Leviticus 26, Rewards and Consequences

We want to share several observations on items in this chapter.

·       26:1-2: This is basically the introduction to this chapter.  In the Ten Commandments there are 4 having to do with Israel’s relationship with God.  Three of those four are here: no false Gods, no graven images, and keep the Sabbath (the 4^th is not using the LORD’s name in vain).  In other words, in the matter of Israel’s overall blessing and staying in the land, it has to do with their relationship with God.

·       Note the progression in God’s relationship with Israel if and when they turn from Him.

·       26:18: the “act” of disobedience (if you do not obey Me).

·       26:21: the “will” of disobedience (and are not willing to obey me).  This issue was raised with Pharaoh (Exodus 10:27), Abraham’s servant who went to get a bride for Isaac (Gen. 24:5,8) and the people of Israel at Kadesh Barnea when they were not willing to enter the land (Deut. 1:26).

·       26:23: despising the disciplines of the LORD (you are not reformed by Me).  The word “reform” (Heb. yacer) means to chasten, discipline or instruct.  The initial punishments God promises to send on the disobedient, if not accepted by His people, would mean they were not reformed.

·       26:27-28: This continued refusal (v27: after all this) to accept discipline (walk contrary to Me) would result in the severest chastening by the LORD (I also will walk contrary to you in fury).  This word “fury” is a key term, particularly in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  Ezek. 5:13 shows this: Thus shall my anger be spent, and I will cause My fury to rest upon them.  His anger is spent, meaning He has sought to chasten His people, but they have not been reformed.  Therefore, He then moves to His fury, where He removes them from the land.  He was referring to this “fury” when He said, I will do among you what I have never done, and the like of which I will never do again, because of all your abominations (Ezek. 5:9).  The prophet Ezekiel knew Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, not only because God revealed it to him, but because he knew Leviticus 26! 

·       26:20-25: What does confession look like?

o   To confess (Heb. yadah), to throw or cast; then to give thanks, praise, confess.  There must be an openness about the sin, putting it out clearly before the LORD.

o   Humbled (Heb. kana), to be humbled, brought down.  Sin is the result of pride, putting ourselves above God.  Confession involves putting ourselves back in a proper relationship with God.