Source: Margaret Barker, Temple Theology: An Introduction (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 33–51.
The Covenant and Temple Theology.wav
This podcast from Margaret Barker's ”Temple Theology", centers on the Jerusalem Temple and creation's harmony, offers a crucial understanding often overshadowed by the more familiar Deuteronomic perspective. We will examine various covenants in the Old Testament, highlighting a pristine "eternal covenant" rooted in the divine plans and unity of creation, maintained by the high priesthood and linked to atonement. We will show that the abuse of knowledge by rebellious spiritual beings led to the breaking of this covenant and the subsequent disharmony of the world, a theme echoed in both Old and New Testament texts, as well as extra-biblical traditions like the Enoch literature, ultimately arguing that understanding this older temple theology is vital for grasping the deeper roots of Christian concepts and the true meaning of the "new covenant."
1.Different Understandings of the Covenant: The sources explore various covenants mentioned in the Old Testament (Noah, Abraham, Sinai, David) and highlight that the concept of a "new covenant" was not universally present in early Christian understandings of the Last Supper. The text also introduces the idea of a neglected priestly covenant, linked to atonement and the high priesthood, as a potential context for the Last Supper.
2. Contrasting Temple Theology and Deuteronomic Theology: The sources emphasize the existence of two distinct theological strands within the Old Testament. Deuteronomic theology focuses on Moses, the history of Israel, and obedience to commandments, while temple theology centers on Wisdom, the structure of creation, and the concept of atonement. The sources suggest that Deuteronomic theology has become the more dominant interpretation, potentially overshadowing the significance of temple traditions.
3. The Eternal Covenant and its Foundation in Creation: The text describes an underlying "everlasting covenant" rooted in the holy of holies, connected to the divine act of creation ("bara'"). This covenant is portrayed as the bonds holding the created order together, defined by "engraved things" representing divine plans.
4. The Breaking of the Eternal Covenant through Misused Knowledge: The sources discuss the Enochic tradition of fallen angels who revealed secrets of creation and abused their knowledge, leading to the corruption of the earth and the breaking of the eternal covenant. This act of transgression resulted in a fragmented creation and separation from God.
5. The Restoration of the Covenant and the Renewed Creation: The text suggests that the concept of the kingdom of God is linked to the restoration of the broken eternal covenant and a renewed creation. This restoration, drawing from Enoch and Isaiah, involves a healed earth with miraculous fertility and a transformation of the human mind through the Spirit of the LORD, leading to righteousness and unity.
1. What is the significance of the term "covenant" in the Old Testament, according to Temple Theology?
According to Temple Theology, "covenant" is not just a series of historical agreements between God and humanity. Underlying the more commonly known covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David is an "everlasting covenant" rooted in the holy of holies. This eternal covenant is fundamentally about the bonds that hold the created order together, ensuring its stability and harmony. It is linked to the divine plans or "engravings" (ṣurot) established before the visible creation and maintained through the high priesthood and acts of atonement.
2. How does Temple Theology contrast with Deuteronomic Theology regarding the concept of covenant?