Translations
Original
Notes
God punishes his people to change their behavior and restore their relationship with him. He acts like a perfectly righteous and loving parent would with a disobedient child. The punishments, meant to stop rebellious behavior, gradually increase. This gives Israel a chance to repent at any time (Leviticus 26:18–28). Even when Israel faced exile from the land in 722 and 586 BC, God was working to restore them (see, for example, Isaiah 40–66; Jeremiah 29:10; Amos 9:11–15).
These blessings and curses are similar to a key part of ancient Near Eastern treaties between a suzerain (a powerful king) and a vassal (a lesser king). In these treaties, the suzerain king promised to protect the vassal king and his land. In return, the vassal swore loyalty to the suzerain.
Blessings and curses followed, with curses usually being longer (compare Leviticus 26:3–13 with 26:14–39; see also Deuteronomy 27:15–28:68). These treaties often called upon gods as witnesses and enforcers. Yet, in God's covenant with Israel, God was one of the treaty parties, with Israel as the other. Since God could not swear by anyone greater, he swore by himself (see Hebrews 6:13; Genesis 22:16).
Parallels
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Branch Curse, Cursed Debt Deuteronomy, Book of Earth Elijah History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Ransom Remnant Reward
Topics
Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Blessing: Contingent Upon Obedience Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Disobedience to God: Denunciations Against Judgments are Sent, As Punishment For: Disobedience to God Judgments: Denounced Against Disobedience Protection: Withdrawn from The: Disobedient Punishment: Design of To Secure Obedience Rebellion Against God: Punishment For Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sin: National, Punishment of Sin: Punishment of Sin: The Israelites Wicked (People): Punishment of