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Redemption.
#7.
Redemption, and the Covenant.
pp. 3 - 5
Lest any reader should feel that the teaching of the previous article on this theme was
based upon mere deduction and inference, we turn from Eph. 1:, which certainly
assumes the knowledge of the more elementary parts of Scripture, to look at those earlier
records where details of God's dealings with His people are more numerous and the
typical teaching more obvious.
"Unto thy seed will I give this land" (Gen. 12: 7).
This was an unconditional promise to Abraham.
"Thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and
they shall afflict them" (Gen. 15: 13).
This foretells the interval of bondage.
"They shall come hither again" (Gen. 15: 16).
By this we see that the covenant of Gen. 12: 7 will be fulfilled by the way of
redemption.
"The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full" (Gen. 15: 16).
This reveals the reason for the interval of bondage.
The book of Exodus is largely occupied with the period of bondage and redemption
from it. Let us therefore see whether our teaching based upon Eph. 1: stands the test.
We read:--
"Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God
by reason of the bondage" (Exod. 2: 23).
Let us now observe the effect of this cry upon the Lord.
1.
"And God heard their groaning."
2.
"And God remembered His covenant with Abraham, etc."
3.
"And God looked upon the children of Israel."
4.
"And God had respect unto them" (Exod. 2: 23-25).
Turning to chapter 6: we shall find the remembrance of the covenant stated more
emphatically:--
"I have also established My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan.
I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel.
I have remembered My covenant.