Leviticus 26:23

And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;

And if ye will not be reformed {H3256} by me by these things, but will walk {H1980} contrary {H7147} unto me;

"'If, in spite of all this, you refuse my correction and still go against me;

And if in spite of these things you do not accept My discipline, but continue to walk in hostility toward Me,

And if by these things ye will not be reformed unto me, but will walk contrary unto me;

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 26:23

Leviticus chapter 26 outlines the covenant God made with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, detailing the blessings for obedience and the severe curses for disobedience. Verses 14-39 specifically describe a series of escalating judgments that God would bring upon His people if they rebelled against His commands. Leviticus 26:23 falls within this section, following earlier warnings and disciplinary actions (verses 18-22). This verse signifies a further stage of God's response to their persistent and unrepentant rebellion, indicating that even after previous chastisements, they remained defiant.

Key Themes in Leviticus 26:23

  • Escalating Consequences: The phrase "if ye will not be reformed by me by these things" refers to prior judgments God had sent (e.g., famine, wild beasts, pestilence). This verse indicates that if these initial disciplinary actions failed to bring repentance, even harsher consequences would follow. God's patience, while vast, has limits when His people stubbornly refuse to turn back.
  • Stubborn Disobedience: To "walk contrary unto me" signifies a willful, active opposition and hostility toward God's will and commands. It's not merely passive neglect but a defiant refusal to submit to divine authority and correction. This highlights the dangers of a hardened heart that resists God's attempts to bring about reform.
  • Divine Discipline as a Call to Repentance: God sends these "things" not out of arbitrary wrath, but as a means to prompt His people to turn back to Him. His discipline is intended to bring about repentance and lead them to a right relationship with Him, as seen in the broader context of Leviticus 26:40-42.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "contrary" (Χ§ΦΆΧ¨Φ΄Χ™, qeri) in "walk contrary unto me" carries a strong connotation of acting with perversity, hostility, or stubborn opposition. It implies a deliberate and defiant attitude, rather than a simple lapse. When God says, "I will walk contrary unto you also," it signifies His response will be proportionate to their defiant attitude, meeting their hostility with His own severity, as seen in the very next verse.

Practical Application

Leviticus 26:23 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of unrepentant sin and a hardened heart. God, in His love, provides opportunities for His people to be "reformed" through various circumstances and challenges. When we face difficulties, it's crucial to examine our hearts and ask if God is trying to get our attention or correct our path. The stubborn refusal to learn from divine correction can lead to increasingly severe consequences. This verse encourages humility and responsiveness to God's voice, whether through His Word, circumstances, or the counsel of others. It reminds us that God's discipline, which, as the New Testament reminds us, is a sign of His love for His children (Hebrews 12:6), is always for our ultimate good and spiritual growth.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 5:3

    O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

  • Jeremiah 2:30

    In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

  • Amos 4:6

    ΒΆ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Amos 4:12

    Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: [and] because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

  • Ezekiel 24:13

    In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

  • Ezekiel 24:14

    I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Isaiah 1:16

    ΒΆ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
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