“Perpetual Covenant”

Even though the Hebrew writer clearly tells us that the first covenant was done away with and that we are now under a new one (Heb. 8:78; 9:15-17), some religious people still think parts of the Law of Moses are in effect today. They often reference a statement made in Jeremiah 50:5: “They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, saying, come and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten.”

This phrase does not mean what they think it does. As a matter of fact, in the Old Testament covenant was also called being “everlasting” (Lev. 24:8). This means that the covenant was continuously in effect within a period of time. We know this because circumcision and animal sacrifices were also described as being everlasting (Gen. 17:13; Lev. 16:29-34), but they were done away with too.

So, what did “the perpetual covenant” mean in Jeremiah 50:5? We always state how important context is. This whole chapter is dealing with the fact that Babylon was going to fall from world dominance to the Medes. This meant that God’s people, currently living in Babylonian captivity, would be allowed to restore their worship and return to their own land (Jer. 50:1-5).

To pluck this verse out of its context and make it contradict other passages of scripture is to make it teach something that it is not saying. Jeremiah had already stated in chapter 31:31-34 that the Lord was going to establish a new covenant. This is also referenced in Hebrews 8:7-12. The covenant that Jeremiah said would be perpetual was the same one that was going to be done away with. How could that be? Because it was going to endure for the time God purposed.

Finally, note that the prophet was not saying that only parts of the covenant would be perpetual – the prophet was clear that all would be. Therefore, if any of the covenant was in force today, then all of it would be. This is why Paul said that if you bind circumcision today; you would have to bind all of the Old Law (Gal. 5:2-3).

                                                                      Chuck