An Examination of Leviticus 26:1-13

In Leviticus 26, we see two ways open before us: the way of obedience and blessing, the other of disobedience and misery. Or, the narrow way of life and the broad way of destruction. These admonitions were given to the Hebrews, yet they are as timely and applicable to us today as it was to them.

Let’s examine the first way; the narrow way of obedience.

1. Characteristics of the obedient.

They will have no idols, verse 1. For the children of Israel, God would not tolerate any idols or images or sacred stones on their property or the soil of their hearts and minds. Under no circumstances are the people of God to bow and worship the gods of this world.

They reverence the appointments of God, verse 2. They were not to turn the Sabbath into a day of selfish pleasure, or the sanctuary of the Lord into a theater or the pulpit into a stage. These things, the Sabbath and the sanctuary, are Divine appointments; a day and a place set apart for the Lord, and to honor the Lord.

They are guided by His words, verse 3. The obedient are to walk in the teachings and statutes of the Lord, and not in the light of the sparks of their own kindling (Isaiah 50:11). To the obedient, the Word of the Lord is like the sun; forever settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).

They delight to do His will, verse 3. The Word of the Lord is to be kept, not as Scrooge hoarded his coins, hidden away and therefore effectively useless, but as a warrior keeps his sword. Matthew 7:24 tells us that the wise believer is the one does what the Word says, not merely hears what the Word says.

2. The blessings that accompany obedience. The way of obedience is a way of–

Fruitfulness, verse 4. This promise or blessing is conditional, for fruitfulness depends wholly on our relationship with God, from whom all fruit comes. Out of the vine comes the fruit-producing sap into the branch. He knows when the proper time has arrived, Isaiah 44:3. The rain of His blessed Spirit from Heaven precedes the time of harvest.

Peace and rest, verse 6. The secret of fruitfulness and restfulness lies in the calm reassurance that you are being obedient to God’s Will. As we follow the Lord, He will make a way for us, He will give answers instead of asking more questions. Instead of worry and weariness, there is perfect peace and rest, Psalm 23:2. As we take His yoke, and seek after Christ sincerely, we find rest for our souls, Matthew 11:29.

Deliverance from evil things, verse 6. There are many beast-like evils from which we need to be delivered from. Love of money, pride, jealousy, anger, lust, impatience, a rebellious spirit; all these things are like savage beasts that tear apart the fabric of our souls. God alone is able to rid our lives of these things. Check out the whole zoo in Galatians 5:19-21.

Power to overcome, verses 7, 8. We are told that our war is not against enemies of flesh and blood. As believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle every day, Ephesians 6:12. In this battle, it is not a question of numbers, but of holiness unto God. God did not chose warriors who are perfect, He chose the weak, He chose warriors who might be overlooked by others. He chose people like you and me, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. The power for victory does not come from within, it is in the sword of His Word, mighty enough to demolish the enemy’s strongholds. Notice the stipulation: five of you. That’s not very many, but five in agreement are a powerful force for the Lord. Jesus told His followers if just two of them agreed on anything, He would be in their very presence, Matthew 18:19.

Distinguishing favor, verse 9. The obedient followers of the Lord will always be under His special grace (Romans 8:28). The Lord will make a difference in your life so that you will never need to seek help from ungodly sources. As we walk in obedience, there is no fear, ever, Hebrews 13:5, 6.

Abundant provision, verse 10. Old blessings will not be hoarded because of the number and greatness of the new ones! The old corn of our spiritual experiences will be liberally used because of the plentifulness of the new. This shows the health of a soul. The old corn of salvation should be brought out because of the new corn of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Church needs to bring out the old corn of past moves of God and seek a new, fresh anointing.

Divine fellowship, verse 12. His presence in our lives is a promise of prosperity, progress, protection, purity, and power. The soul that is possessed by God will never be in need as long as it walks in obedience to His Will. We have His promise on that.