What does Leviticus 26 teach us about how God’s judgment might be increased when Israel doesn’t repent?
Answer:
Leviticus 26 teaches us many things about God’s patience in bringing divine judgment over the people. To understand God’s patience in this chapter, we have to review quickly the division of this chapter. In verses 1 and 2, there is a request for full obedience to the Lord. Verses 3 through 13 talk about the blessings the Lord promised the people as a result of their obedience to the laws and rules. Verses 14 through 39 list the curses that will be the sanctions for disobedience and rebellion against the Lord. In verses 40 through 45, the Lord offers a way out of judgment through repentance and returning to the Lord. And the last verse, verse 46, is an epilogue. God’s patience is revealed in this chapter in a very clear way. There is a progression in the judgment. For example, verses 14 through 17 tell us that the judgment will come in the form of diseases and defeat from their enemies. Yet, there is always an opportunity for repentance and returning to the Lord. However, if there is no repentance and returning to the Lord, judgment will be multiplied seven times. The term “seven times” is repeated more than once in this chapter — in verses 18 through 21, 23 and 24, and 27 and 28. But there is also an opportunity for repentance and returning to the Lord in verses 40 through 45. So, the Lord offers many opportunities for repentance and returning to him. And there is also a progression in judgment, but with every progression and increase in the severity of judgment, there is always a chance to repent and return to the Lord.
Arabish Biblical Theology 