Leviticus 26:17

KJV

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will set {H5414} my face {H6440} against you, and ye shall be slain {H5062} before {H6440} your enemies {H341}: they that hate {H8130} you shall reign {H7287} over you; and ye shall flee {H5127} when none pursueth {H7291} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will set my face against you - your enemies will defeat you, those who hate you will hound you, and you will flee when no one is pursuing you.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.

American Standard Version

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be smitten before your enemies: they that hate you shall rule over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:17 serves as a grave divine warning to the Israelites, meticulously detailing the severe and inescapable consequences of covenant disobedience. This verse powerfully depicts a state of profound divine opposition, national humiliation, and pervasive psychological terror, underscoring that the Lord Himself would actively orchestrate their defeat and subjugation should they turn away from His commands, leading to an utter loss of security, dignity, and internal peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 stands as the climactic and concluding chapter of the legal and ritual instructions given to Israel, functioning as a solemn covenant ratification. It presents a stark and clear dichotomy: abundant blessings for obedience, detailed in [verses 3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Covenant Obedience"), juxtaposed with escalating curses for disobedience, outlined in [verses 14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Covenant Disobedience"). Verse 17 is an integral part of the initial wave of these curses, specifically delineating the military and psychological defeat that would befall the nation. These warnings are not mere threats but serve as a potent deterrent, emphasizing the gravity of their covenant obligations and the direct correlation between their faithfulness to God and their national well-being. The chapter's structured progression, from prosperity to increasingly severe judgment, highlights the progressive nature of divine discipline when initial warnings are disregarded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Covenant, formally established at Mount Sinai, constituted the very bedrock of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people. Unlike the deities of surrounding nations, who were often localized or tied to natural phenomena, Yahweh was a personal, covenant-making God who demanded exclusive loyalty and obedience. In the broader Ancient Near Eastern context, national prosperity, military triumph, and freedom from fear were universally recognized as clear indicators of divine favor. Conversely, defeat, subjugation, and internal terror were undeniable signs of divine wrath or abandonment. The warnings articulated in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") would have resonated deeply with the Israelites, who were acutely aware of their precarious existence amidst powerful regional empires. The promise of God's protective presence was paramount; its withdrawal, symbolized by God setting His "face" against them, implied utter vulnerability. The chilling prospect of "fleeing when none pursueth" (a concept also echoed in [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")) speaks to a profound psychological collapse, a state of spiritual terror that transcends physical threats, rendering them incapable of resisting even imaginary dangers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel was conditional, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. It highlights God's **Sovereignty and Justice**, revealing Him as an active, righteous judge who personally intervenes in the affairs of His people to uphold His holy standards. The theme of **Divine Presence and Absence** is also central; God's "face" being set against them signifies the withdrawal of His protective presence, leading to vulnerability and terror. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **National Humiliation and Loss of Sovereignty**, where Israel, intended to be a dominant nation, would instead be subjected to the rule of their enemies, a stark reversal of their promised destiny as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:13](/deuteronomy/28-13 "Deuteronomy 28:13 - Israel as the Head Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is highly versatile, meaning "to give," but also "to put," "to make," or "to set." In this context, combined with "face," it signifies a deliberate, active, and resolute act of divine intention. It is not a passive withdrawal but an intentional positioning of God's will and power in opposition.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** This primitive root (H5062) means "to push," "gore," "defeat," or "inflict (a disease)." While often translated as "slain" or "smitten," it carries the nuance of being struck down or decisively defeated, often implying divine intervention. Here, it emphasizes that their military defeat and death before enemies would be a direct, overwhelming consequence orchestrated by God's hand, rather than mere military weakness.
* **Reign (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** This primitive root (H7287) means "to tread down," "subjugate," "to have dominion," or "to rule." It is the same word used in [Genesis 1:26](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26 - Dominion Over Creation") for humanity's dominion over creation. Its use here is profoundly ironic and tragic: Israel, called to exercise dominion and lead among nations, would instead be subjected to the oppressive rule of their adversaries, those who hated them. This reversal underscores a profound loss of sovereignty and national humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will set my face against you":** This opening declaration establishes God Himself as the active agent of judgment. It signifies His personal, determined, and unwavering opposition to the disobedient Israelites. This is a divine declaration of war against His own rebellious people, indicating that their impending suffering will not be accidental or merely a natural consequence of their actions, but a direct and deliberate result of His righteous wrath.
* **"and ye shall be slain before your enemies":** This clause details the immediate, devastating military consequence of God's opposition. The nation would suffer catastrophic defeat and death at the hands of their adversaries. The phrase "before your enemies" emphasizes public humiliation, complete failure of their defenses, and directly implies the withdrawal of God's protective hand that previously ensured their victory, as promised in [Leviticus 26:7-8](/leviticus/26-7-8 "Leviticus 26:7-8 - Blessings of Victory").
* **"they that hate you shall reign over you":** This clause describes the subsequent state of subjugation and oppression. Instead of being a free, dominant, and leading nation, Israel would fall under the oppressive rule of those who harbored animosity towards them. This is a profound reversal of their covenant promise to be "the head and not the tail," as articulated in [Deuteronomy 28:13](/deuteronomy/28-13 "Deuteronomy 28:13 - Israel as the Head Nation").
* **"and ye shall flee when none pursueth you":** This chilling final clause highlights a deep psychological and spiritual terror. It speaks of a pervasive, irrational fear that would paralyze the nation, causing them to flee even in the complete absence of a visible or tangible threat. This profound loss of courage, internal peace, and rational thought is the ultimate sign of God's withdrawn favor, leaving them utterly vulnerable, broken in spirit, and consumed by an internal dread.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:17 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment and its severity. **Anthropomorphism** is strikingly evident in the phrase "I will set my face against you," attributing human-like resolve, direct action, and personal opposition to God, thereby emphasizing His active and intentional involvement in the execution of these curses. **Irony** is powerfully present in "they that hate you shall reign over you," as Israel, intended to be a blessed, sovereign, and dominant nation, would instead find itself subjected to the very peoples it was meant to overcome, a tragic reversal of their divine calling. The most impactful device is **Hyperbole** combined with **Psychological Terror** in the chilling declaration "ye shall flee when none pursueth you." This is a deliberate overstatement that dramatically underscores the extreme, debilitating, and irrational fear that would grip the people, a fear so profound it would compel them to react to non-existent threats. This hyperbole vividly illustrates the complete breakdown of their morale and the depth of their spiritual vulnerability when divine protection is withdrawn. The verse also exhibits a clear form of **Climactic Parallelism**, where each successive clause intensifies the consequences, escalating from divine opposition to military defeat, then to subjugation, and finally to an internal, irrational terror, creating a cumulative and increasingly dreadful effect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:17 powerfully articulates the foundational theological principle of divine sovereignty and the serious, tangible consequences of covenant infidelity. It underscores God's absolute authority over the nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, whether in dispensing blessings for obedience or meting out judgments for disobedience. The verse reveals God's justice as an active and personal attribute, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to rebellion but will personally intervene to uphold His righteous standards and the sanctity of His covenant. Furthermore, it highlights the profound theme that true security, peace, and courage are found exclusively in God's favor and protective presence. When His "face" is set against His people, all human strength, military might, and internal courage dissipate, leading to utter vulnerability, national collapse, and profound psychological breakdown. This serves as a timeless and solemn reminder that obedience to God's revealed will is intrinsically linked to well-being, both for individuals and for entire communities.

* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Defeat Before Enemies")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")
* [Psalm 34:16](/psalm/34-16 "Psalm 34:16 - The Lord's Face Against Evildoers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:17, though rooted deeply in the specific context of the Mosaic Covenant, offers profound and enduring principles that resonate powerfully with contemporary believers. It serves as a stark and necessary reminder that God is utterly holy and perfectly righteous, and He takes sin with utmost seriousness. Our actions, whether characterized by obedience or disobedience, carry real and tangible consequences, not merely in an abstract theological sense, but often in ways that directly impact our personal peace, security, and relationships. When we choose to disregard God's commands, turn away from His revealed will, or persist in unrepentant sin, we risk forfeiting His protective hand and inviting spiritual vulnerability into our lives. This verse challenges us to engage in honest self-examination: are we living in faithful submission to God, trusting implicitly in His provision and protection, or are we experiencing a "fleeing when none pursueth" in our own lives—a pervasive anxiety, irrational fear, or deep-seated insecurity that stems from a broken or strained fellowship with God? Our ultimate security, true courage, and lasting peace are found not in our own strength, resources, or strategic planning, but solely in the unwavering favor, protective presence, and perfect peace of the Lord Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be experiencing a "fleeing when none pursueth," indicating a potential spiritual vulnerability or a need to draw closer to God in repentance and renewed obedience?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of God's holiness, His justice, and His active involvement in the consequences of human choices, and how should that understanding shape my reverence and awe for Him?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take today to ensure my life is more fully aligned with God's will, thereby cultivating His favor and protection rather than risking His opposition?**

### FAQ

**Does God still "set His face" against people today in the same way as described in Leviticus 26:17?**

Answer: While the specific covenant curses detailed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") were primarily directed at the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying theological principle of God's active opposition to sin and rebellion remains eternally constant. God is immutable in His character; He is holy, righteous, and just, and sin continues to create a profound separation between humanity and Him ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You From God")). For those who remain outside of Christ, God's righteous wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness remains a present reality ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). However, for believers in Jesus Christ, while we are no longer under the condemnation of the law, God still disciplines His children out of profound love ([Hebrews 12:6](/hebrew/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")). This discipline is not punitive wrath, but rather corrective and redemptive love, designed to bring us back into alignment with His holy will and to enable us to share more fully in His holiness. The "fleeing when none pursueth" can manifest in a believer's life as a loss of peace, spiritual anxiety, or the natural, often painful, consequences of ungodly choices, signaling a disruption in our intimate fellowship with God and a call to repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:17, with its dire warnings of divine opposition, national subjugation, and the crushing weight of the law's curses, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The terrifying prospect of God setting His face against humanity for its sin was fully and agonizingly realized at the cross, where Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full, unmitigated weight of divine wrath on behalf of all who would believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He became the "slain" one ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")) so that we, His people, would not be slain before our spiritual enemies, but rather find decisive victory and eternal life in Him. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ broke the dominion of sin and death, ensuring that those who put their faith in Him are no longer reigned over by their spiritual adversaries, but are instead liberated into the glorious freedom and dominion of God's children ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Sin Shall Not Have Dominion Over You")). The irrational, paralyzing fear of "fleeing when none pursueth" is utterly overcome by the perfect love of Christ, which casts out all fear ([1 John 4:18](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")), granting us true peace, security, and an unshakable confidence in God's presence—a profound peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Peace")). Thus, the terrifying curses of the law, vividly portrayed in Leviticus 26:17, ultimately serve to highlight our desperate need for a Savior, finding their glorious reversal and redemptive purpose in the finished work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 17:10

¶ And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Psalms 53:5

There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Judges 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Psalms 106:42

Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.