Leviticus 26:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:32 is a solemn declaration within God's covenant stipulations, foretelling the dire consequences of Israel's persistent disobedience. This verse specifically warns of divine judgment upon the land itself, where God promises to bring it into utter desolation. The severity of this judgment is further emphasized by the astonishment of the very enemies who would come to inhabit the desolate territory, signaling a ruin so profound that it would evoke awe and horror even from those who might benefit from Israel's downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as the climactic chapter of the book, functioning as a comprehensive summary of the covenant established at Mount Sinai. It meticulously outlines the blessings promised for obedience to God's statutes and, conversely, the escalating curses for disobedience. Verses 1-13 detail the blessings, promising fertility, peace, victory over enemies, and God's abiding presence. However, from [Leviticus 26:14](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14 - Curses for Disobedience") onward, the tone shifts dramatically to a series of progressively severe judgments for covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry and disregard for God's laws. Leviticus 26:32 is situated deep within this section of curses (verses 14-39), following warnings of famine, plague, military defeat, and the terror of wild beasts. It represents a pinnacle of divine judgment, focusing on the land itself becoming uninhabitable, a direct consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion against the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, the land was not merely territory; it was a sacred inheritance, the tangible expression of God's covenant promise to Abraham, as detailed in [Genesis 12:1-7](/genesis/12-1-7 "Genesis 12:1-7 - The Call of Abram and the Land Promise"). Its fertility and security were direct indicators of God's favor and their faithfulness. To "bring the land into desolation" was therefore a judgment of the most profound kind, striking at the very heart of their national and spiritual identity. This concept of a land "vomiting out" its inhabitants due to their sin is also found elsewhere in Leviticus, such as [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants"). Furthermore, the idea of treaty curses, where a suzerain would invoke severe penalties, including desolation of territory, upon a disloyal vassal, was common in the ancient Near East. God, as the divine Suzerain, was here outlining the ultimate consequences of Israel's breach of the covenant, culminating in the historical reality of the Babylonian exile, where the land indeed lay desolate for a significant period, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 26:32 contributes to several major theological themes within the chapter and the broader book. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel was conditional, promising both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. It highlights the **Sanctity of the Land**, portraying the Promised Land not merely as a geographical location but as a holy space directly impacted by the spiritual state of its inhabitants. The desolation reveals God's **Holiness and Justice**, showing His intolerance for sin and idolatry within His chosen people. Finally, the astonishment of the enemies speaks to God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, indicating that even foreign powers would be forced to acknowledge the terrifying power and righteous judgment of the God of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desolation / Astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root (H8074) carries a dual semantic range, encompassing both the act of causing desolation and the state of being astonished or stupefied. In "I will bring the land into desolation," it signifies God's active role in devastating the land, rendering it waste and uninhabitable. In "shall be astonished at it," the same root describes the profound shock, dread, and awe experienced by the enemies. This linguistic connection highlights the overwhelming nature of the judgment: the land's ruin would be so severe that it would literally "stupefy" or "desolate" those who witnessed it, confirming its divine origin.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This noun (H776) refers to the earth at large or, more specifically, a particular territory or country. In this context, it unequivocally denotes the Promised Land, the sacred inheritance given to Israel by God. The desolation of this specific "land" is a direct reversal of God's blessing and a profound judgment, striking at the very heart of Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God, whose faithfulness was often symbolized by the land's fertility and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring the land into desolation":** This clause emphatically highlights God's active and sovereign role in executing judgment. The "I will" underscores divine agency; this desolation is not a random occurrence or merely the outcome of warfare, but a direct, intentional act of God. The "land" refers to the Promised Land, the very inheritance given to Israel, which would become a testament to their unfaithfulness and God's righteous judgment. This desolation would be so complete that it would render the land uninhabitable and unproductive, a stark contrast to the blessings of abundance promised for obedience.
* **"and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it":** This second clause adds another layer of irony and judgment. The enemies, who might initially rejoice at Israel's downfall and occupy their territory, would themselves be utterly appalled and horrified by the extent of the land's ruin. Their astonishment serves as a powerful witness to the divine hand behind the judgment, confirming that the desolation was not merely a consequence of human conflict but a supernatural display of God's power and justice. Even those who profited from Israel's demise would be forced to acknowledge the terrifying holiness of the God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Wordplay**, specifically a paronomasia or pun, between the Hebrew words for "desolation" and "astonished," both derived from the root _shâmêm_. This linguistic connection intensifies the impact, suggesting that the enemies would be "desolated by the desolation" of the land, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the judgment. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the enemies, who might expect to benefit from Israel's defeat, are instead struck with horror and awe at the land's ruin, becoming unwilling witnesses to God's righteous judgment. The description of the land's desolation and the enemies' reaction also carries a degree of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extreme and unprecedented nature of the divine punishment, intended to shock and deter future disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:32 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His promises extend to both blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion. It underscores the sanctity of the land as a physical manifestation of the covenant, and how its state directly reflects the spiritual condition of its inhabitants. The desolation is not arbitrary but a just consequence of persistent sin, particularly idolatry and neglect of God's laws, revealing God's holiness and His intolerance for unrighteousness within His chosen people. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God is sovereign over all creation, including the land and the nations, and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")
* [Ezekiel 33:28](/ezekiel/33-28 "Ezekiel 33:28 - Land Desolated by Abominations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Leviticus 26:32 speaks to ancient Israel's physical land, its principles resonate deeply for believers today, offering enduring spiritual lessons. It serves as a potent reminder that God's warnings are not empty threats but expressions of His righteous character and His commitment to holiness. Just as physical disobedience led to the desolation of the land, spiritual disobedience can lead to a form of "desolation" in our lives—a barrenness of joy, purpose, and spiritual vitality, where the "enemies" of sin and despair might find a foothold. This verse calls us to a profound reverence for God's commands, recognizing that straying from His path has real, often far-reaching, consequences. It compels us to examine our own hearts, our communities, and our nations, asking if our actions align with God's will, and to repent where we have fallen short, trusting in His grace for restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's judgment in Leviticus 26:32 shape our view of His holiness and justice today?**
* **In what ways might spiritual "desolation" manifest in our lives or communities when we drift from God's commands?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's word and avoid spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**Was this prophecy fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy of the land's desolation and the astonishment of enemies was notably fulfilled through the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. As recorded in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Jerusalem and Exile") and [2 Chronicles 36](/2_chronicles/36 "2 Chronicles 36 - Exile to Babylon"), the kingdom of Judah was conquered, Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and the people were carried away into captivity. The land was left desolate for a period, famously seventy years, during which it "enjoyed its Sabbaths" ([2 Chronicles 36:21](/2_chronicles/36-21 "2 Chronicles 36:21 - Land Enjoyed its Sabbaths")). The surrounding nations and even the Babylonians were indeed astonished by the utter ruin of what was once a prosperous kingdom, recognizing the hand of God in its downfall.

**How does this relate to God's love and mercy?**

Answer: While Leviticus 26:32 speaks of severe judgment, it is crucial to understand it within the broader context of God's covenant faithfulness, which encompasses both justice and mercy. God's warnings, though harsh, are given out of love, intended to call His people to repentance and prevent them from utterly destroying themselves through sin. Even within [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"), after detailing the curses, God promises that He will not utterly reject or destroy His people if they confess their iniquity ([Leviticus 26:40-45](/leviticus/26-40-45 "Leviticus 26:40-45 - Confession and Remembering the Covenant")). The judgment, therefore, serves as a disciplinary measure, a painful but necessary means to bring about spiritual renewal and restoration, ultimately demonstrating God's enduring commitment to His covenant relationship with Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:32, with its stark imagery of desolation and the astonishment of enemies, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the physical land, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel's land was desolated due to their covenant unfaithfulness, Christ, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the covenant. He willingly embraced the ultimate "desolation" of divine judgment on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin. The "astonishment" of enemies at the land's ruin foreshadows the profound awe and even terror experienced by those who witnessed Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, an event that defied all human expectation and revealed the depths of God's power and love ([Matthew 27:54](/matthew/27-54 "Matthew 27:54 - Centurion's Amazement")). Through His sacrifice, Christ transforms the spiritual desolation of sin into the abundant life of salvation ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), offering not a desolate land, but a spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The ultimate astonishment is not at a land laid waste, but at the glorious redemption wrought by the Lamb of God, who triumphs over sin and death, drawing all nations to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself")).

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

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?