The balance of chapter 25 gave us the exceptions to Jubilee and basic right of redemption. God is the one who divided up the Promised Land, and it was He who decided what could be redeemed, so as to keep things balanced among the tribes the way He wanted. But that chapter reflects the underlying nature of how we must live on this earth to make the most of what God has granted.
In this chapter, the Lord offers a very strong warning. Notice how He promises that the land, the earth and nature itself, has a will to enforce the Covenant. It’s one thing to fear the forces of the natural world; that’s not what the Bible teaches. It’s another thing to realize that Creation is responsive and obedient to the Creator. In this we should be eager to join.
There is no substitute for reading this chapter yourself. The lessons are both gentle and stern. The power to live with confidence and joy is hidden between the lines of God’s Word of revelation. Keep in mind that the specifics of the Covenant of Moses are more precise and detailed, but generally the same covenant as that of Noah. The Covenants work completely regardless of human consciousness. But He has not been silent or coy; everything we need has been clearly revealed for all to see and understand.
If your heart is committed to Jehovah as Lord and Master, you will surely find a way to please Him. Creation itself will witness to your heart the truth of what God requires of you. If you embrace Him as your truth Father, it’s not that hard to touch His heart with your passion.
Thus, the chapter ends with the promise to Israel that this covenant will never end. And it didn’t; it was transformed when Christ arose. It became the covenant God had always planned to reveal to all of humanity. But to understand how the Covenant of Christ works, you must absorb the powerful sense of communion with God and His Creation, and commit yourself to avoiding things that irritate Him. This is a fresh revelation of what shalom means.
Read it for yourself.
“Read it for yourself.”
You convinced me. I will read it tomorrow 🙂