Bible 410 Abrahamic Covenant Chart

James Bowers Bible 410 B07 Abrahamic Covenant Chart

The covenant that God made with Abraham covers, in effect, three things: Land, descendants and blessing. We read in Genesis 12:1-3, 12:1-3, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. This is a theme that God reiterates to Abraham all through the course of Genesis, adding details and establishing establishi ng the same promise with Abraham’s son Isaac, and grandson Jacob. The following pages detail the pro cess by which this covenant evolved. Instructions for reading my chart are as follows. The Abrahamic Covenant Chart displays the references that I feel look at the Abrahamic Covenant found in Genesis. The Scriptural References are found in the far left column. This is followed by who it is addressed to, the circumstances under which it was reiterated, the ingredients which compose the Covenant, such as the land, seed, or blessing, the development in the Book of Genesis, and any change in the content or emphasis. I would ask that you not take my word for it, but would sit down with your own Bible and see for yourself. God speaks to us all we just need to stop and listen to His still sweet voice.

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Reference

Addressed to:

Circumstance(s) Under Which it was Reiterated

Genesis 12:1

Abraham

God’s call for Abraham to move from Haran to Canaan.

Genesis 12:2

Abraham

God’s call for Abraham to move by faith.

Genesis 12:3

Abraham

Again, God’s call for Abram’s move of faith.

Gen. 12:7

Abraham

God appeared to Abraham to let him know that this was the land of Canaan.

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant Abraham moved from Haran to Canaan--land.

God’s promise of blessing and seed. God’s promise of blessing.

God’s promise of land.

Development in the Book of Genesis Started with a call from God to Abraham.

This is Abraham’s call.

It continues in the beginning stages of development from v. 1 and 2.

Abraham, along with Sarai, Lot, their possession and those who they acquired in Haran went to Canaan as told by God.

Any Change in Content or Emphasis There is emphasis put on faith as God’s call to Abraham required faith. “I will bless thee.”

God’s emphasis on who will be blessed and who cursed. This indicates the promise of the Messiah. Abraham will become a great nation – and ALL families will be blessed.

God revealed to Abraham the land that would be given to his descendants.

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Reference

Gen. 12:17-20

Gen. 13:14-17

Gen. 14:18-20

Addressed to:


“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant

Development in the Book of Genesis

Any Change in Content or Emphasis

Was not reiterated, but development was important.

Abraham made a mistake by allowing The Covenant was Pharaoh access to his in jeopardy and God’s promise “sister”. God acted by God acted towards of land, seed and plaguing Pharaoh so that Pharaoh to blessing. Pharaoh understood the preserve the importance of letting Covenant. Sarah and Abraham go.

Abraham

After Lot chose what he thought was best for him, he left Abraham. Afterwards, God repeated His promise to Abraham.

God’s promise of land – as far as Abraham could see; God’s promise of seed – as the dust of the earth which could not be numbered.

Abraham via Melchizedek

This occurs immediately following Abraham’s rescue of Lot. Melchizedek recognizes the “blessing” of God on Abram.

God’s promise of blessing.

Abraham

Abraham was having a crisis of belief because he had no natural heir.

God’s promise of seed – as innumerable as the stars in heaven.

Pharaoh, then Pharaoh to Abraham

Genesis 15:4-5

This occurs after Abraham returns from Egypt. He settles in the land of Canaan.

Though Lot was captured, God protected Abraham and allowed him to prevail in restoring Lot to freedom. Abraham is fearful and impatient in waiting for an heir, finding it incredible that he would have a child of his own.

There is emphasis on the extent of the land, as well as the innumerable blessing of descendants.

The main emphasis here is on blessing.

The emphasis here is for Abraham to be patient and trust in the Lord.

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Reference

Addressed to:

Circumstance(s) Under Which it was Reiterated Again, a crisis of faith for Abraham, this time regarding the land.

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of land.

Gen. 15:7

Abraham

Gen. 15: 17-21

Abraham

The covenant was reiterated with more details of the extent of the blessing.

God’s promise of land and seed.

Genesis 16: 9-10

Hagar

Hagar had fled from Sarah when the Angel appears to reassure her. Though this will be Abraham’s descendent and they will be multiplied, her child was not meant for the Covenant promise.

God’s promise of seed, though not the promised seed yet.

Genesis 17:1-2

Abraham

Thirteen years had passed since Ishmael was born. God speaks again to Abraham in order to reiterate His covenant with Abraham.

God’s promise of seed.

Development in the Book of Genesis God tells Abraham what He has done to make it so. This is in response to Abraham’s question, “how will I know?” The Lord demonstrates through a dream and through the ceremony of splitting the carcasses for the Lord to pass through. Abraham and Hagar’s child will be blessed with many descendants, which would be expected from Abraham’s seed.

Abraham took Sarah’s advice to try to fulfill God’s promise with Hagar, producing Ishmael. God comes to Abraham to let him understand the promise.

Any Change in Content or Emphasis The emphasis here is that God is faithful to give Abraham the land. This emphasized the covenant between the Lord and Abraham in a memorable event.

Though the seed will be blessed through Ishmael, Ishmael was not the seed promised though with the Covenant will pass. God wasn’t finished with Abraham and His Covenant promise. Abraham’s plan was no good, so now God explains.

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Reference

Addressed to:


“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of seed.


Genesis 17:4-6

Abraham

Same as previous: Note: “I have” and “I will”.

Same as previous. However, there is a distinction here with “I have made you a father of many nations” and “I will make you exceedingly fruitful...”

Genesis 17: 7-8

Abraham

Same as previous. God explains that Abraham’s descendents (future) will receive the covenant.

God’s promise of seed and land.

Same as previous. Not only will God establish his covenant, but He will also be their God.

Genesis 17: 9-11

Abraham

Same as previous. A new part of the Covenant is revealed.

God’s promise of entire Covenant: land, seed and blessing.

For the first time, God requires something besides faith from Abraham and all his descendants – circumcision.

Any Change in Content or Emphasis Abram is now Abraham. The covenant is still with Abraham and has not been passed onto Ishmael. Abraham is told that he will still be fruitful. The emphasis here is on the establishment of the Covenant promise with his future descendents. God has given Abraham the Covenantal promise before, but now adds a requirement, all must be circumcised as a sign of the Covenant. This will set apart those who participate from those who don’t. 5

Reference

Addressed to:



Genesis 17:15-16

Abraham

Same as previous. Here God is clarifying that Sarai, now Sarah, will be the mother of Abraham’s descendents.

Genesis 17: 19

Abraham

Same as previous. Abraham offers Ishmael as his son for the Covenant, but God says no.


Genesis 17:20-21

Abraham

Same as previous. God is responding to Abraham’s suggestion that Ishmael receive the promise.


Genesis 18:10

Abraham

The Lord and men (or angels) have appeared to Abraham in human form.


Development in the Book of Genesis This shifts the focus of Abraham from Ishmael, his son through Hagar, to a promised son from Sarah.

Abraham objects and wants Ishmael to be the son of promise, but God clears up any ideas on this matter, giving Abraham his son’s name, Isaac. A reiteration to Abraham that Ishmael will be blessed but Isaac is son to receive the Covenant.

Sarah laughs at the idea that she will have a child at her age, since she is past the time of bearing children.

Any Change in Content or Emphasis The emphasis here is that God is clarifying for Abraham what it is He is going to do and who He will use to accomplish it, Sarah. Again, God is clarifying this for Abraham, he will have a son through Sarah, but now He tells Abraham his name will be Isaac. The emphasis here changes just from a broad promise to an actually specific time for Isaac to be born.

This conversation was not only for Abraham’s benefit, for the Lord knew that Sarah would be listening also. 6

Reference

Addressed to:



Genesis 18:14

Abraham

Same as previous. The Lord knows that Sarah was listening and laughed.

Genesis 18: 17-19

Abraham

Same as previous. After the events of the meal, Abraham walks for a while with his guests. The Lord queries and reasons whether or not to tell Abraham what is about to occur in Sodom and Gomorrah; because of the promise, He does.

God’s promise of seed and blessing. Note, the blessing here is extended beyond Israel, which was done many years later through the Messiah.

Genesis 21:12-13

Abraham

Sarah desires for Ishmael and Hagar to leave. The Lord tells Abraham to let them go because the promise is with Isaac.

God’s promise of seed. Abraham’s seed is blessed for both Isaac and Ishmael as nations, but Isaac is the “called”



Because Sarah laughed, the Lord is reiterating that she will have a son.

Again, the conversation was for Sarah’s benefit as much as Abraham’s. Sodom and Gomorrah What is said in vs. are about to be judged 18 indicates the and it is here that the promise of the Lord decides to inform Messiah. Abraham Abraham of the cities’ will become a impending doom. Lot great nation – and and his family are there. ALL the nations This conversation shall be blessed in speaks to the special and him. This is intimate relationship fulfilled through that Abraham has with Jesus Christ. God.

Sarah does not want Ishmael and Hagar to remain. Abraham is grieved but the Lord tells him to let them go. The blessing is with Isaac, however, Ishmael is also blessed.

It is time for Ishmael and Hagar to separate from Abraham, Sarah and Isaac. The emphasis here is Isaac as the “called” one, not 7

Reference

Addressed to:


“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant seed.

Genesis 21:22-24

Abimelech and Phichol to Abraham

Abimelech is desirous of Abraham living in peace with them because he knows that Abraham has a God that is blessing everything he does.


Genesis 22: 15-18

Abraham

This conversation occurs when Abraham takes Isaac obediently to be sacrificed as required by the Lord. As Abraham lifted his hand to sacrifice Isaac, he was stopped by the Lord and sacrificed a ram instead. This conversation takes place following that sacrifice.

God’s promise of the seed, blessing and land.



Ishmael. Ishmael is blessed as a nation. Abraham was This is a apparently still living in reaffirmation of the region of Gerar. It is the blessing on unknown whether or not Abraham, affirmed there we issues between by someone other Abraham and than God. The Abimelech, but emphasis is that Abimelech here comes Abraham is with Phichol, his blessing in all that commander of the army, he does. to work out a peace treaty of sorts. Abraham was being The Messianic tested by God. No better prophecy here is test would there be than clear, all nations to see if Abraham would shall be blessed, be obedient enough to not just the sacrifice his only son Covenant and the son of the promised nation promise! But Abraham and it will be was obedient right up to accomplished the moment of killing through God’s son, Isaac. This sheds light His only Son, just on the character of as Isaac was Abraham. Abraham’s only son. 8

Reference

Addressed to:


Genesis 24: 6-8

The oldest servant, possibly Eliezer, by Abraham.

Abraham does not wish for Isaac to marry a woman from Canaan, but wishes for him to marry from Abraham’s father’s house. So, Abraham is sending his servant to acquire a wife for Isaac.

Genesis 24: 59-60

Rebekah, by her family.

Because of a previous conversation between Rebekah’s family and the servant, the family came to an understanding that Abraham was blessed and Isaac was the son of the promise.

Genesis 25: 23

Rebekah

Rebekah had been barren, Isaac prayed, she conceived and the babies struggled

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of seed and land.



Isaac needed a wife and Abraham was seeing to it that he got an acceptable one. He relates to the servant that God spoke to him and that God said that He would give the land to Abraham’s descendents.

The emphasis here is twofold: first, Abraham didn’t want Isaac to choose from the local women, but to have a wife from his family. Second, Isaac was not to go back into the land that God had called Abraham from. The land they were to possess was where they were to stay. God’s promise This is the blessing that Rebekah’s family of seed and land. Rebekah’s family gives recognizes God’s to her as she goes to be hand in choosing a the wife of Isaac. They wife for Isaac. The must have had family here echoes knowledge of the what was earlier Covenant because the was said to blessing follows this line Abraham in Gen. of thinking. 17:16. God’s promise Isaac’s seed and It is emphasized of seed. firstborn should be next that the older will to receive the Covenant serve the younger. 9

Reference

Addressed to:



within her. This brought on her prayer to God and His answer.



promise. However, there are twins (which will be nations) and Rebekah is told that the older shall serve the younger.

Genesis 26:2-5

Isaac

There was another famine and Isaac went to Abimelech in Gerar as Abraham had.

God’s promise of seed, land, and blessing.

Genesis 26:24

Isaac

Because of the God’s blessing God’s promise on Isaac, Abimelech sent him of seed and away because Isaac was blessing. becoming mightier than he.

This sets up favoritism for the younger from Rebekah, though the elder is favored by Jacob. Once again, as Abraham God reiterates the did, Isaac goes to promise given to Abimelech during a time Abraham, to his of famine. Though it son, Isaac. may not be the same Although Isaac Abimelech (perhaps a received the title), the situation is blessing of the much the same. Covenant promise after Abraham’s death (25.11), this is the first occasion for God to speak to Isaac directly about His promise. Isaac had followed in This is similar to Abraham’s footsteps Abraham’s with Abimelech by dealings with telling him that his wife Abimelech. Isaac was his sister. They are leaves as asked driven away, but God and seeks to find tells him here to not water. The Lord fear. speaks to Isaac 10

Reference

Addressed to:



Genesis 26:28-29

Isaac, by Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phichol

After sending Isaac away, Abimelech reasons that he should go after him in order to make peace with him. Isaac is becoming mightier than he; therefore, he wants to make peace with him.


Genesis 27: 27-29

Jacob, by Isaac

Isaac is old and blind and desires to give his blessing to Esau. However, he is deceived by Jacob and Jacob instead receives the blessing.

God’s promise of land and blessing. The promise of seed is implied.



right before Abimelech comes after him, seeking peace. Abimelech has become The emphasis here wise enough to realize is not that Isaac that God has blessed will be blessed, but Isaac and that Isaac that “you are now” would make a blessed. formidable foe should Abimelech he not make peace. recognized this and was taking action to safeguard his own nation. Jacob, as Rebekah’s This is the first favorite, was foretold by blessing of Isaac God to be the one to given to Jacob. receive the blessing – However, Isaac is “the elder shall serve the unaware that he is younger” (25:23). Just giving his blessing as foretold the events of to Jacob, thinking deceit play out for Isaac that he is giving to settle his blessing on his blessing to Jacob. Esau.

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Addressed to:


Genesis 28:1-4

Jacob, by Isaac

Again, Isaac blesses Jacob, this time knowing who he is. This is similar to the occasion when Abraham sent his old servant to secure a wife for Isaac from his family. Because of Esau’s hatred for Jacob and the need for a wife, Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob to her brother to seek a wife.

Genesis 28: 13-15

Jacob

Jacob was on his way to Haran when he stopped for the night to sleep. He has a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven and angels ascending and descending from it. The Lord, from above speaks to him.

Reference

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of blessing, seed and land.

God’s promise of land, seed and blessing.



Abraham did not allow This is the second Isaac to go out of the blessing of Isaac land to look for a wife, given to Jacob, but Isaac thought it best with much more to send Jacob directly detail than the since his deceit with initial blessing. Esau had kindled Esau’s Jacob is being sent anger. away, but the idea here is that he will return to inherit the land of his grandfather, Abraham.

Jacob has fled from Esau’s wrath and is on his way to choose a bride. In so doing, he must leave the land of the promise. God tells him that He is with him and will bring him back to the land of promise.

This is the first time that God has spoken directly to Jacob. God lets Jacob know that he will be the one to carry on the Covenantal promise. Jacob is to leave for a time, but God will be with him to return to the land of the promise. 12

Reference

Addressed to:


Genesis 32: 10-12

God, by Jacob

Jacob is praying for God’s provision as he goes up to meet Esau. He is in fear for his life and the lives of his family.

Genesis 32: 26-29

This is a discussion between Jacob and a “Man”, Who may be Jesus or an Angel.

Jacob had sent everyone ahead. This struggle of Jacob’s becomes a wrestling match between him and the Lord.

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of seed and blessing.




Jacob is returning from Laban when he sends word to Esau that he is returning home. Jacob is fearful, but wants to make it right with Esau.

Jacob is crying out to God to save him from the hand of Esau. He is afraid. He feels it necessary to remind God that He has promised him good treatment (blessing) and descendants which cannot be numbered.

Jacob has struggled his entire life and now he struggles with the Lord. It is not that the Lord couldn’t win, but it was a test for determination on the part of Jacob, with a generous dose of mercy on God’s part.

During the struggle, Jacob is adamant that he will not let go until he is blessed. This is the point where Jacob’s name is changed by God to Israel. He holds onto his struggle – prevails, not wins – and in return Israel receives the blessing of God. 13

Reference

Addressed to:


Genesis 35: 11-12

Jacob/Israel

The events that occurred after the rape of Dinah are worrisome for Jacob. God instructs Jacob to go to Bethel.

Genesis 45:5-7

Joseph is speaking to his brothers

Jacob’s son, Joseph, had been sold into slavery by his brothers. After much hardship, Joseph rose in power in Egypt with the power to save his family from famine.

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of seed and land.




Jacob travels back to Bethel after having his entire family and their servants get rid of all gods and idols, which would include the teraphim that Rachel stole from Laban (31:19).

Jacob’s name has been changed to Israel and this is reiterated. The great “I Am” instructs Israel to be fruitful and multiply – nations and kings will come from his own body.

Jacob (Israel) had 12 sons. Joseph, being his favorite, was sold into slavery by his brothers to Egypt. Because Joseph could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, he was given a position of high power in Egypt. This would put Joseph in a position to save his family when famine struck the land.

Although “blessing” is not used here, Joseph is telling his brothers that if they hadn’t sold him into slavery then he wouldn’t be in a position to save them now. Israel’s family must be saved in order for the Covenantal promise to come to pass.

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Reference

Addressed to:


“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of seed. Reassurance of returning to the land, also. Blessing is implied as God will go with them.

Genesis 46: 3-4

Jacob

God is reassuring Jacob that going to Egypt is the right thing to do. He tells him not to fear, that he will be a great nation and will return to the land of blessing.

Genesis 48: 3-4

Joseph, by Jacob

Jacob is recalling his experiences with God and the promises that God has made to his family.

God’s promise of seed, land and blessing.

Genesis 48: 15-16

Joseph, by Jacob

Joseph is receiving Jacob’s blessing.


Development in the Book of Genesis Jacob was en route to Egypt when he stopped in Beersheba to sacrifice to God. Apparently he feared this move, but God sought to allay his fears.

Jacob is sick and is drawing near death and Joseph has come to him with his two sons to receive Jacob’s blessing. Jacob now has a mature faith that he lacked earlier in life and in his blessing, reaffirms his great faith in God.

Any Change in Content or Emphasis They obviously will be in Egypt for a long time, as they will be made a great nation while there. Note the foretelling that Jacob will be with Joseph upon his death. The covenant is reiterated here for Joseph.

Jacob is nearing the end of his life and is about the struggle no more. However, he has grown over the years to have a mature faith in the living God. He desires such a blessing to be passed on to Joseph and his sons. 15

Addressed to:


Genesis 48:20

Ephraim and Manasseh, by Jacob

Manasseh and Ephraim are brought to Jacob for blessing. Manasseh is the eldest. Joseph tries to no avail to correct the situation – Jacob knows what he is doing.

Genesis 50: 24

Joseph to his brothers

Joseph is on his deathbed and asks that his brothers will see to it that he is buried in the land of promise.

Reference

“Ingredients” Which Compose the Covenant God’s promise of blessing.

God’s promise of land.



Jacob intentionally blesses Ephraim, the youngest over Manasseh, the eldest.

This is another example of when the youngest receives the blessing over the eldest. Jacob took it by deceit but now gives his blessing that way to Joseph’s children. Joseph knew that God This brings would take them back to Genesis to an end, their land and wanted reaffirming that assurance that he God’s Covenant wouldn’t be left behind. will be fulfilled – as He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

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Bible 410 Abrahamic Covenant Chart

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