41. The Lord Warns for disobedience (Lev 26:14-38)

Interestingly, the warning for disobedience is much longer than the blessing of obedience.

πŸ‘‰ Read Leviticus 26:14-38

Disobedience will bring God’s punishments. Write the number in the blanks according to the order narrated in the Bible.

(             ) Health problems & defeat in wars

(             ) Loss of population

(             ) The Attack of the Lord: covenantal vengeance

(             ) The land will not produce despite whatever effort.

(             ) Eating flesh & being scattered to foreign countries.

(             ) Despair (no savior) & perish among the nations


What is the purpose of these difficulties? (two: 18 & 23 & 28, 34-35))

 

 

Answers and Meditation

1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 6

As the warning continues, the seriousness of their rebellion and the intensity of the Lord’s anger develop.

They will reject the Lord’s statutes at first. The Lord will bring disasters to their land. However, people won’t return to the Lord. And the Bible says they ‘walk in hostility against’ the Lord. (21, 23, 27). Then, the Lord Himself will walk in hostility against His people (24). It is 'a covenant vengeance.' (25) They will be stricken because they have violated the covenantal terms. So far, the Lord has brought disaster upon them. (16,21) Now, He Himself strikes them. (24)

If they don't repent, the Lord Himself will destroy them and drive them out of the land. (30-33). Then, they will die in despair in a foreign land, without God. (36-38)

 

To discipline His people, to make the land have rest

‘strong pride’ is the cause of disobedience (19). How does God break our pride? He will make our strength be used up in vain (20).

The land will take rest. This gives a hint that God will restore His people someday.

 

“The land of you enemies will consume you”

'The land' plays an important role in Pentateuch. The Lord gave them the land of Canaan and blessed them through the land. The land was the channel of the blessing. When they were kicked out of the land, they lost the connection to the Lord, for blessing at least. 

And in 'the land of their enemies,' they will die in despair. Interestingly, the final stage of the punishment in verses 36 – 38 is not about physical but mental and spiritual suffering. The Lord finally shatters the problem in their hearts, pride.

The land of Canaan was the channel of blessing. The land of enemies was a reminder of the curse of their sins.

However, again, the Sabbatical rest of the land illumines the hope of restoration.

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