Biblical Commentary

INVESTIGATION
The book of Exodus ends with the construction of the tabernacle, which was filled with God’s presence. God’s presence among His people was a new idea for the Israelites. The idea of having a central place of worship—like the tabernacle—was also new to the Israelites. They had no idea what living in a covenant relationship with God was supposed to look like.

Leviticus begins with God calling out to His chosen and treasured people. The tabernacle and the structured system of worship had been introduced prior to Leviticus being written by Moses. Therefore, the book focuses on instructing God’s people to live in relationship with Him.

The book focuses on God’s holy character and how His people are meant to live in obedience to Him. Leviticus 26 deals specifically with the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience in this relationship.

IMPORTANCE
This passage of Scripture is important for students because it powerfully shows that People are God’s Treasure. God initiated an intimate relationship with humanity. By taking the initiative instead of waiting for people to act, God shows His great desire to know us individually and for us to spend eternity with Him. The intimate relationship that God desires can only be cultivated through obedience to His commands. If we obey, there is blessing. If we disobey, there will be discipline. Obedience to God and His commands cultivates intimacy with Him.

INTERPRETATION
Leviticus 26:9–10 God promised to give Israel abundant blessings for their obedience. In addition to blessing them with children, God would also give them plenty to eat. In fact, they would have so much to eat they would not have enough room to store it all.

Leviticus 26:11–13 The promise of increased numbers is reminiscent of God’s original covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3; Gen. 15:4–5). This parallel is a great example of God’s continued faithfulness to His covenant. He told the Israelites He would live among them. His very presence would be with the Israelites. He would not hate them if they kept the covenant. He would walk with them as He walked with Adam and Eve in Garden of Eden. In verse 13, God once again reminded the Israelites of who He is and of His power. At this point, the Israelites were still wandering in the wilderness. They had been freed from slavery in Egypt but had not yet come into the Promised Land. God was reminding the Israelites how He had delivered them. He was forcing them to remember what life was like under the oppression of slavery and what it would be like when He finally delivered them into the Promised Land.

Leviticus 26:14–15 God warned the Israelites about breaking the covenant. This language paints a picture of a rebellious people who would not listen to or obey God’s commands. God clearly stated that there would be consequences. Consequences are not merely an example of God getting mad. God doesn’t desire bad things to happen. But God was passionate about His people keeping the laws of the covenant. These laws were the foundation of God’s relationship with the Israelites. When the Israelites went against God, they inevitably faced the consequences.

Leviticus 26:16–20 This passage lists some of the specific consequences of Israel’s continued disobedience. Initially, their refusal to listen would bring about sudden disease, famine, and defeat by their enemies (v. 16–17). If they continued in disobedience, their “stubborn pride” would be broken, followed by failed crops and more famine (v. 18–20). The picture is meant to be desolate, empty, and frightening for those who would disobey.

Leviticus 26:40–42 If the people confessed and repented of their pride, rebellion, and disobedience, God would remember the covenant He had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 42). God loves His people and desires to be with us. This is the overarching theme of Scripture. God pursues. People rebel. God continues to pursue. This is a beautiful picture of faithfulness. Consider what our existence would be like without God’s grace and mercy.

Leviticus 26:43 The Israelites would face the consequences of their rebellion. God was telling the Israelites that, if they disobeyed His covenant, He would punish them by removing their presence from the land. This statement would prove to be accurately prophetic. Scripture teaches that the Israelites were indeed removed from their land after years of disobedience. When the Jews were in captivity, scattered throughout Assyria, Babylon, and finally the Persian Empire, their former homeland did indeed “enjoy its Sabbaths” in desolation. But God proved faithful. In His sovereignty, He would allow the exiles back into Jerusalem. So, while this passage was a warning to the Israelites at a time when they had yet to even enter the Promised Land, it offered a glimpse of the future, and of God’s future faithfulness.

Leviticus 26:44–45 Despite the consequences, God would still be their God. God is faithful to bless obedience and punish disobedience, but He will never break His covenant promise to be our God. The chapter concludes with God stating that, despite Israel’s rebellion, He would remember the covenant He made with them to be their God and for them to be His people.

IMPLICATIONS
The question often arises among students, “If God is always faithful and gracious, can I sin as much as I want?” The implication is that God will always forgive sin later. The answer is, “yes.” You may sin and rebel, and God will forgive you. However, His forgiveness does not negate that there are serious consequences to our rebellion and our actions. A good example among students would be having sex prior to marriage. There is certainly forgiveness for any student who has fallen to this temptation; however, the consequences still remain (possible pregnancy, STDs, emotional baggage). In addition to any physical or secular consequences, the most severe consequence of sin is that it takes us farther away from God. Ultimately, to deliberately use grace as an excuse to sin is to deny God (Jude 4; Heb. 10:26–27). Is it challenging to teach your students about forgiveness and consequences? Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead your students to understand God’s perfect sense of justice and His absolute forgiveness of sin.

Obedience to God certainly brings God’s blessings. God desires us to be wholly devoted to Him and to all His commands. He will keep His covenant of blessing with those who continue to follow his ways. In the same way, He will discipline those who disobey. Are you challenging your students to live obediently?

 

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