Bible Basics for Catholics: The Covenant with Abraham

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the Covenant with Abraham from the lecture notes.

Noah's Fall (Biblical Theme)

An event mirroring Adam's fall, demonstrating that sin has infected every human being despite the flood.

Tower of Babel

A biblical story where humanity's widespread rebellion against God leads to the confusion of languages and scattering of people across the earth.

Abram's Election

God's decisive choice after the Tower of Babel to choose one man, Abram, to bring blessing back to the entire human family.

Genesis 12:1-3 Promise

God's call to Abram, promising to make him a great nation, give him a great name, and make him a blessing to all families of the earth.

Old Testament's Universal Scope

A biblical truth that the Old Testament is about salvation and blessing for all human beings, not exclusively for Jews.

Three Specific Promises to Abram

God's promises of a great nation, a great name, and a blessing to everyone.

Covenant (Biblical)

An unbreakable commitment by God, more serious than a simple promise, likened to a wedding ring.

Covenant Between the Pieces

An ancient covenant-making ceremony described in Genesis 15, where participants cut animals in half and walk between them.

Meaning of Passing Between Animal Pieces

Symbolized a self-imposed curse, meaning 'if I do not keep my covenant commitments, may I be killed like these animals.'

Torch and Firepot (Genesis 15)

Symbols of God's presence that passed between the animal pieces, indicating God's participation in the covenant's self-curse.

Divine Condescension

God's act of coming down to a human level, taking part in a ceremony Abram would understand, to establish a covenant.

Outcomes of Genesis 15 Covenant

Established Abram and God as family, promising Abram numerous descendants and possession of vast land, fulfilling the 'great nation' promise.

Abram's Mini-Fall (Genesis 16)

Abram's doubt and decision to take Hagar as a second wife to have Ishmael, which caused family discord and was not God's intended heir.

Implicit Critique of Polygamy

A biblical theme demonstrating that taking more than one wife consistently leads to trouble, thereby advocating for monogamy.

Covenant Renewal in Genesis 17

God reiterates the 'great nation' promise to Abram and adds new promises of kings descending from him and becoming the 'father of many nations.'

Great Name and Kingship (Ancient Context)

The concept that a 'great name' was intrinsically linked to kings, who were considered 'fathers' of their nations or 'fathers of many nations' (emperors).

Abraham's Name Change

God changes Abram's name to Abraham in Genesis 17 to signify his expanded role as the 'father of a multitude of nations' and highlight the promise of a great name.

Covenant Duty of Circumcision

A ceremony established by God in Genesis 17 to mark Abraham and his male descendants as His chosen family.