Leviticus sits at the centre of the Pentateuch because it shows God’s solution to the great problem of humanity: human beings were cast out of the Garden of Eden, from God’s presence. Leviticus describes how humanity can get back into the presence of God. It shows the way back into the garden. In fact, God is going to lead them into a land that will become a new Eden for them, the land of Canaan. It will be a place where they can dwell in harmony with God as God purposed in the beginning. Now that the people have access to God’s presence, they are also faced with the same choice that Adam and Eve were given. Will they remain with God and enjoy the fruit of the tree of life, or will they rebel? Leviticus 26 outlines the ultimatum. God tells them that, if they rebel against him, he will afflict them in various ways to bring them to their senses. It seems that God will allow any measure of physical punishment to save his people spiritually. But if these Israelites would not heed God’s chastisements then the tragedy of Eden would be replayed. They would be cast out of the presence of God again. And yet, even then, as long as they live, if they seek God’s mercy, he will relent and bring them back. Whatever God must do to keep us with him is worth it. For the worst thing that can ever happen to us is that we end up happy without God.
Ask God to do whatever it takes to keep you at his side.
Read Leviticus 26
