One can read through Leviticus and finish feeling discouraged, frustrated, and possibly even confused by all the implications within the book. However, if we keep in mind the element of context we can cultivate more clarity and appreciation for what Leviticus has to provide. To do this, 26:13 spoke strongly to me in relation to God's ultimate covenant love.
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high." Much of Leviticus is a response to something. If we just dove into reading the book, then as the reader we wouldn't fully understand the context or what this is in response to. So understandably, we read all these laws and the protocol laid out for the consequences one would endure in the event that God's commands where not upheld.
But if we read 26 closely, we hear God intermittently weaving in his promises and reminding us of what He had done for the people in the past and also what faithfulness one would expect to witness in the future. Only a God with covenant love for His children would save them from an eternity of slavery and despair. A God of love would reassure His children of who He is. This is encouragement and uplifting. However, a good father is one who will also share what the consequences will be if His child disobeys.
If Leviticus 26 is read closely, yes I believe it could influence and put into context a framework for how to interpret the previous books.
When someone attempts to use this book as a support of their argument, there are many concerns found within this process. On the one hand, if you are clear and objective on the book as a whole and have a decent grasp on what God is intending with loving His children, then the present-day argument may be valid (context-specific). However, too often the old testament in general is highly skewed when attempting to use it in a present-day discussion (i.e., mostly occurs when the individual is picking and choosing passages and putting them together out of context).
I will conclude my thoughts by returning to 26:13 and quoting a commentary on it:
" Imagine the joy of a slave set free. God took the children of Israel out of bitter slavery and gave them freedom and dignity. We, too, are set free when we accept Christ's payment that redeems us from sin's slavery. We no longer need to be bogged down in shame over our past sins: we can walk with dignity because God has forgiven us and forgotten them [sins]. But just as the Israelites were still in danger of returning to a slave mentality, we need to beware of the temptation to return to our former selves."
I can honestly say, I now read Leviticus in a new light.
