And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.
LEVITICUS 26:10KJVWhat does Leviticus 26:10 mean?
Leviticus 26:10 promises that the people will have such an abundance of food that they will still be eating the old harvest when it is time to make room for the new one. This verse describes a situation where blessings are so great that the previous year’s supplies are not yet used up before the new harvest arrives.
In this chapter, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, explaining the blessings that will come if they obey His commands. The verse uses everyday agricultural language to show that obedience will bring overflowing provision, so much so that they will need to clear out the old stored food (from previous harvests) to store the new crop.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:10
- "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal): This word means to consume or eat, emphasizing the ongoing enjoyment of the previous harvest's food.
- "old" (יָשָׁן, yashan) and "store" (יָשָׁן, yashan): Both refer to food from previous years, highlighting that the supply lasts well beyond a single season.
- "forth" (יָצָא, yatsa'): This word means to bring out or bring forth, showing the action of moving out the old to make space.
- "because" (פָּנִים, panim): Often means "before" or "in the face of," here it connects the removal of the old with the arrival of the new.
- "new" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): Refers to the fresh, just-harvested crop, underscoring the cycle of ongoing abundance.
Why Leviticus 26:10 matters
- Leviticus 26:10 clears up the idea that God’s blessings are only just enough; instead, the verse stresses surplus and ongoing provision.
- The verse connects directly to the broader theme of Leviticus 26, where obedience leads to tangible, everyday blessings, not just spiritual rewards.
- Understanding the agricultural context helps modern readers see how the promise would have felt concrete and reassuring to ancient Israelites, whose lives depended on their harvests.