The fall of humanity means that sinful depravity consumes the heart of every human being. As a result, all of mankind stands in judgment before God and is deserving of his wrath. The curses for disobedience are designed as a warning to those who continue in their sin and rejection of God. The devastation found in Leviticus 26:1–46 should awaken the reader to the depth of human sin. According to the apostle Paul, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
That is, Christ took upon himself the punishment that was due to sinners by taking their place on the cross. The judgment of wrath was poured out, not on those who deserve it, but upon Jesus. Consequently, those who place their faith in Christ experience the blessing, peace, and freedom that is reserved for covenant faithfulness.
39 And those of you who are left shall rot away in your enemies’ lands because of their iniquity, and also because of the iniquities of their fathers they shall rot away like them.