How does Leviticus 26:14 emphasize the importance of listening to God's voice? Setting the Scene Leviticus 26 opens with blessings for obedience (vv. 1-13) and pivotally turns to warnings for disobedience (vv. 14-46). Verse 14 is the hinge: “ ‘But if you will not obey Me and carry out all these commandments,’ ”. God is not merely issuing rules; He is calling His people to listen attentively and respond wholeheartedly. The Core Statement: Leviticus 26:14 • “If you will not obey Me…” — The verb carries the sense of hearing with intent to act. • “…and carry out all these commandments” — Hearing without doing is viewed as rejection; obedience completes the act of listening. In a single line, the Lord equates listening to His voice with active, comprehensive obedience. Why “Listening” Equals “Obeying” • Hebrew thought joins hearing and doing (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel… love the LORD”). • Jesus affirms the same connection: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). • James distills it: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Consequences of Turning a Deaf Ear • Leviticus 26:15-39 lists escalating judgments—disease, drought, defeat, desolation. • Each phase begins with “If you continue to refuse to listen…” underscoring that every hardship stems from dismissed words. • Hebrews 12:25 warns New-Covenant believers: “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” Echoes Throughout Scripture • Deuteronomy 28:15 mirrors Leviticus 26: “If you do not obey the LORD your God… all these curses will come upon you.” • 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Psalm 95:7-8: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Revelation 2-3: Seven times, “Whoever has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Living It Out Today • Cultivate daily Bible intake—His written voice—to keep the heart tuned. • Respond immediately; delayed obedience erodes sensitivity. • Measure every decision by “What has God said?” rather than feelings or trends. • Encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13) so no one drifts into the deafness Leviticus 26:14 warns against. Leviticus 26:14 makes it unmistakable: to listen is to obey, and to ignore God’s voice is to forfeit His covenant blessings. |
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