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A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon

By Ekombe Hau -
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A Year Held in His Hands| A New Year Sermon Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Every time a new year comes close, something in me start feeling that weird mix of excitement and heaviness. Maybe you know the feeling too—like you’re standing at this invisible doorway. One foot in the old year (the stuff you want to forget but somehow still sticks to you like stubborn glue), and the other foot stepping into something you still can’t see clearly. And sometimes you’re hopeful, sometimes you’re scared, sometimes you’re… well, both at the same time. I was thinking about all that while reading some Scriptures again, and honestly, it hit me harder this year. Maybe because life been kinda loud lately, or maybe because I’m tired of pretending everything always makes sense. But the Bible does this thing, right? It sneaks into the parts of your heart you thought you cleaned up, and suddenly you realize God is trying to talk to you again. Even if it feels like you weren’t exactly listening. S...
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Leviticus Chapter 26: A Detailed Explanation

By Ekombe Hau -

 Leviticus 26 is a significant chapter in the Torah, containing blessings for obedience to God’s commandments and warnings of severe consequences for disobedience. Below is a detailed explanation of the chapter, structured thematically.


Leviticus Chapter 26: A Detailed Explanation

I. Introduction to Leviticus 26

Leviticus 26 serves as a covenantal chapter, outlining the conditions of Israel’s relationship with God. It presents two contrasting paths: one leading to divine favor through obedience and the other leading to severe punishment for disobedience. This chapter is structured similarly to ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, in which a sovereign (God) sets terms for His vassals (Israel).

Key Themes of Leviticus 26:

  1. Blessings for Obedience (Verses 1–13)

  2. Curses for Disobedience (Verses 14–39)

  3. Promise of Restoration (Verses 40–46)

II. The Call to Obedience (Verses 1-2)

The chapter begins with a reminder of fundamental commandments:

  • Avoid idolatry (v. 1): "Do not make idols or set up carved images."

  • Respect the Sabbath (v. 2): "Observe my Sabbaths and revere my sanctuary."

These commandments reiterate Israel’s exclusive worship of Yahweh. Idolatry and Sabbath-breaking are often cited in Scripture as primary reasons for divine judgment.

III. Blessings for Obedience (Verses 3–13)

God promises numerous blessings for those who follow His laws.

1. Agricultural Prosperity (Verses 3-5)

  • "I will send you rain in its season."

  • "The land will yield its produce."

  • "You will have abundant harvests."

  • "You will eat your fill and dwell in safety."

Obedience results in harmony with nature. Rain and fruitful harvests indicate divine provision, contrasting with famine in times of judgment.

2. Peace and Security (Verses 6-8)

  • "I will grant peace in the land."

  • "No wild animals will attack you."

  • "You will defeat your enemies."

God promises national security, internal peace, and victory over adversaries. The idea of "five chasing a hundred" emphasizes divine empowerment.

3. Divine Presence and Favor (Verses 9-12)

  • "I will make you fruitful and multiply you."

  • "I will walk among you and be your God."

This section highlights God’s intimate relationship with Israel. His presence among them (as in the Tabernacle) signifies His guidance and protection.

4. Deliverance from Bondage (Verse 13)

  • "I broke the bars of your yoke."

  • "You will walk with heads held high."

This verse recalls the Exodus, reminding Israel of their liberation from slavery and their call to live as free people under God.

IV. Curses for Disobedience (Verses 14–39)

If Israel disobeys, God outlines escalating punishments. These punishments reflect divine justice and discipline.

1. Disease and Defeat (Verses 14-17)

  • "I will bring sudden terror, wasting diseases."

  • "You will be defeated by your enemies."

  • "You will flee even when no one pursues."

These warnings indicate physical suffering, mental distress, and military defeat. Fear will dominate the disobedient nation.

2. Drought and Famine (Verses 18-20)

  • "I will make the sky like iron and the earth like bronze."

  • "Your strength will be spent in vain."

This imagery suggests that rain will cease, and the land will become barren, making agricultural efforts futile.

3. Wild Beasts and Child Loss (Verses 21-22)

  • "I will send wild animals against you."

  • "They will rob you of your children."

Disobedience results in nature turning hostile, emphasizing Israel’s vulnerability without divine protection.

4. Sword, Pestilence, and Siege (Verses 23-26)

  • "I will bring a sword upon you."

  • "You will be given into enemy hands."

  • "You will eat but not be satisfied."

Foreign invasion and disease will weaken Israel. The siege description hints at future events (e.g., the Babylonian exile).

5. Cannibalism and Destruction (Verses 27-33)

  • "You will eat the flesh of your sons and daughters."

  • "I will scatter you among the nations."

This section describes horrifying consequences, later fulfilled in Israel’s history (e.g., the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE).

6. Desolation of the Land (Verses 34-39)

  • "The land will enjoy its Sabbaths."

  • "You will waste away in foreign lands."

Without Israel, the land will "rest," indicating that their failure to observe the Sabbaths results in exile.

V. Promise of Restoration (Verses 40–46)

Despite judgment, God offers a path to restoration.

1. Confession and Repentance (Verses 40-42)

  • "If they confess their sins..."

  • "I will remember my covenant."

Repentance is key to renewal. God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2. Mercy Despite Judgment (Verses 43-45)

  • "I will not completely destroy them."

  • "I will remember the covenant."

Even in exile, God remains faithful. His justice does not negate His mercy.

3. Conclusion (Verse 46)

The chapter closes by reaffirming these decrees as binding between God and Israel.

VI. Theological and Practical Lessons

Leviticus 26 conveys timeless lessons about God's character and human responsibility.

1. The Principle of Obedience and Blessing

God’s blessings are not arbitrary; they follow obedience. This principle echoes in Deuteronomy and later in Jesus’ teachings (e.g., Matthew 6:33).

2. The Reality of Divine Judgment

Disobedience has consequences. The gradual escalation in punishment mirrors God’s patience, giving Israel opportunities to repent.

3. The Hope of Restoration

Even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemption. This foreshadows New Testament themes of grace and restoration in Christ.

VII. Conclusion

Leviticus 26 serves as both a warning and a promise. It highlights God's justice, but also His enduring mercy. This chapter remains relevant, illustrating the importance of faithfulness and the hope of divine restoration.

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