The gift of the Covenant in the Old Testament and Norms of Human Conduct

Abstract

A covenant establishes a structured accountability that allows all parties to act justly. The concept of a covenant in the Old Testament is used to describe the relationship between God and humans. This relationship forms a bond that involves the voluntary acceptance by the parties involved in the covenant, namely God and humans. The covenant between God and humans is not equal because it occurs within a special relationship where God accompanies, liberates, gives, and gathers humans to create order in life. God's regulations are intended for the behavior of Israel and include various norms and customs derived from local tribal regulations, tribal traditions, priestly teachings, and wisdom teachings.