Leviticus 26:23
And if in spite of these things you do not accept My discipline, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me,
And if in spite of these things
This phrase introduces a conditional statement, emphasizing the stubbornness of the people despite previous warnings and consequences. The Hebrew word for "in spite of" is "אִם־בְּזֹאת" (im-bezot), which conveys a sense of defiance or disregard. Historically, this reflects Israel's repeated cycle of disobedience and the consequences that followed. The phrase serves as a reminder of God's patience and the persistent call to repentance.

you do not accept
The Hebrew root for "accept" is "יָסַר" (yasar), which means to discipline or instruct. This implies a refusal to learn or be corrected. In the biblical context, accepting discipline is akin to acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom. The refusal to accept discipline is a rejection of God's authority and guidance, which is a recurring theme in the history of Israel.

My discipline
The term "discipline" here is "מוּסָר" (musar) in Hebrew, which encompasses correction, instruction, and chastisement. It is not merely punitive but is intended for growth and improvement. God's discipline is an expression of His love and desire for His people to return to the right path. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves, as seen in Proverbs 3:12.

but continue to walk
The phrase "continue to walk" suggests a deliberate and ongoing choice. The Hebrew verb "הָלַךְ" (halak) means to walk or to live, indicating a lifestyle or pattern of behavior. This highlights the persistent nature of the people's rebellion, choosing a path contrary to God's will. It underscores the importance of daily choices in one's spiritual journey.

in hostility toward Me
The word "hostility" is translated from the Hebrew "קֶרִי" (qeri), which implies opposition or enmity. This is a strong term that denotes an adversarial relationship with God. Historically, this reflects the times when Israel turned to idolatry and other nations, rejecting God's covenant. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in opposition to God, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and peace with Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The primary audience of Leviticus, the Israelites were God's chosen people, whom He delivered from Egypt and to whom He gave the Law through Moses.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, Moses was the mediator of God's covenant and the one through whom God communicated His laws and commands.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was to be a place of blessing if the Israelites obeyed God's commands.

4. God
The sovereign Lord who established a covenant with the Israelites, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience.

5. Covenant
The binding agreement between God and the Israelites, which included laws, promises, and conditions for blessings and curses.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Disobedience
Leviticus 26:23 highlights the gravity of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder that disobedience has serious consequences, not just for the individual but for the community.

God's Desire for Repentance
The verse implies that God allows consequences as a means to bring His people back to Him. It underscores His desire for repentance and restoration rather than punishment.

The Role of Discipline in Spiritual Growth
Just as a loving parent disciplines a child, God uses discipline to correct and guide His people. This is a call to view challenges as opportunities for growth and realignment with God's will.

Covenant Faithfulness
The covenant relationship requires faithfulness from both parties. For believers today, this means living in obedience to God's Word and maintaining a close relationship with Him.

The Importance of Community Accountability
The communal aspect of the covenant reminds us of the importance of holding each other accountable in our faith journeys, encouraging one another to remain faithful to God's commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of the Israelites' covenant with God enhance our interpretation of Leviticus 26:23?

2. In what ways can we see the principles of Leviticus 26:23 reflected in the New Testament teachings on discipline and repentance?

3. How can we apply the concept of covenant faithfulness in our daily lives as modern believers?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in obedience to God's commands, both individually and as a community?

5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith journeys, especially when facing the consequences of disobedience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter parallels Leviticus 26, detailing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Jeremiah 7
The prophet Jeremiah warns the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience, echoing the themes of Leviticus 26.

Hebrews 12
This New Testament passage discusses God's discipline, drawing a parallel to the corrective measures described in Leviticus 26.
Temporal Rewards and PunishmentsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 26:1-46
Promises and ThreateningsR.A. Redford Leviticus 26:3-39
Divine RetributionW. Clarkson Leviticus 26:14-39
Prophetic MaledictionsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 26:14-39
Our God and OurselvesW. Clarkson Leviticus 26:23, 24
People
Egyptians, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Accept, Act, Continue, Contrary, Corrected, Correction, Discipline, Disciplined, Hostile, Hostility, Instructed, Opposition, Reformed, Spite, Walk, Walked, Won't
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 26:14-39

     5827   curse
     6026   sin, judgment on

Leviticus 26:23-24

     5764   attitudes, negative to God
     5926   rebuke
     8231   discipline, divine

Leviticus 26:23-25

     5493   retribution

Leviticus 26:23-26

     4438   eating
     4843   plague
     5435   ovens

Library
Emancipated Slaves
I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.'--LEV. xxvi. 13. The history of Israel is a parable and a prophecy as well as a history. The great central word of the New Testament has been drawn from it, viz. 'redemption,' i.e. a buying out of bondage. The Hebrew slaves in Egypt were 'delivered.' The deliverance made them a nation. God acquired them for Himself, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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