Leviticus 26:32

And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

And I will bring {H8074} the land {H776} into desolation {H8074}: and your enemies {H341} which dwell {H3427} therein shall be astonished {H8074} at it.

I will desolate the land, so that your enemies living in it will be astounded by it.

And I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who dwell in it will be appalled.

And I will bring the land into desolation; and your enemies that dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

Commentary

Leviticus 26:32 is a stark warning within the "Blessings and Curses" chapter, outlining the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's covenant. This verse specifically describes the divine judgment upon the land itself.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy passage in Leviticus chapter 26 (verses 14-39) where God lays out the penalties for breaking His covenant stipulations, particularly for idolatry and failing to observe His statutes. After listing potential blessings for obedience, God details a series of escalating judgments for rebellion, including famine, plague, defeat by enemies, and ultimately, exile and the desolation of the land. This serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "I will bring the land into desolation" emphasizes God's active role in executing judgment. It is not merely a natural consequence but a direct act of divine will. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their territories.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse underscores the severe repercussions for rejecting God's laws. The land, once promised as fertile and abundant, would become barren and uninhabited as a direct result of Israel's unfaithfulness. This theme is echoed throughout the prophetic books concerning Israel's exile, such as in Jeremiah 25:11.
  • Astonishment of Enemies: The second part of the verse, "and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it," reveals another layer of judgment. Even the foreign nations who might occupy the desolate land would be utterly amazed by its ruin. This astonishment suggests that the desolation would be so profound and unnatural that it would be clearly perceived as a divine act, not just the result of warfare or neglect.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "desolation" here is shฤ•mamah (ืฉึฐืืžึธืžึธื”), meaning a waste, ruin, or wilderness. It denotes a state of utter devastation and emptiness. Interestingly, the word for "astonished" is shamem (ืฉึธืืžึตื), which is closely related to shฤ•mamah. This linguistic connection implies that the enemies would be "desolated" or "appalled" by the sheer "desolation" of the land. It's a powerful wordplay reinforcing the overwhelming nature of the judgment.

Practical Application

While given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the principles of Leviticus 26:32 hold enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that:

  • God's Warnings Are Real: God is faithful to His word, both in promises of blessing and warnings of judgment. We should take His commands and principles seriously.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: Disobedience has consequences, often far-reaching, affecting not just individuals but communities and even environments. This calls for introspection and a commitment to righteousness.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is in control, and His purposes will prevail. Even in judgment, His justice and power are displayed. This should lead to reverence and trust in His divine plan, even when it involves discipline, as seen in Hebrews 12:6.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 9:11

    And I will make Jerusalem heaps, [and] a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.

  • Jeremiah 18:16

    To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

  • Jeremiah 25:11

    And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

  • Jeremiah 19:8

    And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

  • Jeremiah 25:18

    [To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

  • Deuteronomy 28:37

    And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

  • 1 Kings 9:8

    And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?
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