Another Flood? Genesis 9 and Isaiah's Broken Eternal Covenant

Abstract

The pressing question regarding the broken eternal covenant of Isa. 24.5 is precisely, 'Which eternal covenant of the Old Testament is in view?' While scholars propose a range of possibilities, this study argues that the broken eternal covenant refers precisely to the Noachic eternal covenant established in Genesis 9. In contrast to traditional conceptions of the Noachic eternal covenant, a close reading of Gen. 9.1-17 reveals literary and conceptual features that reflect a conditional and bilateral covenant between God and humankind. Understanding the true nature of the eternal covenant in Genesis 9 brings clarity to the context of Isa. 24.5 whereby the prevalence of bloodshed and the dominion of Israel's international enemies results in cosmic consequences on the earth.