Is God's promises lasts forever? Covenant vs Promise.

The Psalm chp. 105 reveals God’s sovereignty over both the history of Israel and the acts of sinful men. Notice carefully how God was involved in ruling over everything – vs 14,16,17,24,25,26, etc. He was continually at work to fulfill His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – vs 8-10. 

We might say this is the psalm concerning God’s covenant with Abraham, just as Psalm 89 is the psalm of His covenant with David. Like Psalms 78 and 106, this one deals with history. 

Ps 78 was given chiefly for the purpose of teaching and exhortation. Ps 106 is a confession of Israel’s many sins. 

But this psalm rejoices in the mighty acts of the LORD God and there is no mention at all of the sin of Israel. The first 15 verses are found in 1 Chron 16:8-22. From that reference we may judge that David wrote it.

All God did is what He did to fulfill His covenant and promises. To do that (fulfill promise) God would be willing to move heaven and earth.

In the introduction (vs 1-7) David sets forth seven duties or privileges of God’s people –

1) Giving thanks,

2) Praying,

3) Making known God’s deeds,

4) Singing to God or about God,

5) Glorying in Him,

6) Seeking Him, And 

7) Remembering His wonderful works and words.

Following these instructions will result in a healthy spiritual life in any believer.

Covenant vs Promise:

But I will establish My covenant with you.

Gen. 6:18

In this verse the first use in the Bible of the word “covenant” occurs. It is a very important word, used nearly 300 times. 

The Hebrew word (Covenant) means an agreement between two or more parties (21:27; 26:28; 2 Sam 3:12-13), whereas a Promise given by one party to another (Gen 9:8-11). 

Sometimes there were conditions laid down, sometimes not. There was often some sign given and a sacrifice offered in connection with the establishment of a covenant.

God made very important covenants with men on several occasions –

1) with Noah and all mankind (9:8-17);

2) with Abraham and his descendants (15:18-21);

3) with the nation Israel (Ex 19:5);

4) with David and his offspring (2 Sam 7:16); and 

5) The New Covenant (Matt 26:27-29).

Old Testament vs New Testament:

The first part of the Bible is called the Old Testament (or Covenant) because it has to do for the most part with God’s covenant made with Israel at Sinai (Ex 19:5). 

The second part of the Bible is called the New Testament (or Covenant) because it has to do with the covenant Christ made with His disciples just before His crucifixion.