God’s New Covenant with Israel (5), Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21

Let us continue to recognize OT passages that refer to the New Covenant.

·        Ezekiel 34:23-25:

o   This is a New Covenant passage because of the reference to the covenant of peace.  This is a phrase used by Isaiah (54:10) and Ezekiel (here and 37:26).  But it is also used in Num. 25:12 when God blessed Eleazar, the son of Aaron, for his zeal for the LORD in the matter of Baal of Peor.  He took a stand for the LORD and God said, Behold I give to him My covenant of peace … a covenant of an everlasting priesthood (v12-13).  It means God will bless Eleazar and will not withdraw His favor.  For the prophets to use this same term fits the fact that the New Covenant establishes the same relationship of God with men. 

o   This passage also makes clear that the Messiah is essential to the New Covenant.  It is the one shepherd My servant David who shepherds the flock.  This is the Messiah, the Son of David.

·        Joel 2:28-32: This is a major passage concerning the New Covenant because of its being referenced in Peter’s Day of Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:16-21.

o   What is promised is the outpouring of My Spirit.  The effect of this event is on your sons and daughters, old and young men, menservants and maidservants.  Further, all who call on the name of the LORD will be saved.  And further still, deliverance will come to Mt. Zion and Jerusalem.  The event is to be accompanied by wonders in the heavens.

o   It is very appropriate for Peter to use this passage in his sermon.  It is the first sermon after Jesus’ ascension.  It is a crowd of Jews from all over the Roman world.  It is recognizing that the day of the New Covenant has come and the Jewish people should receive the blessing of the Spirit.  There is not a specific reference to the nations (Gentiles) but it is in face extended to them in the phrase, whoever calls on the name of the LORD.  Thus Paul quotes this verse in Rom. 10:13 as he seeks to explain Israel’s temporary blindness and the offer of the gospel freely to the Gentiles. 

o   All of Joel’s prophecy was not fulfilled at Pentecost.  There were no signs in the sky.  This is not unusual.  Often OT prophecies find partial fulfillment in the Incarnation but await complete fulfillment in Jesus Revelation (return).  Those days will be accompanied by signs in the heavens (Mt. 24:29-31).  Thus the New Covenant is offered to Israel, your (Joel’s) sons and daughters, etc.  As a nation the offer would be rejected and extended more and more to all nations.

Again, as other passages have indicated, the New Covenant comes to Gentiles, in the Church, by way of Israel.