By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
HOLY LIVING
Leviticus 26:1–13
When I survey the wondrous book of Leviticus, I see Jesus in every section. Jesus is greater than the holy offerings of chapters 1–7. He is greater than the holy priests of Leviticus 8–10. He brings greater healing that makes for a holy camp. Jesus is our once-for-all atonement from sin, so He is greater than every once-a-year holy Yom Kippur sacrifice. Finally, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the holiness code in chapters 17–27, demonstrating His love for Jews (His neighbor, 19:18) and Gentiles (the alien, 19:34) while living in holy obedience to the Father (Heb. 5:7–10). Because Jesus is holy, those who walk in covenant relationship with Him are called saints (or holy ones).
Faithfulness (1–2)
Salvation has always been a matter of faith, trusting God and taking Him at His Word (Heb. 11:6). Faith is more than ritual obedience; it is relational obedience. Faithfulness refers to walking by faith in actions and attitudes. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses — they all took God at His Word and walked in obedience to the covenant relationship established by God.
The people of this covenant at Mount Sinai were called to be faithful. They were prohibited from idolatry because Yahweh was their God. They were to take Sabbath rests and honor the sacredness of the sanctuary because Yahweh set that day and that place apart to be wholly devoted to Him.
Blessings (3–8)
From the time Israel left Egypt until they entered the promised land, God provided them food sufficient for their survival. Once they settled into their inheritance, they were dependent upon the land for fruit and vegetables. The first blessing promised for covenant faithfulness was provision — rainfall, plenty of grain, fruit from the trees (olives, figs, etc.) and grapes from the vine.
The second blessing was protection. When Israel walked in covenant faithfulness, Yahweh granted them victory over their adversaries. He would rid the land of wild animals so their livestock would be safe. He would also protect them from traveling marauders and neighboring nations.
Leviticus 26:14–17 warns of the judgment that would come from disobedience to God’s instructions. This entire generation of Israelite adults died in the wilderness because they failed to trust Yahweh. As a result, the same warnings had to be given to the second generation in Deuteronomy 28 prior to their entry into the promised land.
Fellowship (9–13)
Living by faith produces faithfulness. Faithfulness leads to fruitfulness. Fruitfulness is accompanied by fellowship with the Maker of the covenant. Fellowship is the intended result of covenant faith.
Freedom was the added bonus of walking in fellowship with Yahweh. He reminded Israel that He was Yahweh, the One “who … enabled you to live in freedom.”
Covenant obedience led to blessing, and disobedience led to judgment. The passages that follow warn of the dire consequences of disobedience. Having a relationship with God can be painful when not walking in fellowship with Him. We invite God’s judgment upon us when we fail to trust God or obey His clear direction. Walking in covenant relationship leads to fellowship with God and with one another (1 John 1:7, 9).
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