I will walk among youThis phrase signifies God's intimate presence with His people, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden where God walked with Adam and Eve (
Genesis 3:8). It implies a restoration of the broken relationship between God and humanity. The idea of God walking among His people is also seen in the tabernacle and temple, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites (
Exodus 25:8). This promise foreshadows the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who is called "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (
Matthew 1:23). In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, continuing this theme of God's presence among His people (
1 Corinthians 3:16).
and be your God
This covenantal language echoes God's promises to the patriarchs, such as His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:7). It emphasizes God's commitment to His people, establishing a relationship based on His faithfulness and sovereignty. This phrase is central to the identity of Israel as God's chosen nation, set apart for His purposes. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where God promises to be the God of all who believe in Christ, both Jew and Gentile (Romans 9:25-26).
and you will be My people
This statement highlights the reciprocal relationship between God and His people. It underscores the idea of belonging and identity, where the Israelites are called to live in obedience and holiness as a reflection of their relationship with God (Exodus 19:5-6). This concept is expanded in the New Testament, where believers in Christ are described as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). The phrase also anticipates the eschatological vision in Revelation, where God's people from every nation will dwell with Him eternally (Revelation 21:3).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
God (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises His presence among His people.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, recipients of the covenant and the laws given through Moses.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the blessings and curses found in
Leviticus 26.
4.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and communicated it to the people.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
God's PresenceThe promise of God walking among His people signifies His intimate presence and fellowship with them. This is a profound assurance of His commitment and love.
Covenant RelationshipThe phrase "I will be your God, and you will be My people" underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, which requires faithfulness and obedience.
Holiness and ObedienceGod's presence among His people calls for a response of holiness and obedience. The Israelites were to live according to God's laws as a reflection of their relationship with Him.
Continuity of God's PromiseThis promise is not only for the Israelites but extends to all believers through Christ, who fulfills the law and establishes a new covenant.
Hope of RestorationEven when the Israelites failed, God’s promise remained, pointing to the hope of restoration and renewal through repentance and faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 26:12?
2.How does Leviticus 26:12 emphasize God's desire for a personal relationship with us?
3.What does "walk among you" in Leviticus 26:12 reveal about God's presence?
4.How can we apply "I will be your God" to our daily lives?
5.How does Leviticus 26:12 connect with God's covenant promises in Genesis?
6.In what ways can we ensure we are "My people" as stated here?
7.What does Leviticus 26:12 mean by "I will walk among you and be your God"?
8.How does Leviticus 26:12 reflect God's covenant with Israel?
9.Why is the promise of God's presence significant in Leviticus 26:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 26?
11.Did God physically walk in the garden in Genesis?
12.How does Christ fulfill and surpass the old covenant?
13.(2 Corinthians 7:1) How can Paul’s call for believers to “cleanse themselves” align with the belief that salvation depends on divine grace rather than human effort?
14.Does the symbolic naming in Hosea 1:4–9 conflict with the broader biblical emphasis on God’s mercy and redemption?What Does Leviticus 26:12 Mean
I will walk among you• This promise restores Eden-like fellowship. InGenesis 3:8 “the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden.” Sin broke that walk, but God’s heart never changed; He still desires close, tangible presence with His people.
• Throughout Israel’s journey the Lord reiterated this intent.Exodus 25:8 says, “make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them,” andExodus 29:45 echoes, “Then I will dwell among the Israelites.”
• God’s walking “among” rather than merely “above” pictures daily companionship, not distant oversight. It anticipates Christ, of whomJohn 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us,” and it looks ahead toRevelation 21:3, “He will live with them.”
• Practical take-away: obedience (Leviticus 26:3) opens the way for sensed nearness; rebellion (v. 17) forfeits it. The promise stands, but our response influences how fully we enjoy it.
and be your God• Covenant language rings through Scripture. InExodus 6:7 God says, “I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God.”Leviticus 26:12 repeats the same heartbeat.
• “Be your God” implies:
– Exclusive allegiance (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
– Faithful protection (Psalm 46:1)
– Loving discipline (Hebrews 12:6)
• The phrase is relational, not merely theological; it means God pledges Himself wholly to His people’s welfare.2 Corinthians 6:16 carries it into the New Covenant: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God.”
• Because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), this commitment is ironclad. Every trial, provision, victory, or correction becomes evidence that He is actively being “our God.”
and you will be My people• God’s side of the covenant secures ours. When He claims us, identity, purpose, and destiny follow.Jeremiah 31:33 promises, “I will be their God, and they will be My people,” linking it to an internal law written on the heart.
•Ezekiel 37:27 couples the same words with the Spirit’s indwelling, showing that belonging to God transforms from the inside out.
• New Testament believers are folded into this promise:1 Peter 2:9-10 reminds, “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.” The Church is grafted into the covenant storyline without erasing Israel’s future restoration (Romans 11:25-29).
• Being “My people” means:
– A communal identity shaped by holiness (Leviticus 20:26)
– Mission to reflect His character to the nations (Matthew 5:14-16)
– Guaranteed inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14)
summaryLeviticus 26:12 unfolds a three-fold covenant heartbeat: God walks among His people, pledges Himself as their God, and claims them as His own. From Eden to Sinai to Calvary and on to the New Jerusalem, Scripture shows this promise steadily advancing. Obedient faith opens the door to enjoy His nearness, protection, and identity today, while looking forward to the day when the dwelling of God is fully with humankind forever.
(12)
And I will walk among you.--This promise is quoted by St. Paul (
2Corinthians 6:16).
Verse 12. -
And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. These words are quoted by St. Paul as a ground of the holiness required of God's people (
2 Corinthians 6:16).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I will walkוְהִתְהַלַּכְתִּי֙(wə·hiṯ·hal·laḵ·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkamong youבְּת֣וֹכְכֶ֔ם(bə·ṯō·wḵ·ḵem)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centreand beוְהָיִ֥יתִי(wə·hā·yî·ṯî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beyourלָכֶ֖ם(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's HebrewGod,לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים(lê·lō·hîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeand youוְאַתֶּ֖ם(wə·’at·tem)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youwill beתִּהְיוּ־(tih·yū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beMyלִ֥י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewpeople.לְעָֽם׃(lə·‘ām)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock
Links
Leviticus 26:12 NIVLeviticus 26:12 NLTLeviticus 26:12 ESVLeviticus 26:12 NASBLeviticus 26:12 KJV
Leviticus 26:12 BibleApps.comLeviticus 26:12 Biblia ParalelaLeviticus 26:12 Chinese BibleLeviticus 26:12 French BibleLeviticus 26:12 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 26:12 I will walk among you and will (Le Lv Lev.)