- Abraham is regarded by Jews as the first Patriarch of the Jewish people. Abraham was the first person to teach the idea that there was only one God; before then people believed in many Gods. Therefore being the first Abraham is very important and contributed massively to the religion in its making.
Firstly, it was for most Jews the first recognised point when a firm commitment was made to worship one God. Here monotheism was born and is the became the centre of Judaism as it later became the first commandment- ‘Do not worship any other God’
Furthermore, the covenant is important because the Jews who were descended from Abraham were Promised Land, now called Israel. This is constantly repeated throughout the Torah as it is in Genesis 50:24, then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But god will surely come to your aid and take you up and out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Thirdly, the covenant to Abraham is important because Jews were promised to be fruitful, multiply and would inherit the land. Alongside this God would care for them. As God says in Leviticus 26:9- “I will look on you with favour and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.”
Moreover, there is a significant and important sign of the covenant with Abraham is Circumcision and has been for 1000s of years. Such as Brit Milah which is the circumcision ceremony. “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised” as stated in Genesis 17:10.
In addition, simplicity of the covenant was important as all the Jewish people had to do was worship God and he would take care of other matters. This can be interpreted in Genesis 15:1- “Do not be Afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” This sheds light on how God gives more then he gains as he asks for one thing – for Abraham not to be afraid then in return gives him shield and reward.
Still, there is a lot of importance in Abrahams covenant with God because it is evidence that God is keeping promise. Everything promised to Abraham have come true such as in Genesis 17 where Abraham has reached 100 years of age and Sarah 90, yet the two haven’t bored a son. God then says “But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year” which later did come true, this concretes Gods promises and ensures that they are kept.
Additionally, the covenant with Abraham is important as he is a role model. Jews pray as he did, worship as he did and Abraham’s obedience is to be followed. Genesis 24:15 “But before he had finished praying….” Referencing to Abraham.
Finally, the covenant is important because the covenant and circumcision is a sign that the Jews were to be marked out as special chosen people. In genesis 17:11 “you are to undergo circumcision and it will be a sign of the covenant between e and you.” In Genesis 17:14 “Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people;” showing this was the mark of a Jews, the chosen people.
- I agree with this statement as do progressive Jews because they believe that God will not send a person, but instead a time of peace in the world when Jews will live in there homeland, Israel. This is called the Messianic age. Such as in Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3 there is no mention of single person rather more general statements when applied to an ‘age’ works perfectly. “Peace among all nations” this has no reference to a Messiah.
Another reason for our opinion is the interpretation of the Tenakh. As progressive Judaism regards the Tenakh as guidance to be interpreted, this can be seen in modern light. Also the Torah contains no specific reference to a Messiah, where as it does mention “End of days”, which is the time of the Messiah.
Furthermore, my reasons to believe the ‘Messiah will never come’ are imbedded because over centuries there have been false claims of a Messiah. For example, Shabbatai Tzvi, a 17th centaury man who claimed to be the Messiah. This greatly influenced progressive Judaism to think of the Messianic age, rather than a person.
On the other hand, people may disagree with me and believe as do Orthodox Jews that God will send a person to be the Messiah some time in the future. As is a basic, fundamental part of traditional Judaism and is part of the thirteen principles of faith. In principle 12 – God will send a Messiah.
Additionally, Orthodox Jews regard the Tenakh as coming from God, and to be taken literally. The Tenakh gives several specifications as to who the Messiah will be. He will be a descendent of King David (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Jeremiah 23:5), observant of Jewish law (Isaiah 11:2-5), a righteous judge (Jeremiah 33:15), a great military leader.