Leviticus 26:1,2

D. CONCLUSION: PROMISES AND WARNINGS 26:1-46
1. THE NECESSITY OF RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS
TO GOD 26:1, 2

TEXT 26:1, 2

1

Ye shall make you no idols, neither shall ye rear you up a graven image, or a pillar, neither shall ye place any figured stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am Jehovah your God.

2

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am Jehovah.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 26:1, 2

628.

Some commentators feel these two verses should be a part of chapter twenty-five. Why would they think this? Do you see any connection?

629.

Please consider carefully and separately the following words: (1) idols; (2) graven image; (3) pillar; (4) figured (or painted) stone. Define them in your own words.

630.

What are the two safeguards against idolatry according to verse two? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 26:1, 2

You must have no idols: you must never worship carved images, obelisks, or shaped stones, for I am the Lord your God. You must obey My Sabbath laws of rest, and reverence My Tabernacle, for I am the Lord.

COMMENT 26:1, 2

Leviticus 26:1-2 In the original Hebrew text these verses are a part of the previous chapter. The thought seems to be that the Israelites who sell themselves into slavery to a foreigner will be constantly exposed to the idolatry of the heathen, The enforcement of two important principles will be essential in overcoming their influence. Remember: (1) God will not accept a competitor. Idols in any form are an abomination to Him; (2) Remember the sabbath day, even if you cannot come to the sanctuary because you are required to work. You can yet pause amid your labor to remember your God (Cf. Leviticus 19:3-4) and His day.

The word idols seems to be a generic word, then follows the specifics: (1) graven imagesome sculptured representation, not only to the imaginary gods of the pagan, but at times it was a foolish attempt to represent Jehovah. Cf. Exodus 20:19-20; Deuteronomy 4:15-16. (2) Pillar or obeliskthis was a free-standing stone. No engraving or sculpturing is here referred to as relating to the pillar. At times such a stone became an altar to God, but more frequently a place of idolatry. (Cf. Micah 5:13; 1 Kings 14:23; Hosea 3:4; Hosea 10:1; Genesis 28:18; Genesis 28:22; Genesis 31:13; Genesis 35:14; Exodus 23:24; Exodus 34:13.) (3) worshipping stones or figured stonesAuthorities in the time of our Lord understood this to mean beholding, or worshipping stonesi.e. stones set in the ground in places of worship upon which the worshippers prostrated themselves to perform their devotions. The stone was therefore a kind of signal, calling attention of the worshipper to itself, so that he may fall down upon it. With such stones, these authorities assure us, the Temple was paved, since they were perfectly lawful in the sanctuary, but must not be used in worship out of the Temple. (Ginsburg)

A real respect of the Creator and Deliverer on the seventh day would eliminate the above idolatrous practices. A personal sense of His power and concern destroys the appetite for idolatry.

FACT QUESTIONS 26:1, 2

634.

Show how these verses could relate to chapter 25.

635.

What two principles overcome idolatry?

636.

Describe and discuss the three types of idols mentioned here.

637.

Is there any parallel in these verses for our day? Discuss.