For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.
For I will have respect unto you means God will look upon His people with favor, make them fruitful and increase their numbers, and confirm and uphold His covenant with them. The promise belongs to a conditional covenant given to Israel, in which the blessings are for those who obey His commandments and directions. In its context, this covenant favor includes peace and security and safety, victory over enemies, prosperity and abundant provision and harvests, rain in due season, and fruitful land and trees. In its context, the blessings include God dwelling among His people and being present with them as their God.
Disobedience brings the opposite: punishment and curse and the loss of prosperity and the land's increase. The blessings therefore cannot be claimed while living in disobedience. The chapter's lesson that obedience brings God's favor and blessing while disobedience brings punishment applies to God's people now as well as to ancient Israel.
The chapter is to be read carefully for its teaching on the duty of brotherly love and practical care for a brother in need.
For I will have respect unto you means God will look upon His people with favor, make them fruitful and increase their numbers, and confirm and uphold His covenant with them. The promise belongs to a conditional covenant given to Israel, in which the blessings are for those who obey His commandments and directions. In its context, this covenant favor includes peace and security and safety, victory over enemies, prosperity and abundant provision and harvests, rain in due season, and fruitful land and trees. In its context, the blessings include God dwelling among His people and being present with them as their God.
Disobedience brings the opposite: punishment and curse and the loss of prosperity and the land's increase. The blessings therefore cannot be claimed while living in disobedience. The chapter's lesson that obedience brings God's favor and blessing while disobedience brings punishment applies to God's people now as well as to ancient Israel.
The chapter is to be read carefully for its teaching on the duty of brotherly love and practical care for a brother in need.