Bible Commentaries

Leviticus 26:10

There is in these words a promise as to the fulness of the Divine gifts which has a far wider range and nobler application than to the harvests and granaries of old Palestine.

We may take the text in that aspect:

I. As containing God's pledge that these outward gifts shall come in unbroken continuity. It may be good that we should have to trust Him even when the storehouse is empty; it may be good for us to know something of want; but that discipline comes seldom, and is never carried very far. God's machinery for distribution is perfect, and its very perfection, with the constancy of the resulting blessings, robs Him of His praise and hinders our gratitude. By assiduity He loses admiration.

II. May we not apply the same thought of the unbroken continuity of God's gifts to the higher region of our spiritual experience? His supplies of wisdom, love, joy, peace, power, to our souls, are always enough and more than enough for our wants.

He means that there should be no parentheses of famine in our Christian life. The source is full to overflowing, and there are no limits to the supply. The only limit is our capacity, which, again, is largely determined by our desire.

III. We may also see in this text the prescription of a duty as well as the announcement of a promise. There is direction given here as to our manner of receiving God's gifts, as well as large assurance as to His manner of bestowing them. All through our lives wisdom and faith say, "Bring forth the old because of the new." Accept cheerfully the law of constant change under which God has set us. Welcome the new, treasure the old, and in both see the purpose of that loving Father who, Himself unchanged, changeth all things, "fulfils Himself in many ways lest one good custom should corrupt the world."

A. Maclaren, Weekday Evening Addresses, p. 11.

References: Leviticus 26:13.—Parker, vol. iii., p. 139. Leviticus 26:25.—Ibid., p. 140. Leviticus 26:36.—Ibid. Leviticus 27:32.—Ibid., p. 141.