Many people read the Old and New Testaments as two stories full of laws and history, the former about grace and salvation. However, upon closer examination, we discover that the Bible is not a tale of two Gods or plans. Instead, it’s one unified love story, centered on covenant. Bridging the old and new is essential for understanding how God’s heart and purposes have remained consistent.
The Jewish Wedding as a Biblical Blueprint
The ancient Jewish wedding tradition is a powerful lens for bridging the old and the new. This sacred process, rich in symbolism and meaning, reveals deep parallels to God’s covenant with His people, from Genesis to Revelation.
In Jewish culture, the wedding process involves several key stages: the betrothal (or kiddushin), the preparation period, the return of the Bridegroom, the wedding ceremony, and finally, the wedding supper. Each stage mirrors moments in Scripture where God enters into a covenant with His people.
Old Covenant: The Betrothal of Israel
The Old Covenant begins with God’s call to Abraham, continues through the Exodus, and is formalized at Mount Sinai. This moment marks Israel’s betrothal to God. Just as a Jewish groom would offer a ketubah (marriage contract), God delivered Israel His covenant, outlining their relationship through commandments, blessings, and promises.
Many view the Old Testament as merely a collection of rules, but it is a love letter written in the covenant language. God chose a people, set them apart, and invited them into an intimate, binding relationship.
Bridging the old and new means recognizing that God’s love and commitment were evident from the beginning, not just after the coming of Christ.
New Covenant: The Bridegroom Returns
Jesus didn’t start a new religion. He fulfilled and renewed the existing covenant! He used the language of the Jewish wedding when describing His mission. When He said, “I go to prepare a place for you,” He echoed the Bridegroom’s promise before returning for his bride (John 14:2-3). His return will be like the final step in the Jewish wedding – the joyous reunion and celebration.
The New Covenant, inaugurated through Jesus’ death and resurrection, is not a replacement of the old, but a fulfillment of it. Hebrews 8:6 describes it as a “better covenant, enacted on better promises,” yet deeply rooted in the original framework.
Understanding this connection is crucial to bridging the gap between the old and new in our Bible reading. It helps us avoid the misconception that the Old Testament is obsolete or irrelevant. Instead, we see the beauty of God’s unchanging character and eternal plan.
In Cultivating and Maintaining a Healthy Covenant Relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Kyle Swinehart explores the ancient Jewish wedding tradition as a powerful lens for understanding the Old and New Covenants. This insightful book reveals the Bible’s central theme: living in faithful covenant fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Readers are called on a transformative journey to apply this truth daily and prepare their hearts for the return of the Bridegroom.
Consistency of God’s Covenant Love
From the garden to the cross to the final wedding supper of the Lamb in Revelation, we witness a consistent theme: God pursuing, redeeming, and preparing a people for Himself. The covenants are not isolated events but progressive steps in this divine love story.
Even the prophets, often seen as voices of judgment, spoke in covenant terms, calling Israel back to faithfulness and reminding them of their “marriage vows” to God. Similarly, the apostles urged believers to walk in holiness as the bride prepares herself for the return of the Bridegroom.
When we grasp this consistent thread, we begin to appreciate how powerfully the concept of covenant bridges the old and new. It reveals a God who is both just and merciful, holy and compassionate, faithful and patient.
Applying the Covenant Perspective Today
So, how can this perspective transform our lives and understanding of the Bible today?
First, it deepens our appreciation for the entire Bible, as every page, from Genesis to Revelation, contributes to the overarching story of the covenant. Second, it reminds us that we are part of a divine relationship, not just followers of rules or beliefs. God invites us into something intimate, purposeful, and eternal.
Lastly, it encourages us to live in readiness and hope, like a bride preparing for her wedding. As ancient brides awaited their groom, we are called to remain faithful, trusting in the promises of the One who will return for us.
Conclusion: One Story, One Covenant Heart
Bridging the old and new is not about erasing differences but about uncovering unity. Through the covenant lens – and especially the imagery of the Jewish wedding – we see that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New are the same. His love, promises, and desire for a relationship remain unchanged. As we read the Bible with this understanding, we don’t just see a book of history and doctrine. We encounter a living love story that invites us to take our place in the eternal covenant of grace!
References:
https://christianleaders.org/mod/page/view.php?id=32389
https://pcg.church/articles/486/the-old-covenant-a-marriage-agreement
