Below is a Karaite expansion of the 10 covenant truths, each supported only by primary Tanakh citations (no Talmud, no NT, no later theology). Citations are representative, not exhaustive.
1. The Written Torah Alone Is Binding
God’s covenantal instruction is what was written and commanded, not later traditions.
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word… nor take from it.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 (13:1) – “Whatever I command you, observe it; you shall not add… nor diminish.”
Joshua 1:7–8 – Obedience is tied to the Book of the Torah.
Karaite principle: Covenant authority rests solely in the written text.
2. The Covenant Was Made with Israel as a Nation
Sinai was a national covenant, not universal or individualistic.
Exodus 19:5–6 – “You shall be My treasured possession… a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Deuteronomy 29:10–15 – The covenant is with Israel standing before God.
Amos 3:2 – “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.”
3. God Is Absolutely One and Non-Composite
God is indivisible, incomparable, and non-incarnate.
Deuteronomy 6:4 – “YHWH is one.”
Isaiah 45:5–6 – “I am YHWH, and there is no other.”
Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man…”
4. The Torah Is Eternal and Unchanging
No later covenant replaces or nullifies Sinai.
Deuteronomy 33:4 – “The Torah Moses commanded us is an inheritance forever.”
Psalm 119:160 – “Every one of Your righteous laws is eternal.”
Malachi 3:6 – “I, YHWH, do not change.”
5. Each Person Bears Personal Moral Responsibility
There is no transfer of guilt or righteousness.
Deuteronomy 24:16 – “Each shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Ezekiel 18:20 – “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.”
Jeremiah 31:29–30 – Each dies for their own sin.
6. Forgiveness Comes Through Repentance and Obedience
Atonement is achieved through teshuvah, not a human substitute.
Leviticus 26:40–42 – Confession and humility bring restoration.
Isaiah 1:16–18 – “Cease to do evil… then your sins shall be white.”
Hosea 14:2–3 – “Take words with you and return to YHWH.”
7. The Messiah Is a Human King from David’s Line
The Messiah is mortal, political, and Torah-observant.
2 Samuel 7:12–14 – David’s seed will reign.
Jeremiah 23:5 – A righteous branch from David.
Ezekiel 37:24 – “My servant David shall be king over them.”
(No verse describes the Messiah as divine or an object of worship.)
8. The Land of Israel Is an Essential Part of the Covenant
The covenant is tied to actual geography, not symbolism.
Genesis 17:8 – “I will give you the land… for an everlasting possession.”
Exodus 6:8 – God swears to bring Israel into the land.
Ezekiel 36:24 – Israel regathered into their land.
9. Sabbath and Festivals Are Observed as Written
Time is sanctified according to Scripture and natural signs.
Genesis 1:14 – Sun, moon, and stars mark appointed times.
Exodus 31:16–17 – Sabbath is an eternal covenant.
Deuteronomy 16:1 – Observe Passover in the month of aviv.
10. Israel’s Covenant Is Eternal and Never Revoked
Exile is discipline, not rejection.
Leviticus 26:44–45 – God will not annul His covenant.
Jeremiah 31:35–37 – Israel’s existence is as enduring as creation.
Isaiah 54:10 – God’s covenant of peace will not depart.
Karaite Covenant Summary (Tanakh-Based)
Torah-centered, not creed-centered
National, not replacement-based
Obedience over belief formulas
Repentance over substitution
One God, no intermediaries
No comments:
Post a Comment