Discipline יָסַר

We are in chapter twenty-six of Leviticus with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. יָסַר instruct, chastise, rebuke, discipline, admonish, correct. It is used 40 times in the Old Testament, 3 times in our chapter. Our word is used in the sense to teach, to impart skills or knowledge to. Psalm 16:7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart יִסְּר֥וּנִי instructs me. Isaiah 28:26 For he is rightly וְיִסְּר֥וֹ instructed; his God teaches him. Our word is used most of the time in the sense to discipline, to be corrected. Here is a good example. Deuteronomy 8:5 Know then in your heart that, as a man יְיַסֵּ֥ר disciplines his son, the Lord your God מְיַסְּרֶֽךָּ disciplines you. Deuteronomy 21:18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, וְיִסְּר֣וּ and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them. This is how our word is used 3 times in our chapter. Leviticus 26:18-19, 23-24, 27-28 And if in spite of this you will not listen to me, then I will לְיַסְּרָ֣ה discipline you again sevenfold for your sins, and I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze … And if by תִוָּסְר֖וּ this discipline you are not turned to me but walk contrary to me, then I also will walk contrary to you, and I myself will strike you sevenfold for your sins … But if in spite of this you will not listen to me, but walk contrary to me, then I will walk contrary to you in fury, וְיִסַּרְתִּ֤י and I myself will discipline you sevenfold for your sins. Three consequences of their sin land not yield crops, wild beasts will destroy livestock, the sword and finally allow enemies to completely destroy them and settle in their land. Why all of this punishment for their sins? So that the people will listen to God which is stated twice and turn to me said once. The purpose behind why God disciplines his people is so that we will be out of danger and close to him. This is consistent throughout the Bible. This New Testament passage in Hebrews is a good example. Hebrews 12:7-11 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. I’ll close with this great Proverb and use of our word. Notice the desired end result of discipline delight to your heart. Proverbs 29:17 יַסֵּ֣ר Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.