Politics · 21 · Yhwh and His People
The covenant borrowed from imperial treaties
Empires bound vassal kings with treaties: a history of past favors, demands for exclusive loyalty, and curses for disobedience. The biblical covenant follows the same pattern.
A tool of domination became a charter of freedom.
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In the Bible, the nation replaces the vassal king, and God the overlord. 'No other gods' mirrors the demand for exclusive loyalty. But Israel enters freely: 'Choose this day whom you will serve.' A conditional covenant meant God could survive his people's defeat.
Bible reference: Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 28
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 344–347
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