| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Leviticus 26-27
Observation & Interpretation
In the closing two chapters of Leviticus, we read of the blessings that the people would receive in obedience to God’s commands, the curses that would result of rebellion as well as laws regarding vows and the dedication/valuation/redemption of lands and animals. A couple of elements stand out in the details concerning blessings and cursings. First, the section on the consequences for disobedience is considerably longer than that of the section on blessings for obedience. There is a palpable gravity in the comprehensiveness of disaster that awaited the people in spurning the LORD’s commands. As followers of Christ, this should heighten our regard for Christ’s sacrifice to take upon Himself God’s just wrath to fulfill the law in every way we cannot.
Second is in Lev. 26:18 where we see God’s punishment as a means of discipline and “the implication that even in the midst of the curses there would be opportunity to repent.” (FSB) Far be it from us to claim an absence God’s grace in the Old Testament as it is clearly evident in this passage and others. The entire Biblical corpus is replete with God’s longsuffering and favor extended to His people far beyond our just deserts.
Acts 23
Observation & Interpretation
Between the great conflict the arose with Paul before the council and the plot to kill him, the Lord stood by Paul and spoke directly to him, telling him to take courage and that he would testify about Jesus in Rome as he had done in Jerusalem. In this instance, the Lord does not say that He would reduce the difficulty of Paul’s mission, nor was this “a word of criticism or reproach from the Savior.” (BBC) What the Lord provided instead was “a message of sheer praise and promise.” (BBC) This should be a great encouragement to us that as we face trials of various kinds, certain as we are to encounter them as ambassadors of Christ and heralds of His gospel. Praise be to our God to bestow upon us such a high calling, faithful in His promise to direct us and be with us as we follow in suffering the One who first suffered for us.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
