The Promised Land & the Covenant with Abraham | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

What is a Covenant?

A covenant is a mutual agreement between two or more parties, designed to benefit all involved. It establishes a relationship rooted in commitment and love, distinct from a contract. Below are key aspects of a covenant, particularly in the context of Judaism:

• Mutual Responsibilities: A covenant imposes duties on all parties, making it binding only when these obligations are fulfilled.
• Commitment of Love: Unlike a contract, a covenant creates a deep, loving relationship between the parties.
• Sealed by an Oath: In Judaism, covenants are established and formalized through an oath, which is so significant that "oath" is sometimes used interchangeably with "covenant."
• Everlasting Covenant: The covenant with God, known as brit olam (everlasting covenant), signifies God's unbreakable commitment to the Jewish people.
• Special Relationship with God: The covenant fosters a unique bond between Jews and God, as well as among Jews themselves.
• Jewish Identity and Community: It shapes Jewish identity, encouraging self-reflection on their relationship with God and emphasizing the importance of every community member.
• Moral Obligations: The covenant guides Jews to live according to tradition, embodying generosity, compassion, justice, and concern for others' welfare.

Covenant Made with Abraham

For Jews, Abraham is revered as the founder and first patriarch of Judaism, serving as a role model for the Jewish people. He was the first prophet to receive a covenant from God and share His message. The covenant with Abraham introduced the concept of the Promised Land, a homeland for the Jewish people. The covenant consists of three main components:

• Call to Canaan: God directed Abraham and his family to leave their home and settle in Canaan, known as the Promised Land (modern-day Israel).
• Promise of a Great Nation: God vowed to make Abraham the father of a great nation.
• Blessing for Abraham’s Family: God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants.

The Story of Abraham’s Covenant

The story of God’s covenant with Abraham is a cornerstone of Judaism. Abraham was born in Ur (modern-day Iraq) during a time when idol worship was prevalent. 
According to the Book of Genesis, God appeared to Abraham in a vision, saying:

“Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you” (Genesis 12:1–2).

• God instructed Abraham to leave his homeland for Canaan, follow His rules, and set a positive example for others. 
• In return, God promised Abraham and his wife, Sarah, a long-desired child and designated their descendants as His chosen people. 
• Abraham agreed that he and his descendants would worship and obey God while leading by example.

As a seal of the covenant, God commanded circumcision, stating:

“[Circumcision] shall be the mark of the covenant between Me and you… Throughout all generations, every male shall be circumcised when he is eight days old… The uncircumcised male… shall have his soul cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant” (Genesis 17:11–14).

• Abraham upheld the covenant, and Sarah gave birth to their son, Isaac. 
• God chose Isaac to inherit the covenant, which was later passed to Isaac’s son, Jacob. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are recognized as Israel’s patriarchs. 
• To honor this covenant, Jewish tradition includes the Brit Milah, the circumcision of male infants on the eighth day after birth.