ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

Pulelulu Sune 2, 2021

I will make my dwelling among you

Pea te u tu‘u hoku Tāpanekale ‘i homou lotolotonga

Levitiko 26 (Leviticus 26)

(v. 11-12) I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.

(v. 11-12) Pea te u tu‘u hoku Tāpanekale ‘i homou lotolotonga; pea ‘e ‘ikai fehi‘a ‘a hoku loto kiate kimoutolu. Pea te u hā‘ele‘ele ‘i homou lotolotonga, pea te u nofo ko homou ‘Otua, pea te mou nofo mai ko hoku kakai.

 

* G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible*

In these brief repetitions of laws two gracious promises and solemn warnings were set forth. The laws reiterated were fundamental. There must be no idolatry. There must be perpetual observance of the Sabbath and a constant reverence in the sanctuary. The great promises show how conditions of well-being are ever entirely dependent on obedience to the government of God.

In like manner the warnings show that disobedience will always be followed with calamity.

It is most instructive in the giving of the law, to observe how the declension and wandering of the people was evidently known to the King, and that notwithstanding this fact, these promises of final restoration were made. Thus, while human responsibility is most solemnly enforced, it is done in such a way as to create the conviction that the love of God will prove itself finally victorious over all human failure.

 

*Commentary: David Guzik – Study Guide on Leviticus*

The best promises are saved for last: First, that Israel would enjoy a special relationship with God. If not for this, all the material blessings described previously would be empty.

When Israel walked after the LORD, these blessings were real; one example of this is when the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon and saw a nation so blessed, she knew it had to be of God (1 Kings 10:1-13).

I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright: This final blessing speaks of freedom and dignity. This passage almost feels like the New Testament, God proclaims the liberty of His people and then invites them to walk in it.