In this message, Under the Law: Israel’s Five Courses of Punishment (Pt. 1), we begin a focused study of Leviticus 26:14–46, examining God's covenant with the nation of Israel and the five progressive courses of punishment outlined under the Law. This introductory message lays the historical and biblical foundation, tracing the origin of Israel’s national calling from Genesis 12 through their deliverance from Egypt and their decision at Mount Sinai to enter into a performance-based covenant with the LORD. Emphasizing the vital “If/Then” principle of the Law, the message shows how Israel’s choice to pursue blessing through their own works sets the stage for the conditional blessings and curses detailed in Leviticus 26. This passage not only reveals a prophetic framework for Israel’s history but also enhances our understanding of much of the Old Testament. Whether this is your first exposure to the topic or a needed refresher, this teaching aims to deepen your appreciation for God's dealings with Israel and the importance of rightly dividing His Word.

In this message, Under the Law: Israel’s Five Courses of Punishment (Pt. 2), we explore the key terminology in Leviticus 26:14–46 that frames Israel's covenantal relationship with God and the progressive nature of His disciplinary dealings with them under the Law. Building on the historical and theological context established in Part 1, this teaching focuses on the performance-based “If/Then” principle that governed Israel’s blessings or punishments in the land God gave them. Special attention is given to the repeated references to "the land," which underscore the central role of territory in Israel’s calling and covenantal accountability. We also introduce and define the concept of the Five Courses of Punishment, drawn from the text’s structured use of the phrase “seven times more,” which signals increasing levels of chastisement. These escalating stages reflect Israel’s ongoing failure under the Law and serve to bring them, ultimately, to humility and a renewed dependence on the name of the LORD. Despite the severity of the judgments, the passage ends with hope: God's faithfulness to His unconditional covenant with Abraham will prevail. This message lays crucial groundwork for understanding how God’s justice and grace unfold across Israel’s history.

In this message, we outline the five courses of punishment as presented by our primary text and discuss the key details associated with each course.  The design of the message is to simply lay out what the law prescribes as the successive punishments Israel should expect through disobedience to the law.  The path forward is grim, but such is always the case when the LORD must deal with man according to his works.  In Israel we learn the futility of attempting to commend ourselves to God on the basis of our ability to perform.  Sinners always come short of the glory of God!  The only hope for Israel is in the name of the LORD.