April 9

READ LEVITICUS 26

GO DEEPER

Today's section in Leviticus discusses the outcomes of following or defying God's commandments among the Israelites, but it also hints at the future journey of their people and of believers in Christ. Similar to a child's behavior chart, Leviticus 26 describes the rewards and consequences on a national scale. 

In this chapter, God reveals the patterns of past and future events related to obedience and disobedience. One writer has outlined the symmetry in these two sections titled 'Blessings and Curses,' providing verse references for clarity.

Blessings	Curses
Fertile land (4-5, 10)	Unproductive land (16, 19-20, 26)
Live in safety (5)	Live in foreign nation (33)
Savage beasts removed (6)	Beasts will devour (22)
Sword removed (6)	Sword avenges (25)
Victory over enemies (7)	Defeated by enemies (17, 25)
God’s favor (9)	God’s disfavor (17)

Keep in mind: Israel faced challenges in obeying the commandments. In Exodus 23, it is recounted how, prior to Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the Lord instructed the Israelites not to worship idols. However, they became restless during Moses' absence on the mountain and crafted a golden calf to worship by Exodus 32. 

This pattern of disobedience repeats itself throughout the Old Testament, reflecting a wider human struggle with impatience and self-centered actions. The chapter frequently uses conditional statements to convey potential outcomes: 

• Verse 3: Following my decrees leads to rewards 
• Verse 14: Not listening to me results in consequences 
• Verse 15: Rejecting my decrees brings consequences 
• Verse 18: Continued disregard leads to consequences 

And so forth. These "if" statements, along with the ensuing consequences, offer clarity on the rewards and penalties tied to obedience. In contrast to the Egyptian gods, characterized by mystery, unpredictability, and a lack of consistency, God's relationship with the Israelites is marked by His power and love.

The Scriptures provide a clear understanding of God's nature, power, and love, leaving no ambiguity about His expectations for His followers. With a clear roadmap and the assurance of God's benevolence, we can overcome impatience and selfishness, adhere to His Word, and embrace the blessings of peace and love as God's children.                     

QUESTIONS

1. The contemporary idols may not resemble those seen in ancient Egypt, yet they exhibit similar characteristics. What modern-day objects or concepts do people worship, and how do they mirror the qualities of the ancient Egyptian gods?

2. Why did the Israelites value God's explicit instructions on behaviors and consequences? 

3. What insight does this passage provide into God's nature?