Leviticus 26:31

KJV

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H5414} your cities {H5892} waste {H2723}, and bring {H8074} your sanctuaries {H4720} unto desolation {H8074}, and I will not smell {H7306} the savour {H7381} of your sweet odours {H5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will lay waste to your cities and make your sanctuaries desolate, so as not to smell your fragrant aromas.

Berean Standard Bible

I will reduce your cities to rubble and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will refuse to smell the pleasing aroma of your sacrifices.

American Standard Version

And I will make your cities a waste, and will bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savor of your sweet odors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:31 stands as a solemn declaration within the covenant curses, detailing the severe and comprehensive consequences of Israel's sustained disobedience and rejection of God's divine statutes. This verse prophesies a multifaceted desolation, encompassing the physical ruin of their urban centers, the profound defilement and abandonment of their sacred places of worship, and, most poignantly, the explicit withdrawal of God's acceptance from their sacrificial offerings. It powerfully underscores the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant, revealing that outward religious observance, devoid of inward faithfulness and genuine obedience, is not only unacceptable but an abhorrence to Him, inevitably leading to divine judgment and the cessation of His manifest presence and favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 is the climactic conclusion to the legal sections of the book, often referred to as the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26). It functions as a covenantal summary, laying out the blessings for obedience (verses 3-13) and the escalating curses for disobedience (verses 14-45). Following a detailed exposition of laws concerning purity, festivals, and vows, this chapter serves as a solemn covenant ratification, emphasizing the conditional nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. Leviticus 26:31 is situated within the fifth and most severe stage of these curses (verses 27-39), where God promises to "walk contrary" to His people in furious judgment. This stage describes a complete societal breakdown, marked by famine, pestilence, military defeat, cannibalism, and ultimately, the utter desolation of their land, cities, and sanctuaries, culminating in their exile. The verse specifically marks a profound turning point where God's rejection extends beyond physical destruction to the very core of their religious identity and worship practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant at Sinai, foundational to Israel's identity, was structured similarly to ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, which typically included stipulations, blessings for fidelity, and curses for breach. The curses in Leviticus 26, including the desolation foretold in this verse, resonate with the severe penalties outlined in such treaties, yet they are uniquely framed within Israel's exclusive covenant with the one true God, Yahweh. Central to Israelite worship was the sacrificial system, where "sweet odours" (sacrifices) symbolized acceptance, atonement, and fellowship with God. However, the prophets consistently articulated that God desired genuine obedience, justice, and mercy over mere ritualistic performance, a theme powerfully echoed in passages like [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice") and [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice"). The historical fulfillment of these warnings, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by Babylon in 586 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Burning of the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 36:19](/2_chronicles/36-19 "2 Chronicles 36:19 - Destruction of Jerusalem"), serves as a stark historical testament to the gravity and prophetic accuracy of Leviticus 26:31.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, highlighting that God's covenant with Israel was conditional, demanding exclusive loyalty and obedience, with severe repercussions for apostasy. It also powerfully articulates the theme of **God's Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that His divine character necessitates a response to sin, even among His chosen people, and that He cannot be mocked by insincere worship. The theme of **True Worship vs. Ritualism** is profoundly emphasized, asserting that outward religious acts are meaningless, even abhorrent, to God when the heart is rebellious and idolatrous. Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **Exile and Restoration**, serving as a prophetic warning of the coming judgment that would lead to Israel's dispersion, a necessary step before any future restoration could occur, as seen in the later prophets and historical accounts. The comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting cities, sanctuaries, and worship, underscores the totality of God's rejection of their unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waste (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** From H2723, this feminine noun derives from a root meaning "drought" or "dryness." Properly, it signifies a state of desolation, ruin, or utter destruction, often describing places laid waste by war or divine judgment. In Leviticus 26:31, "waste" indicates not mere damage but a comprehensive and uninhabitable ruin, reflecting the complete dismantling of Israel's physical infrastructure and societal order as a consequence of their disobedience.
* **Sanctuaries (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, this term refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically a holy dwelling or asylum, most notably the Tabernacle in the wilderness and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The desolation of the "sanctuaries" is profoundly significant, as these were the designated places for God's manifest presence and the performance of atonement. Their destruction symbolizes a deep breach in the covenant relationship and the withdrawal of divine favor, indicating that the very sites meant for communion with God would become desolate.
* **Sweet Odours (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_):** From H5207, this word, often paired with H7381 (_rêyach_ - odor), literally means "restful" or "pleasant." It is a technical term used throughout the Pentateuch to describe sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to God, signifying His approval and the worshiper's fellowship. The declaration "I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours" (using H7306, _rûwach_, to smell, and H7381, _rêyach_, odor) is a powerful anthropomorphism. It conveys God's absolute rejection of their worship, implying that their sacrifices, despite ritual performance, had become an abomination due to their deep-seated rebellion and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make your cities waste":** This initial clause pronounces a judgment of profound physical and societal destruction. It signifies the dismantling of the very fabric of Israelite life, transforming their populated centers into uninhabitable ruins. This desolation would disrupt their economy, social order, and sense of security, directly contradicting the blessings of peace, security, and abundant harvest promised for obedience earlier in the chapter, such as in [Leviticus 26:5-6](/leviticus/26-5 "Leviticus 26:5 - Blessings of Abundance and Security"). It speaks to the utter collapse of their communal life.
* **"and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation":** This moves the judgment from the secular realm to the sacred, indicating the destruction and abandonment of their holy places. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, were the spiritual heart of Israel's identity and the focal point of their relationship with God. Their desolation signifies a profound spiritual rupture, implying that God's presence, once dwelling intimately among them, would be withdrawn. The means of atonement and communion would be rendered null and void, a direct consequence of their defiling the land and these very sanctuaries through their unfaithfulness and idolatry.
* **"and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours":** This final clause represents the ultimate rejection, a chilling declaration of divine disapproval. Even if the Israelites were to continue offering sacrifices, God declares He would not accept them. The "sweet odours" were meant to ascend to God as a pleasing aroma, signifying His acceptance of the worshiper and the offering. God's refusal to "smell" them powerfully conveys His utter disdain for their hypocritical worship—outward ritual performed without inward devotion, obedience, or a repentant heart. This highlights a critical theological principle: God values the heart and true repentance far above mere ceremonial performance, a theme frequently emphasized by the prophets, as seen in [Isaiah 1:11-15](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-15 - God's Rejection of Vain Offerings").

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:31 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity and comprehensive nature of divine judgment. A clear sense of **Climax** is evident as the pronouncements of judgment escalate in significance: from the physical destruction of cities, to the desolation of sacred spaces, culminating in the most profound rejection—God's refusal to accept their worship. This progression underscores the totality of the impending judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is powerfully present in the phrase "I will not smell," attributing a human sensory experience to God. This device makes God's absolute rejection and disgust with their insincere offerings tangible and relatable, emphasizing the depth of His displeasure. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is at play, where "sweet odours" stands in for the entire sacrificial system and, by extension, the people's religious life and their covenant relationship with God. The rejection of the "odours" thus signifies the rejection of their worship and, ultimately, their unfaithful covenant partnership. The verse also exhibits a strong form of **Parallelism** through its three distinct yet interconnected clauses, each building upon the previous one to paint a complete and devastating picture of comprehensive ruin—physical, spiritual, and relational.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:31 profoundly articulates God's unwavering holiness and impeccable justice, revealing that His covenant with Israel was not merely a set of arbitrary rules but a relational agreement demanding exclusive loyalty and genuine obedience. It underscores the critical theological truth that God values the heart condition and moral integrity over mere ritualistic performance; outward acts of worship become an abomination when the worshiper's heart is rebellious, idolatrous, or engaged in unrepentant sin. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God will not tolerate persistent rebellion among His chosen people, even to the point of withdrawing His manifest presence from their sacred spaces and rejecting their most hallowed sacrifices. It stands as a stark prophetic warning that found its historical fulfillment in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of the First Temple, a direct and devastating consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - The Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - God Rejects Insincere Worship")
* [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God's Rejection of Feasts and Assemblies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:31, though rooted in the ancient Mosaic covenant, offers timeless and profound lessons that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful challenge to examine the authenticity and sincerity of our worship and obedience in the New Covenant era. This verse reminds us that God is not impressed by outward religious performance, adherence to rituals, or even impressive church buildings if our hearts are distant from Him, entangled in unconfessed sin, or pursuing idols in our lives. It calls for a radical self-assessment: Is our worship a genuine expression of love, devotion, and gratitude, or merely a perfunctory act performed out of habit or obligation? Are we truly seeking to obey God's commands in all areas of our lives, or are we compartmentalizing our faith, allowing certain areas to remain untouched by His lordship? While Christians live under the new covenant of grace, the principle that God desires sincere hearts and genuine obedience remains paramount. Persistent rebellion, even in the context of grace, can lead to spiritual barrenness, a diminished experience of God's presence, and a loss of His manifest blessing in our lives and communities. This verse urges us to cultivate a lifestyle of heartfelt devotion, recognizing that true worship is lived out through obedience, justice, mercy, and love, not just in sacred spaces or through religious rituals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering "sweet odours" (outward religious acts or service) without a truly obedient and devoted heart?**
* **How does the comprehensive desolation described in this verse deepen my understanding of God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for unrepentant sin, even among His chosen people?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship is not merely ritualistic but flows from a sincere desire to honor, obey, and draw near to God in every aspect of my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Does God still destroy cities and sanctuaries today as a judgment for sin?**

Answer: While the specific, physical destruction of cities and sanctuaries as described in Leviticus 26:31 was a direct and tangible consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness under the Old Covenant, God's methods of judgment have evolved, particularly in the New Covenant era inaugurated by Christ. Today, God primarily works through spiritual consequences, the natural outworking of sin, and the withdrawal of His manifest presence, rather than widespread physical desolation of places of worship. The New Testament emphasizes that God's dwelling is now primarily in believers themselves, as living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and that true worship is "in spirit and truth," transcending physical locations ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Therefore, the "desolation" today might manifest as spiritual apathy, moral decay, a loss of divine power and influence within a community or church, or the experience of spiritual barrenness in an individual's life, rather than the literal destruction of buildings. The principle remains: God will not accept insincere worship or tolerate persistent rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:31, with its stark pronouncement of desolation and the rejection of insincere sacrifices, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Covenant system, with its physical sanctuaries, animal sacrifices, and the conditional nature of the law, pointed forward to a greater, more perfect reality. When Israel's persistent sin culminated in the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, it powerfully underscored the temporary and ultimately insufficient nature of the physical sanctuary and its rituals to fully atone for sin or secure God's perpetual presence. Jesus, however, declared Himself to be the true and ultimate Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His own body ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")). His body, broken on the cross, became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the "sweet odour" that perfectly pleased God, offered "once for all" and forever ending the need for animal sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect and Final Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, Christ bore the full weight of the covenant curses, including the desolation and rejection, so that those who believe in Him might experience blessing, acceptance, and reconciliation with God, rather than judgment ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, God's dwelling is no longer confined to physical sanctuaries but resides in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, building them into a holy temple for the Lord ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple in the Lord")). Thus, the warning of Leviticus 26:31 transforms into a profound call for genuine, Spirit-empowered worship in Christ, where our lives, offered in obedience and faith, become the truly pleasing aroma to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices to God")).

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

Nehemiah 2:3

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Isaiah 1:11

To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Isaiah 1:14

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

2 Kings 25:10

And all the army of the Chaldees, that [were with] the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.