I Kings 9:1-9
Covenant is a key part of the story of God and humanity. There are times when the covenant is unconditional – God will do this thing regardless of what we do; and times when the covenant is conditional – if the people are faithful then God will do this thing. This passage focuses on a conversation between God and Solomon, which ends up being an offshoot of the Davidic covenant. (2 Samuel 7:8-16)
The Davidic covenant is unconditional. God just straight out promises that this is how it will be. This passage is conditional. There’s an if-then statement. How common is that, and what does the conditional nature of the covenant mean?
Is can be cause and effect, or action and consequence. It can be a threat. It can also be an invitation into a new way of life. It can be a definition of what it means to be God’s people, or to be in relationship with God.
Which understanding of covenants do we (you) emphasize? How does that impact our (your) faith? Is covenant stick or carrot?
