27 May, 2000
22 Iyyar, 5760
Focus Passage: Leviticus 26:3-46
Blessings of Obedience/Punishments Of Disobedience
Sanctity comes through choices, and the closing chapter of the Holiness Code set before Israel the blessings of obedience and the punishments of disobedience. The prerequisite nature of holiness as a relationship required to experience the presence of G-d was reaffirmed. Yet the choice remained that of persons. Individuals and corporate entities may obey or disobey.
Obedience: For those who live with qualities of commitment described in chapters 17 - 26, there is the promise of rain in its season and the increase of the land (vv. 4-5). peace shall come to those who honor G-d, and none be afraid. The L-rd will "look with favor upon you," and bounteously provide for their needs. Most significantly, G-d will "be ever present" among them, and they will belong to each other. The basis for that hope is found in verse 13.
Disobedience: Life apart from G-d brought the terror of life, consumption and fever and defeat by one's enemies, together with the destruction of the pride of power (vv. 14-20). If people would not learn from the discipline of history, then further disasters would follow. Ultimately, G-d would oppose them. In a passage that reflects the perspective of the post-exilic period, the writer/compiler concluded by referring to the horror of siege and warfare (vv. 27-34) and to the desolation of those who "pine away in your enemies' land" (v. 39). But even from the enemy's land, if people "confess their iniquity," there was hope for the future. G-d would remember the Covenant and bring the people back to the devastated land (vv. 40-45).
In all of this, one confronts a theological interpretation of history. Israel believed that G-d was the god of history and that history was the history of G-d. Such a theocentric view of history gave meaning to individual lives and purpose to nations. it is to the difficult challenge of identifying the shadowed form of G-d behind the turbulent events of history that the people of G-d in every age are called. G-d is there, often unseen, but present in G-d's Providence. The choice to acknowledge G-d was theirs as it is ours. Holiness is a choice that must be exercised, a yes or no must be given to G-d, and to G-d's Torah.
Shalom U'Vracha,
Thomas and Greta
