Prophets always initiate new covenants. They end one set of covenantal arrangements and bring in new ones. They are the hinges of history.
Noah is a prophet who becomes an Adam in a new creation covenant.
Abraham is the first man called a prophet, and is the recipient of covenant promises.
Moses is a prophet who is the mediator of the Sinai covenant.
As the Sinai covenant collapses, Samuel brings it to an end and initiates the Davidic covenant.
Within the history of the Davidic covenant, Elijah and Elisha are the agents for new covenant arrangements for the remnant within Israel.
Jeremiah and Ezekiel lay out the terms of Israel’s life in exile.
After the exile, Haggai and Zechariah encourage the building of a new house and lay out the terms of the restoration covenant.
Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, brings the climactic covenant.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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