position of "bargaining with the Lord" and offered Moses another "deal." Since virtually all of the Egyptian animals had been consumed by the judgments of the Lord, Pharaoh now consented to the request made, to let the people go, but they must leave their animals behind.
This was a totally unacceptable offer, as the animals were to be used as the actual sacrifice to the Lord. The Lord is uncompromising when He has set the terms.
Enraged by the refusal, Pharaoh pronounced the last deadly plague to be unleashed upon the land from his very own lips as he warns Moses, "Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die."
And Moses said, "Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more."
At this point the passive obedience that the children of Israel have shown is now moved to a level of active obedience. They are given strict instructions to follow so that they do not also feel the judgment of this last plague sent by the Lord. These instructions are known as "The Feast of Passover", "The Feast of Unleavened Bread", and "The Law of the Firstborn." In these rituals are displayed the law of sacrifice, the law of the gospel, and the law of consecration, all necessary requirements to receive ultimate salvation from spiritual death.
"Let My people go that they may serve Me"
As God's children today we have learned through this great show of power that ultimately it will require "active obedience" to receive salvation from the "One True God."
Looking back over the instructions that were given to Pharaoh to "let my people go that they may serve me", this principle is manifest throughout. Service to the Lord is the requirement of His people, and the blessing for this show of obedience and sacrifice is the ultimate salvation not only from physical death but from spiritual death as well.