In Old Testament times, legal and binding covenants were not drafted by attorneys and then signed by the parties involved. Instead, legal agreements were formalized by means of a very graphic covenant ceremony.

Called, “Beriyth” (to cut a covenant), this ceremony ratifying a legal agreement was sealed by cutting an animal in half. Then the two participating parties would pass between the halves while repeating the terms of the covenant. By doing so, the two parties were stating, “If I fail to fulfill my commitments to this covenant, may I suffer the same fate as this animal.”

This process is described in Gen 15:10-21 when God promised Abram a son.

In the Old Testament, there are three different types of covenants:

1. A parity covenant between two human parties, both of whom voluntarily accept the terms of the agreement (1 Sam 18:3,4; Mal 2:14; Obad 7).
2. The Royal Grant Treaty (unconditional): A promissory covenant that arose solely out of a king’s desire to reward a faithful servant. Examples: Abrahamic and Davidic
3. The Suzerain-Vassal Treaty (conditional): This type of covenant bound a subordinate vassal to a superior vassal. It was binding only upon the one who swore it. The purpose of the covenant was to emphasize the goodness and kindness of the lord to his vassal with a view to cause the vassal to gladly accept his responsibilities and obligations. Examples: Adamic, Noahic, Mosaic

The components of Suzerain-Vassal Treaties of that time (1500-1200 BC) are:

1. Preamble (Identification of the Covenant Giver)
2. A Historical Prologue
3. Stipulations
4. Provisions for Deposit and Public Reading
5. A Listing of Treaty Witnesses
6. Blessings and Curses
7. A Ratification Ceremony through the cutting of a covenant
8. Imposition of the Curses

The covenant at Sinai in Exodus 24 encapsulates all of these occurrences.

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The Ten Commandments give us the fundamental principles for life and conduct. Exodus 21-23 applies those 10 principles to the complex context of daily living.

While these laws were specifically given to Israel as God’s covenant people, they are universally applicable and provide the judicial framework for all democratic countries in the world today.

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Introduction

The chapters in our study today establish the “Civil Laws” of Israel -- the regulations that involve the just punishment and procedures to follow for crimes committed. These were the laws that Moses was instructed to teach those who were put over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens (Ex 18:21-22).

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As we look at these civil laws instituted by the Lord, we observe several things:

1. They reveal a morality/ethic that was far beyond that of the nations in that day.
2. They reveal the depravity of man in that we need these laws in the first place.
3. They reveal to us the fairness, goodness and justice of God.

This excerpt is from a sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman on the Book of the Covenant in Exodus, which provides legal guidelines for the Israelites. The sermon highlights the uniqueness of this ancient legal system, which emphasizes justice for all and includes laws regarding slavery, personal injury, and the death penalty. Pastor Hallman compares the Book of Covenant to the Code of Hammurabi, emphasizing God's more just and merciful approach to governance. He then connects these ancient laws to the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, and surrender to God in the modern context. Finally, Pastor Hallman invites listeners to dedicate their lives to God, becoming "bondservants" who are committed to serving their master and fulfilling his purposes.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

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The provided text is an excerpt from a sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman, who explores the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their relevance for modern life. He contrasts Ted Turner's dismissal of the commandments as outdated with Ted Koppel's assertion of their enduring value. Hallman then examines the commandments in detail, interpreting each one in light of contemporary concerns and illustrating their application to personal life. He emphasizes that the commandments, while highlighting our inherent sinfulness, ultimately point towards the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. By recognizing our sinfulness, we can embrace the redemptive work of Christ and live lives dedicated to loving God and others.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

Blessings,

The Epic Life

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This excerpt is a sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman, where he discusses the concept of meeting with God, using the story of the Israelites at Mount Sinai as an example. He emphasizes the importance of being in God's presence and seeking His guidance, highlighting the contrast between the conditional covenant of the Old Testament and the unconditional covenant of the New Testament. Pastor Hallman also encourages listeners to embrace their role as priests and ambassadors of God, sharing the message of His love and acceptance with others. He concludes by offering a prayer for those who wish to accept Christ and enter into a personal relationship with God.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

Blessings, The Epic Life 3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

This is a sermon from Pastor Bob Hallman, drawing from the biblical story of Moses and Jethro in Exodus 18. Hallman uses this story to discuss the importance of prioritizing what is important in life over what is urgent. He argues that many people, particularly those in ministry, fall into the trap of constantly tending to urgent demands, neglecting their important relationships, quiet times with God, and personal growth. He draws a parallel between Jethro’s advice to Moses and the importance of delegation and discipleship, encouraging listeners to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes spiritual growth and family above all else.

Enjoy the rest of the message.

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This sermon by Pastor Bob Hallman, from the series in Exodus focuses on the story of the Israelites' journey through the desert, particularly their experience with manna. The sermon's structure revolves around three key themes: grumbling, manna, and the Sabbath.

Pastor Hallman emphasizes the negative impact of grumbling, both in our relationship with God and others, and offers practical suggestions for overcoming this habit. He then draws parallels between manna, the miraculous bread from heaven that sustained the Israelites, and Christ, highlighting the life-giving nature of Jesus' ministry.

Finally, he explores the significance of the Sabbath, arguing that it is a gift of God designed for rest and rejuvenation, not a burden or an outdated law. The overall purpose of the sermon is to encourage listeners to cultivate a deeper relationship with God by acknowledging their own struggles, trusting in God's provision, and embracing the gift of rest.

Enjoy the message

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