Leviticus 26:28

then I will walk in fury against you, and I, even I, will punish you sevenfold for your sins.

Study Bible

then I will act
The phrase "then I will act" signifies a direct intervention by God in response to the actions of His people. The Hebrew root here is "הלך" (halak), which means to go or to walk, but in this context, it implies a decisive movement or action by God. This indicates that God is not passive but actively involved in the moral and spiritual state of His people. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship where God responds to the obedience or disobedience of Israel.

with fury
The word "fury" comes from the Hebrew "חֵמָה" (chemah), which denotes intense anger or wrath. This is not a capricious anger but a righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, deities were often depicted as wrathful, but the God of Israel's fury is always just and purposeful, aimed at correction and restoration rather than mere destruction.

against you
The phrase "against you" personalizes the judgment, indicating that it is directed specifically at those who have broken the covenant. This highlights the personal nature of the relationship between God and His people. In the broader scriptural context, it serves as a warning that God's judgment is not abstract but is a direct response to the actions of individuals and communities.

and I, even I
The repetition "and I, even I," emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of God's involvement. It underscores that this is not an action delegated to others but one that God Himself will undertake. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over creation and history.

will punish you
The term "punish" is derived from the Hebrew "יסר" (yasar), which means to discipline or chastise. This is not punishment for punishment's sake but is intended to bring about repentance and restoration. In the biblical narrative, God's discipline is always aimed at leading His people back to righteousness and covenant faithfulness.

sevenfold
The use of "sevenfold" is significant in biblical numerology, where the number seven often represents completeness or perfection. Here, it indicates the fullness of the punishment that corresponds to the gravity of the sin. It serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of breaking God's covenant and the comprehensive nature of divine justice.

for your sins
The phrase "for your sins" identifies the cause of the punishment. The Hebrew word for sin, "חטא" (chata), means to miss the mark or to fall short of God's standards. This highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of the covenant, where sin is not just a legal transgression but a failure to live according to God's holy standards. The historical context of Leviticus is one where the law was given to guide Israel in holiness, and deviation from it required correction to maintain the sanctity of the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The speaker in this verse, expressing His response to Israel's disobedience.

2. Israelites
The recipients of God's covenant and the ones being warned of the consequences of disobedience.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the laws and commandments to Moses, including the blessings and curses outlined in Leviticus 26.

4. Moses
The mediator of the covenant between God and the Israelites, through whom these laws were communicated.

5. Covenant
The agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Discipline
God's discipline is a response to persistent disobedience, intended to bring His people back to righteousness. It is an expression of His justice and love.

The Severity of Sin
The "sevenfold" punishment underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. It serves as a warning against taking God's commands lightly.

Covenantal Responsibility
As God's people, there is a responsibility to uphold His commandments. The covenant relationship involves both privileges and obligations.

Repentance and Restoration
While the verse speaks of severe discipline, it also implies the possibility of restoration through repentance. God's ultimate desire is for His people to return to Him.

Reflecting on God's Character
This passage invites believers to reflect on the holiness and justice of God, recognizing that His actions are always aligned with His character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the context of Leviticus 26:28 help us comprehend the nature of God's discipline?

2. In what ways can we see the principle of "sevenfold" discipline reflected in other parts of Scripture, and what does it teach us about the consequences of sin?

3. How can we apply the concept of covenantal responsibility in our daily walk with God today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God's commands, avoiding the need for divine discipline?

5. How does the theme of discipline in Leviticus 26:28 connect with the New Testament teachings on God's love and correction?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter parallels Leviticus 26, detailing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the covenantal relationship.

Hebrews 12:5-11
Discusses God's discipline as a sign of His love, drawing a parallel to the discipline mentioned in Leviticus 26:28.

Jeremiah 30:11
Speaks of God's corrective discipline, ensuring that His people are not left unpunished but are corrected in measure.

Amos 3:2
Highlights the unique relationship between God and Israel, where their chosen status comes with greater accountability.

Revelation 3:19
Jesus speaks of rebuking and disciplining those He loves, echoing the theme of divine discipline found in Leviticus.