These are the statutes, ordinances, and laws that the LORD established between Himself and the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. These are the statutes, ordinances, and lawsThis phrase encapsulates the comprehensive nature of God's covenantal instructions to Israel. The Hebrew words used here are "חֻקִּים" (chukkim) for statutes, "מִשְׁפָּטִים" (mishpatim) for ordinances, and "תּוֹרוֹת" (torot) for laws. Each term reflects a different aspect of divine instruction: "chukkim" often refers to decrees that may not be immediately understandable but are to be followed out of obedience; "mishpatim" are judgments or decisions that often have a moral or ethical basis; and "torot" is the plural of "Torah," indicating teachings or instructions. This triad underscores the multifaceted nature of God's guidance, covering moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of life. Historically, these terms reflect the ancient Near Eastern context where law codes were central to societal governance, yet here they are divinely ordained, emphasizing God's sovereignty and holiness. that the LORD established
The Hebrew word for "established" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or set in place. This indicates that these laws are not merely human constructs but are divinely instituted. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God is the ultimate authority. This divine establishment signifies a binding agreement, akin to ancient suzerain-vassal treaties, where the suzerain (God) provides laws for the vassal (Israel) to follow, ensuring protection and blessing in return for obedience. between Himself and the Israelites
This phrase emphasizes the relational aspect of the covenant. The Hebrew word "בֵּין" (bein) means "between," indicating a mutual relationship. The Israelites are not just passive recipients but active participants in this covenant. This relationship is unique, as it sets Israel apart from other nations, chosen to be a holy people (Exodus 19:5-6). The covenant is both communal and individual, affecting every aspect of life and requiring collective and personal adherence. through Moses
Moses is the mediator of this covenant, a role that is crucial in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew preposition "בְּיַד" (beyad) is often translated as "through" or "by the hand of," indicating agency. Moses, as God's chosen leader, acts as the intermediary between God and the people. His role prefigures the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, who establishes a new covenant through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:15). on Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a significant location in biblical history, where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Ten Commandments. The Hebrew "בְּהַר סִינַי" (behar Sinai) signifies not just a physical location but a place of divine encounter and revelation. Archaeologically, while the exact location of Mount Sinai is debated, its significance is undisputed as the site of God's covenantal revelation. This mountain becomes a symbol of God's law and His presence, a place where heaven and earth meet, and where God's holiness is profoundly manifested. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-making God of Israel, who establishes laws and statutes for His people. 2. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, recipients of the laws and statutes given through Moses. 3. MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God communicated His laws to the Israelites. 4. Mount SinaiThe significant location where God delivered the Law to Moses, symbolizing His covenant with Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantGod's relationship with Israel is based on a covenant, highlighting His commitment and faithfulness. This covenant is foundational for understanding the rest of the Old Testament. The Role of the LawThe statutes, ordinances, and laws serve as a guide for holy living, setting Israel apart as God's people. They reflect God's character and His desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him. Moses as MediatorMoses acts as a mediator between God and Israel, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator of a new and better covenant. The Significance of Mount SinaiMount Sinai is a place of divine revelation and covenant-making, reminding believers of the seriousness and holiness of God's commands. Application to Modern BelieversWhile Christians are not under the Old Testament law, the principles of holiness, obedience, and covenant relationship with God remain relevant. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and honors the new covenant through Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the covenant at Mount Sinai help us appreciate the nature of God's relationship with His people? 2. In what ways do the laws given to Israel reflect God's character, and how can we apply these principles to our lives today? 3. How does Moses' role as a mediator between God and Israel point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 4. What are some modern-day "statutes and ordinances" that Christians might follow to live a life set apart for God? 5. How can the concept of covenant in the Old Testament deepen our understanding of the new covenant established through Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19-20These chapters describe the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai, providing context for the laws in Leviticus. Deuteronomy 5A reiteration of the Ten Commandments and the covenant, emphasizing the continuity of God's law. Hebrews 8Discusses the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the old covenant given at Sinai. People Egyptians, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Decisions, Established, Israelites, Judgments, Laws, Mount, Ordinances, Regulations, Rules, Sinai, Sons, StatutesDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 26:46 4269 Sinai, Mount Leviticus 26:40-46 1349 covenant, at Sinai
7216 exile, in Assyria 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 ScriptureLii. 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 Links Leviticus 26:46 NIVLeviticus 26:46 NLTLeviticus 26:46 ESVLeviticus 26:46 NASBLeviticus 26:46 KJV
Leviticus 26:46 Commentaries
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