The covenant of law that the LORD imposed upon Israel could not give them life. They could not secure the promises of God by their obedience. Yet the Law was not contrary to the promise of grace that the LORD gave to Abraham. Paul put it this way: “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.” (Galatians 3:21). So the LORD put Israel under the covenant of works to expose their sin and function as a tutor to lead them to Christ.