As parents, it is easier to react to a child’s disobedience rather than prevent it. Effective parenting seeks to constructively discipline a child: laying out wisdom that, if followed, enables one to weather the trials and temptations of life. Leviticus 26 is God’s preventative medicine. The motivating element is both positive and negative: Israel has good reasons to obey (verses 1-13); but God also outlines the sad consequences of disobedience (verses 14-39). Please note that in spite of both positive and negative elements of motivation, God’s goal is clearly “positive”. One theologian speaks of this chapter as being a poignant picture of divine love and lament. Behind the severe warnings and consequences, is the blessing of God’s merciful call for repentance. With persistent disobedience would come many evils: afflictions (v16), national enemies (v17), unfavourable natural elements and poor harvests, economic desolation (v22), famine (vv25,26), exile (v33), crippling fear (vv36,37); and national destruction (vv38,39). God’s response to Israel’s sin is the warning of fatherly discipline. The increasing severity of judgment as we read through the chapter is a consequence of the hardening of Israel’s heart. When God disciplines it is not only an act of justice by a just God, but an act of mercy because he desires restoration for his people. He disciplines one member for the benefit of the whole body.
Something to Understand:
God’s dealing with Israel also applies to our individual lives. When we sin and suffer, but do not learn through our suffering, we must soberly understand the truth that God will discipline his children: to effect here with a contrite heart, or in the life to come in judgment. The disciplining disposition of God is the “hidden” blessing of Leviticus 26!
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives…For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:6,11)