“And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.”
Leviticus 26:10 is a part of a chapter known as the Blessings for Obedience. In this chapter, God outlines the rewards and blessings that the Israelites would receive if they obeyed His commandments and walked in His statutes. Conversely, it also highlights the consequences of disobedience.
To understand this particular verse, it’s important to consider the broader context. Leviticus 26 is addressed to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. God established a covenant with them, providing guidelines for their conduct and worship. In this chapter, He emphasizes the importance of obedience and the blessings that would result from it.
Now, let’s focus on Leviticus 26:10 specifically: “And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.” This verse has been interpreted in a few different ways by biblical scholars. Here are two common interpretations:
Provision and Abundance: Some scholars suggest that this verse speaks of God’s provision and abundance. In an agricultural society like ancient Israel, the phrase “ye shall eat old store” refers to the remaining grain and produce from previous harvests. It signifies that God would bless the Israelites with an abundance of food, so much so that they would still have old stores of provisions left even when the new harvest came in. “Bring forth the old because of the new” suggests that there would be a need to clear out the old stores to make room for the new harvest.
Faithfulness and Renewal: Another interpretation focuses on the theme of faithfulness and renewal. The phrase “ye shall eat old store” could symbolize the blessings and promises God had given to the Israelites in the past. By “bringing forth the old because of the new,” it suggests that God would continue to be faithful to His covenant and renew His blessings upon the people. It implies that God’s blessings are not limited to the past, but rather they are continually renewed and brought forth in new ways.
In either interpretation, the verse conveys the message of God’s faithfulness, provision, and abundance. It demonstrates that when the Israelites walked in obedience to God’s commandments, He would bless them and meet their needs.
It’s important to note that as Christians, we are no longer under the Mosaic Law and the specific blessings and curses outlined in Leviticus 26. However, we can still draw valuable lessons from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God, the blessings that come from living according to His will, and His faithfulness to His promises.
As with any biblical study, it is beneficial to consult various commentaries, study resources, and seek guidance from spiritual leaders to gain deeper insights into the historical, cultural, and theological aspects of the passage.
