Leviticus 26 Commentary: Blessings come with obedience.
http://www.lovingscripture.com
The closing verses of chapters 26 and 27 give us a picture that Leviticus is written with the first two years in the background at the famous Mount Sinai.
Chapter 26 is important in reminding us of the beginning at creation.
I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. Leviticus 26 verse 9.
The original blessing triad, [Increase, fruitfulness (prosperity) and dominion] are repeatedly referenced in the Torah to highlight man’s need for restoration. Here two of them are directly referenced while dominion is mentioned in what is clearly only a resemblance of the original blessing. Indeed ‘dominion’ is scantily mentioned because its fulfillment lies in waiting until the time of the Christ. At God’s appointed time the saints shall reign with Christ in the paradise of God.
The same history-long blessing is repeated. In the background is the sad reality of sin. Israel would definitely fall many times along the way. Moses speaks to the future. His words are reported as though coming from a man transported into the future and looking at events unfolding. His words are prophetic.
The ‘idolatry and Sabbath’ laws are repeated but with a different purpose. If Israel obeys, the land will produce for them. We are reflecting on Genesis 3. Because of sin the land was cursed. An attempt at obedience will bring about restoration in part. It’s not restoration of vanity, rather it is the restoration of Genesis 1 – the blessing of the LORD.
We can expand on the promised blessings. Rain will fall in season and an abundant harvest is expected. The opposite is true. Sin, cursing of the land in Genesis 3 means that rain is no longer consistent and the ground produces less and less. We have a multiplier effect. Life isn’t the same when ungodliness sets in. More suffering is expected. It is suffering that the LORD initiates and sustains. It is as a consequence of a withdrawal of the blessing of the LORD.
Chapter 26 reminds us of the blessings of the LORD if and when man obeys. It also reminds us of man’s need for restoration. We have seen how the LORD’S plans have suffered repeatedly at the hands of sinful man. Now we can understand the purpose of Leviticus. It is yet another attempt by the LORD to redirect man towards Himself. Chapter 27 closes Leviticus but the journey reaches its climax in this chapter with the LORD pointing man to a restored relationship, as it was back in the Garden of blessings and tranquility.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 