LEVITICUS 26. FINAL EXHORTATION. The bulk of this chapter (Leviticus 26:3) forms a noble and impressive conclusion to the foregoing code. Few passages in the Bible reach a higher level of impassioned rhetoric. In form and position it is most naturally compared with the similar conclusion to the Deut... [ Continue Reading ]
LEVITICUS 26:1 F. Idols forbidden (_cf. Leviticus 19:4_, Exodus 20:4 *). Images of both stone and metal are forbidden, as well as pillars (_masseboth_ pp. 98f.).... [ Continue Reading ]
The blessings of obedience: fertility, freedom from wild beasts, victory over enemies, and the presence of Yahweh Himself in the midst. For the first reward, _cf._ Amos 9:13; for the thought in general, Deuteronomy 28:1; Ezekiel 34:25; and for Leviticus 26:11 f. the expansion in Ezekiel 40-48. No di... [ Continue Reading ]
The punishments of disobedience: plague and defeat, to be followed, after neglect of this warning, by infertility and wild animals and, if repentance is still withheld, by the threefold penalty of sword, pestilence, and famine. Sin is to be paid for seven times over (contrast Isaiah 40:2). This is t... [ Continue Reading ]
The results of neglect of the third warning: the extremities of famine and captivity; siege; desolation of the country, destruction of the cities, uselessness of all religious observances; dispersion of the nation; desertion of Palestine and abject misery of the survivors. Such experiences of famine... [ Continue Reading ]
CONFESSION AND RESTORATION. The order of thought is confession by the exiles of the sin of their own and of previous generations, Yahweh's memory of His ancient covenant, and His (implied) deliverance of His people. The order is simplified if Leviticus 26:41 is regarded as an insertion; if (Leviticu... [ Continue Reading ]
LEVITICUS 26:46. Conclusion of the whole H code.... [ Continue Reading ]