Leviticus 26:25

KJV

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring {H935} a sword {H2719} upon you, that shall avenge {H5358} the quarrel {H5359} of my covenant {H1285}: and when ye are gathered together {H622} within {H413} your cities {H5892}, I will send {H7971} the pestilence {H1698} among {H8432} you; and ye shall be delivered {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the enemy {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring a sword against you which will execute the vengeance of the covenant. You will be huddled inside your cities, I will send sickness among you, and you will be handed over to the power of the enemy.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

American Standard Version

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall execute the vengeance of the covenant; and ye shall be gathered together within your cities: and I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:25 presents a severe and escalating stage of divine judgment against Israel for persistent covenant infidelity. This verse details a two-pronged divine retribution: the "sword," signifying military invasion and defeat, and "pestilence," representing widespread disease, both leading to the ultimate subjugation of the people into the "hand of the enemy." This judgment is explicitly framed as God's righteous act to "avenge the quarrel of [His] covenant," powerfully underscoring His unwavering commitment to the terms He established with His people and the grave consequences of their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as the climactic conclusion to the legal and ceremonial instructions of the book, functioning as a covenantal summary. It articulates the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience that would follow Israel's adherence to or deviation from the Mosaic Law. The chapter begins with promises of agricultural abundance, peace, and divine presence for faithfulness, as seen in [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience"). However, from [Leviticus 26:14](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14 - The Beginning of Curses") onward, the tone shifts dramatically to a series of escalating judgments designed to bring the rebellious nation to repentance. Verse 25 falls within this section of curses, specifically detailing the third wave of divine discipline. This stage follows earlier warnings of terror, disease, famine, and wild beasts, as outlined in [Leviticus 26:16-24](/leviticus/26-16-24 "Leviticus 26:16-24 - Escalating Judgments"). It signifies a point where the consequences become more direct and devastating, indicating a deeper level of God's righteous indignation against their continued rebellion and a more severe phase of His disciplinary action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant at Mount Sinai, foundational to Israel's identity, established a unique relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, as detailed in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"). This covenant, like ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, included stipulations, blessings for fidelity, and curses for infidelity. The curses outlined in Leviticus 26, including war ("sword"), disease ("pestilence"), and subjugation ("delivered into the hand of the enemy"), were common and devastating forms of judgment in the ancient world, often experienced by nations that broke treaties or incurred divine wrath. For Israel, these specific judgments were not arbitrary but directly related to their failure to uphold their end of the covenant—particularly their idolatry and moral corruption, which violated the very essence of their relationship with a holy God. The threat of being "gathered together within your cities" before pestilence strikes highlights the vulnerability of a besieged population, where disease could spread rapidly, further weakening them for conquest. This context emphasizes the seriousness with which God viewed His covenant and the real-world consequences of breaking faith with Him.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:25 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**. God's commitment to His covenant is absolute, meaning both His promises of blessing for obedience and His warnings of judgment for disobedience will be fulfilled. The verse highlights **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, portraying God as actively intervening in history to uphold His righteous standards, rather than being a passive observer. The "sword" and "pestilence" are not random events but instruments of His deliberate judgment. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as Israel's failure to maintain their covenant relationship through idolatry and immorality directly provoked these severe consequences, demonstrating that a holy God demands a holy people. Finally, the escalating nature of the curses, culminating in this verse, emphasizes the theme of **Discipline for Repentance**, as these judgments are ultimately intended to humble Israel and lead them back to a right relationship with God, rather than for their utter annihilation, a hope often echoed in prophetic literature like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope for Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _ḥerev'_):** From H2719, this term refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword. In this context, it is a metonymy for war, military conflict, and the instrument of death in battle. When God declares, "I will bring a sword upon you," it signifies a divinely orchestrated invasion by hostile forces, leading to defeat and destruction. It underscores God's sovereign control over historical events and the rise and fall of nations as instruments of His judgment.
* **Avenge (Hebrew, _nâqam'_):** From H5358, this primitive root means to grudge, avenge, or punish. It carries the strong connotation of righteous retribution or vindication. Here, God is not merely punishing arbitrarily but actively vindicating His holiness and the integrity of His covenant. His actions are a demonstration that His word and His agreements are sacred and are not to be trifled with, serving as a just response to a grave offense.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this word denotes a compact, confederacy, or league, often made by passing between pieces of flesh (referencing ancient covenant-making rituals). It signifies a binding, solemn agreement between God and Israel. The phrase "quarrel of my covenant" implies that Israel's disobedience has violated the terms of this sacred agreement, making God the avenger of its broken stipulations and the defender of its integrity.
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** From H1698, this term refers to a plague or epidemic, a widespread and often fatal disease. In biblical judgment, pestilence frequently accompanies war and famine, acting as a divine weapon to decimate populations. Its inclusion here highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting not only those on the battlefield but also the general populace, particularly those confined within besieged cities, where disease could spread rapidly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring a sword upon you":** This clause declares God's direct agency in orchestrating military defeat. It is not merely a natural consequence of war but a divinely initiated judgment, signifying that the invading forces are instruments in God's hand, fulfilling His disciplinary purpose.
* **"that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant":** This phrase reveals the explicit purpose and justification for the judgment. The "sword" is not random violence but a deliberate act of divine retribution to vindicate the sanctity and broken terms of God's covenant with Israel. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His own word, including the curses He pronounced for disobedience, demonstrating that His agreements are inviolable.
* **"and when ye are gathered together within your cities":** This describes the specific scenario where the next phase of judgment would occur. It paints a vivid picture of a besieged population, perhaps seeking refuge behind city walls, but ironically becoming more vulnerable to internal threats due to confinement and lack of resources.
* **"I will send the pestilence among you":** Here, God declares His intention to unleash widespread disease within the confined spaces of the cities. This adds another layer of suffering, complementing the external threat of the "sword" with an internal, invisible enemy that would decimate the population, further weakening their resistance.
* **"and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy":** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome: complete subjugation and loss of sovereignty. Despite the "sword" and "pestilence" causing immense suffering, the purpose is not annihilation but surrender and captivity, serving as a bitter consequence of their rebellion and a means to humble them.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:25 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured in the phrase "avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant," where the abstract concept of a covenant is endowed with human-like qualities of being wronged and needing vindication. This personification underscores the deeply personal nature of Israel's relationship with God and the profound gravity of their betrayal. **Metonymy** is evident in "sword," which stands for war and military defeat, and "pestilence," which represents widespread disease and plague. These concrete terms vividly depict the abstract concept of divine judgment and its devastating effects. The verse also contributes to the overall **intensification** or **climax** of the curses throughout Leviticus 26, where the severity of the consequences escalates with continued disobedience. The powerful and repetitive "I will" throughout the chapter, though not explicitly anaphora in this single verse, contributes to the overarching sense of divine resolve, sovereignty, and direct agency over the impending judgments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:25 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His absolute commitment to His covenant. It reveals that God is not a passive observer of human sin but actively intervenes to uphold His righteous standards. The "quarrel of my covenant" underscores the theological principle that God's covenant is not a mere suggestion but a binding, sacred agreement, the violation of which incurs severe divine displeasure. This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against a holy God, demonstrating that disobedience has real and devastating consequences, both physical and spiritual. While seemingly harsh, these judgments are ultimately a testament to God's faithfulness, designed to bring His people to repentance and restore them to a right relationship with Him, rather than to utterly destroy them.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine, Sword, and Pestilence")
* [Ezekiel 5:12](/ekeziel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - A Third by Pestilence and Famine, A Third by Sword, A Third Scattered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:25 serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the gravity with which He views our faithfulness to Him. While the specific curses of the Mosaic Covenant do not directly apply to New Testament believers, the underlying principles are timeless. This passage calls us to a profound reverence for God's word and His character, recognizing that He is faithful to all His promises—both blessings for obedience and consequences for rebellion. It prompts us to consider the often-unseen consequences of our own disobedience, whether personal or corporate, and to take seriously the call to repentance. God's desire is always for reconciliation, but His justice ensures that sin is never trivialized. This verse challenges us to examine our lives: are we living in alignment with God's revealed will, or are we, through apathy or active rebellion, inviting spiritual and relational distress? It encourages a posture of humility and a renewed commitment to walking in obedience, not out of fear of punishment, but out of a deep love and respect for the God who keeps His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Leviticus 26:25 challenge my understanding of God's justice and His faithfulness to His word?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly or overtly "quarreling" with God's covenant principles in my own life or in the church today?**
* **What "swords" or "pestilences"—spiritual, emotional, or relational consequences—might arise from persistent disobedience in my life?**
* **How does the seriousness of God's judgment here motivate me toward deeper repentance and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Does God still "avenge the quarrel of His covenant" today, or is this concept only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the specific forms of judgment (sword, pestilence) described in the Mosaic Covenant were unique to Israel's national covenant relationship with God, the underlying principle of God's justice and His commitment to His word remains constant. God is immutable, and He still takes sin seriously. For New Testament believers, the "covenant" is now the New Covenant in Christ's blood, as established in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"). While believers are not under the Law's curses for salvation, persistent unrepentant sin can still lead to divine discipline, which God uses for our good to bring us to repentance and maturity, as explained in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves"). God's character as a righteous judge who upholds His standards has not changed, though His methods of discipline for His people have shifted under the New Covenant.

**What does "the quarrel of my covenant" truly mean? Is God having a dispute with His own covenant?**

Answer: The phrase "the quarrel of my covenant" is an anthropomorphism, attributing human-like characteristics to the covenant itself. It doesn't mean God is arguing with His covenant. Rather, it signifies that the covenant has been violated or wronged by Israel's disobedience, and God, as the covenant-maker and sovereign Lord, is stepping in to vindicate its integrity and holiness. He is acting as the avenger on behalf of His own sacred agreement. It emphasizes that Israel's breach of covenant was not a minor infraction but a profound offense against God's character and His established relationship with them, demanding a just and righteous response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:25, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment for covenant infidelity, finds its ultimate and transformative fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sword" of God's righteous wrath, meant to "avenge the quarrel of [His] covenant" against a rebellious humanity, fell not upon us, but upon the sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, as the perfect covenant-keeper, bore the full curse of the Law on the cross, becoming a curse for us, as articulated in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"). He entered the "cities" of human sin and brokenness, not to be afflicted by pestilence, but to conquer sin and death through His own sacrifice, thereby destroying the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroyed the One Who Has the Power of Death")). Through His atoning work, the "quarrel" between a holy God and sinful humanity is reconciled, and a new and better covenant, established on better promises, is inaugurated in His blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). For those who are in Christ, the terrifying threat of being "delivered into the hand of the enemy" is replaced by deliverance from the domain of darkness and transfer into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Thus, the severe judgment of Leviticus 26:25 underscores the immense cost of our redemption and the profound grace found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the covenant and absorbed its curses on our behalf, offering true peace and eternal life to all who believe.

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

Numbers 14:12

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Ezekiel 5:17

So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].

Jeremiah 29:17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

Jeremiah 29:18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

Ezekiel 33:2

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

Ezekiel 6:3

And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, [even] I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places.

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.