Relevant Verses: Deuteronomy 5; 26:16–19

Theme: Promise and Responsibility

Leading Question: Why is keeping a promise important?

The book of Deuteronomy makes repeated reference to the word “covenant.” It appears no less than twenty-seven times. What is more, the entire book is structured along the lines of an ancient Near Eastern covenant. But it is the transformation of an ancient covenant into biblical thought that is so radical and revolutionary. Essentially, ancient covenants were peace treaties, sometimes between individuals, clans, and tribes, at other times between nations. So, for instance, Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech, king of Gerar (Gen 21:27), as ...