The Making of the Covenant: Exegetical Analysis of Ex. 19:1-8; 24:1-11

Abstract

A people’s image of God is an essential element to the ways in which they relate to their creator, to other human beings and to the whole of creation. This paper’s two textual units – Ex. 19:1-8; 24:1-11 – deal with the making of the covenant between YHWH and the people of Israel. Thus, Israelites have the privilege to be called “children of the covenant.” The covenantal motif moves me in my choice of this text. The faithful and true God trusts human beings, even in their frailty, as exemplified by the struggles of Israelites in fulfilling the covenant obligations. Israelites remains a privileged people entrusted with the law of YHWH. This alludes to their identity, a people bound to God by the covenant. This paper explores issues around the mak-ing of a covenant. I am using the NRSV which is much closer to the original text and subsequently appropriate for exegetical work.