Abrahamic covenant

Abraham (Avram) is a central figure in Judaism as the first Jew and the recipient of God’s covenant, a special two-way agreement between God and His chosen people. This covenant forms the foundation of the Jewish faith, linking all Jews to Abraham and his descendants and establishing the responsibilities and blessings associated with being God’s chosen people.

God’s Promises to Abraham

God made several key promises to Abraham:

1. Land
   God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, later known as the Promised Land or Israel. As Genesis 13:15 states, “All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.”This promise encourages Jews to feel a deep spiritual connection to the land of Israel, and in some cases may influence relocation there.

2. Family
   Abraham was promised that he would have many descendants. God said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them… So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). This teaches Jews to recognise the historical and spiritual connection shared by all members of the Jewish people, understanding themselves as part of a larger family rooted in Abraham.

3. Blessing
   God vowed to protect and bless Abraham’s descendants, stating, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and all peoples on earth shall be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). This promise inspires Jews to live ethically, follow God’s commandments, and contribute positively to the world.

Abraham’s Obedience and the Covenant

Abraham’s obedience was central to the covenant. God instructed him to leave his home in Ur and journey to Canaan, demonstrating faith and trust in God. He was also commanded to maintain monotheism, “walk faithfully and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1), avoiding idols, in order to uphold God’s promise.

To seal the covenant, God commanded Abraham and all his male descendants to undergo circumcision: “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you… Every male among you shall be circumcised… it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you” (Genesis 17:10-11). This practice continues today as a key sign of Jewish identity and commitment to God.

Shortly after the covenant was established, Abraham and his wife Sarah were blessed with a son, Isaac, marking the fulfillment of God’s promises and the continuation of the covenant. Their son Isaac would later father Jacob, renamed Israel, whose twelve sons became the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the ancestors of the Jewish people.

Responsibilities Arising from the Covenant

The covenant with Abraham has had lasting significance for Jews:

• Chosen People: Jews are seen as God’s chosen people, tasked with remaining faithful and acting as “a light to the nations” (la’goyim).

• Faith and Obedience: Abraham’s model of faith encourages Jews to trust and follow God’s commandments, even in challenging circumstances.

• Spiritual Connection to Israel: The promise of the land fosters a strong sense of spiritual and historical connection to Israel.

• Ethical Living: The blessing of Abraham’s descendants inspires Jews to act righteously, treat others well, and contribute to repairing the world.

• Continuity: Circumcision continues as a sign of commitment, linking each generation to the covenant established by Abraham.

Sources of Authority

• Genesis 12:1-3: God calls Abraham to leave his home, promising blessings, greatness, and protection.

• Genesis 13:15: God promises Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan.

• Genesis 15:5: Abraham’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars.

• Genesis 16:13: Abraham’s offspring will face hardship in a foreign land but will eventually go free with great wealth.

• Genesis 17:1-27: Establishes the covenant and commands circumcision.

• Deuteronomy 7:6: Affirms that the Jewish people are chosen by God.

Summary

Abraham is central to Judaism because God established the first covenant with him, promising land, family, and blessing. Abraham’s faith, obedience, and commitment to God set an enduring example for Jews, influencing ethical living, spiritual identity, and connection to Israel. The covenant, sealed through circumcision and continued through his descendants, links all Jews to Abraham and underscores their responsibility to follow God’s commandments and uphold the values of the faith.