reward and punishment

What the Lord Says Aboutthe Blessings and Responsibilities

of Being His PeopleLeviticus 26

Rewards and punishments will come from the Lord: “I will…” (vv.4,11, etc.)

Rewards and punishments are conditional: “if … then” (vv. 3,4,14,15,18,21,23,27,34, 40,42, etc.)

Rewards and punishments come with being chosen (vv. 13,45)

Rewards and punishments are spoken of in advance, giving incentive and warning (v. 46)

Because of who he is: the one true God (v. 1)

Because of what he did: gave them good (v. 2a)

Because of where he dwells: among them (v. 2b)

Because of what he promises: future blessings (vv. 3-13)

He will distress you (vv. 14-17)

He will defeat you (vv. 18-20)

He will disease you (vv. 21-22)

He will send death to you (vv. 23-26)

He will destroy you (vv. 27-31)

He will disperse you (vv. 32-39)

Confession is needed (v. 40; 1 Jn. 1:7-9)

Humility is needed (vv. 41-43; Jer. 6:10; Acts 7:51)

Faithfulness is need (vv. 44-45; 2 Tim. 2:13)

We have a responsibility to obey the Lord’s commandments (Lev. 26:1-13): Heb. 5:9

We have a responsibility to submit to the Lord’s chastisements (Lev. 26:14-39): Heb. 12:4ff

We have a responsibility to return to the Lord’s covenant (Lev. 26:40-46): Rev. 2:5

Let us walk with God, not contrary to him (Lev. 26:3): Rev. 3:4

Let us obey in order to receive God’s rewards (Lev. 26:4ff): Eph. 1:3

Let us be warned of God’s punishments (Lev. 26:14ff): 2 Thess. 1:8-9

Let us avoid the slow, gradual departure away from God (Lev. 26:14-15): Heb. 2:1

Let us humbly repent and return to God when necessary (Lev. 26:40-41): Lk. 18:14