Exodus 15:26 - and he said, “If you will diligently listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 15:26

What does "Exodus 15:26" mean?


This verse from Exodus 15:26 lays out a covenant promise: obedience to God (Yahweh) leads to protection from diseases. Let's break it down:

"And he said...": This refers to God (Yahweh) speaking to the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. This is immediately following the Song of Moses, a celebration of their victory.

"If you will diligently listen to Yahweh your God's voice...": This emphasizes the importance of attentive listening. It's not just hearing, but diligently listening, meaning paying close attention, heeding, and taking it to heart. It's about being receptive to God's instruction.

"...and will do that which is right in his eyes...": This means living according to God's moral standards. "Right in his eyes" signifies adherence to his principles of justice, righteousness, and holiness. It's about acting in a way that pleases God.

"...and will pay attention to his commandments...": This reiterates the importance of obedience. Commandments are specific instructions on how to live righteously. "Paying attention" suggests careful consideration and understanding of these commands.

"...and keep all his statutes...": Statutes are similar to commandments, but often refer to more detailed regulations and rules. Keeping them indicates a comprehensive commitment to following God's law.

"I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians...": This is the promise. If the Israelites are obedient, God will protect them from the plagues and diseases that afflicted Egypt as a consequence of their disobedience and oppression of the Israelites.

"...for I am Yahweh who heals you.": This is the core of the promise and a key declaration of God's character. "Yahweh" is God's personal name, emphasizing his covenant relationship with the Israelites. "Who heals you" identifies God as the ultimate source of health and well-being. It's not just about the absence of disease, but about God's active role in providing health and wholeness.

In summary, the verse means:

God promises the Israelites that if they listen attentively to His voice, do what is right in His eyes, and obey His commandments and statutes, He will protect them from the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians. This protection is based on God's nature as the one who heals and His covenant relationship with His people.

Important Interpretations/Nuances:

Conditional Covenant: This verse presents a conditional covenant. The blessing of health is directly tied to obedience.
Physical and Spiritual Health: While the verse explicitly mentions physical diseases, some interpretations extend the meaning to spiritual health as well. Obedience to God can lead to wholeness in all aspects of life.
Not a Guarantee of Perfect Health: It's important to note that this promise doesn't guarantee that believers will never experience illness. However, it does suggest that obedience can lead to a greater measure of health and protection.
God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is sovereign. While obedience is important, He is not obligated to heal in every situation. However, He is faithful to His promises.

This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God and His promise to care for those who follow Him. However, it should be understood within the broader context of Scripture and with an awareness of God's sovereignty.