Seder 100: Leviticus 26:3-13---Interlocking Categories of Blessing

 In Leviticus 26:3-13, God presents to the children of Israel a vision of what is possible for them if they embrace his covenant with them.  Sharon Rimon summarizes the promised blessings under five headings (A-E below).  These five are interspersed with some additional blessings (a)-(d). 

A.  Productivity of the Land (vv 4-5)

      (a). "and dwell in your land securely" (v 5)

B. Peace and Tranquility (v. 6)

      (b). "and the sword shall not go through your land (v 6)

C. Victory over Enemies (vv 7-8)

D. Human Fertility (v 9)

     (c). "and will confirm my covenant with you" (v 9)

     (d).  "You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new" (v 10)

E. God's Presence with his People (vv 11-12)

Rimon points out that items (a)-(d) function as bridges between categories of blessing.  Dwelling in the land securely is made possible by the productivity of the land.  When crops are good, people are not forced to sell their land or travel elsewhere in search of food.  And dwelling in the land securely is part of living in peace and tranquility.  So item (a) is a sort of bridge between A and B.  

In (b), the sword could stand for fighting among Israelites, which would disrupt peace and tranquility; or it could stand for attacks from enemies and relate to victory over enemies.  Item (b) links B and C.

The reference to the covenant in verse 9 could have in mind the promises of the Abrahamic covenant, including the promise of numerous offspring (Ge 15:5, e.g.).  On the other hand, it also connects with the enhanced relationship with God described in category E.  Item (c) is connected to both D and E.

Verse 11 relates to productivity of the land as well as to the fact that God will provide food for a larger number of people as the population of Israel increases.  Item (d), then, relates to both A and D.  

The structure of verses 3-13 as outlined by Rimon suggests that wholeness (shalom) has several interrelated facets, all of which need to be present for blessing to be complete.  It is this complete blessing that God desires for his people.  "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, Open you mouth wide, and I will fill it," God declares in Psalm 81:10.  "Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!" he adds.  "I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes" (verses 13-14).