Covenant - Concepts of Berit, Diatheke, and Testamentum: Proceedings of the Conference at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas, November 2019

The covenant is a complex and disputed topic in ancient Near Eastern religions, Second Temple Judaism, early Christian literature, and the early Christian Church and Rabbinic Judaism. This collection explores the diverse spectrum of covenant concepts and their theological implications and later applications in religious texts from different scholarly perspectives. It provides a detailed and comprehensive presentation of the range of covenantal concepts and their complexities throughout the ages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 730 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

The study of ancient Near Eastern religions, Second Temple Judaism, early Christian literature, and the early Christian Church and Rabbinic Judaism is intricately linked to the concept of covenant, which is both complex and contentious among ancient and modern scholars. This concept permeates a significant portion of biblical and related literature across numerous centuries. The essays in this collection delve into the diverse range of covenant concepts that emerged during this time period in various parts of the ancient Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean. They also explore the theological implications and subsequent applications in religious texts from different scholarly perspectives. The outcome is a comprehensive, detailed, and thorough presentation of the vast array of covenantal concepts and their complexities in biblical and cognate literature throughout the ages, accompanied by a insightful examination of the history of pertinent scholarly research.

The concept of covenant holds immense significance in the study of ancient Near Eastern religions, Second Temple Judaism, early Christian literature, and the early Christian Church and Rabbinic Judaism. It is a multifaceted and intricate concept that has been debated by scholars throughout history, both ancient and modern. The covenant permeates a vast array of biblical and related literature, spanning numerous centuries.

In the context of ancient Near Eastern religions, covenant played a central role in the relationship between God and the people. It was a binding agreement between the two parties, often characterized by specific terms and conditions. The covenant was seen as a means of establishing a lasting relationship and ensuring the loyalty and obedience of the people to God.

In Second Temple Judaism, the concept of covenant took on even greater importance. The Hebrew Bible, which includes the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, contains numerous references to the covenant between God and the Israelites. The covenant was seen as a means of preserving the Israelites' identity and heritage and ensuring their continued existence as a people.

Early Christian literature also reflects the significance of covenant. The New Testament, in particular, contains numerous references to the covenant between God and Jesus Christ. The covenant is seen as a means of establishing a new relationship between God and humanity and providing a path to salvation and eternal life.

In the early Christian Church and Rabbinic Judaism, the concept of covenant continued to be important. The Rabbinic tradition, in particular, emphasized the importance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people and its role in preserving the Jewish faith and tradition.

However, the interpretation and understanding of covenant have varied among ancient and modern scholars. Some scholars argue that covenant is a timeless concept that has been present throughout human history, while others argue that it emerged specifically in the ancient Near East. There are also different perspectives on the nature and extent of the covenant, with some scholars emphasizing its legal and contractual aspects while others emphasize its spiritual and moral dimensions.

The essays in this collection explore the diverse spectrum of covenant concepts that emerged during this time period in different parts of the ancient Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean. They also discuss the theological implications and later applications of these concepts in religious texts from different scholarly perspectives. The result is a detailed, comprehensive, and thorough presentation of the tremendous range of covenantal concepts and their complexities in biblical and cognate literature throughout the ages, accompanied by a insightful examination of the history of pertinent scholarly research.

In conclusion, the concept of covenant is a fundamental aspect of the study of ancient Near Eastern religions, Second Temple Judaism, early Christian literature, and the early Christian Church and Rabbinic Judaism. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been debated by scholars throughout history, both ancient and modern. The essays in this collection provide a comprehensive exploration of the diverse spectrum of covenant concepts and their theological implications and later applications in religious texts from different scholarly perspectives. By examining the history of scholarly research on covenant, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this concept in the study of religious texts and the history of the ancient Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Weight: 1208g
Dimension: 167 x 238 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783161617737