Judaism G-d Relationship with Israel

[Steven Jonaitis]

Depends on the questions.  What have you got?

First, I want to ask what is the general definition of a divine covenant?

I've heard that a basic covenant is an oath bound relationship between two or more parties. We would agree that the institution of marriage would fall under this simple definition. But, I think that a divine covenant implies more than this. Here are some definitions from some theologians/teachers I've come to read that have influenced the way I've seen it:

"A declaration of his sovereign pleasure concerning the benefits he will bestow on them, the communion they will have with him, and the way and means by which this will be enjoyed." - Nehemiah Coxe

"For a covenant of G-d is nothing other than a divine declaration concerning a method of perceiving the love of G-d, and achieving union and communion with him." - Johannes Cocceius

Meredith Kline's basic definition of a divine covenant is: a commitment with divine sanctions between a lord and a servant.

In other words, it is an agreement/transaction between G-d and men regarding good promises, with the enjoyment of them bound/affected by certain conditions upon their fidelity to him. 

Now, would this be in agreement/disagreement with conservative Judaism? If not, could you explain and give me a brief definition. The reason I started with this question, in this depth, is that I want to begin with acknowledging where Judaism stands regarding covenants before I ask anything further when talking about Israel.