“‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for
your sins seven times over. I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like
iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.” Leviticus 26:18-19
“If in spite of these things you do not accept my correction but
continue to be hostile toward me, I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins
seven times over.” Leviticus 26:23-24
Yes, but what is the purpose of
punishment? If it’s only out of the
shear delight of causing pain, then the punisher is a masochist. That’s not God.
The purpose of his punishment is
correction, just like a good parent corrects his/her child. God sees deviant behavior and wants the
person to do the right thing, be right with him (righteous) and not stray into
hurtful sin. We may not like the
punishment at the time, but look back one day and appreciate it.