Dr Paul Allen

The basic structure of the relationship God has established with His people is the covenant. A covenant is usually thought of as a contract. While there surely are some similarities between covenants and contracts, there are also important differences. Both are binding agreements.  Contracts are made from somewhat equal bargaining positions, and both parties are free not to sign the contract. A covenant is likewise an agreement. However, covenants in the Bible are not usually between equals. Rather, they follow a pattern common to the ancient Near East suzerain-vassal treaties. Suzerainvassal treaties (as seen among the Hittite kings) were made between a conquering king and the conquered.  There was no negotiation between the parties . The first element of these covenants is the preamble, which lists the respective parties. Exodus 20:2 begins with “I am the LORD your God.” God is the suzerain; the people of Israel are the vassals. The second element is the historical prologue

Image via Wikipedia The Old Testament , in spite of its manifestations of the wrath of God , remains a history of God’s grace and long-suffering with a rebellious people. There is wrath unparalleled in the New Testament and grace overwhelming in the Old Testament.  A false dichotomy between the Testaments is foreign to the biblical writers themselves. Related articles Advent Reflection on Zechariah by Mark D. Roberts (trinityspeaks.wordpress.com) Taylor on DeYoung, Duncan & Mohler (5ptsalt.com) Bishop N. T. Wright Offers a New Way to Read the New Testament in 'The Kingdom New Testament' (prweb.com) A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old in the New (zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com) 95% People Don't Understand the Old Testament? (pukirahe.wordpress.com) What are the different between the old testament and new testament (wiki.answers.com) A Wrathful God, or Not, if You Buy His Book - New York Times (nytimes.com) Review - "Th