Leviticus 26:33

KJV

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will scatter {H2219} you among the heathen {H1471}, and will draw out {H7324} a sword {H2719} after {H310} you: and your land {H776} shall be desolate {H8077}, and your cities {H5892} waste {H2723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You I will disperse among the nations, and I will draw out the sword in pursuit after you; your land will be a desolation and your cities a wasteland.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste.

American Standard Version

And you will I scatter among the nations, and I will draw out the sword after you: and your land shall be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:33 delivers a stark and solemn warning, detailing severe divine judgments for Israel's persistent disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant. This pivotal verse prophesies a threefold consequence: the widespread dispersion of the people among foreign nations, the relentless pursuit of conflict and warfare even in their exile, and the utter desolation and ruin of their cherished land and cities. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, revealing the profound and inevitable ramifications of rebellion against His holy will and the sanctity of His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as a climactic conclusion to the main body of the Levitical law, functioning as a covenant ratification chapter. It meticulously outlines the blessings for obedience and the escalating curses for disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant. The chapter begins with a detailed exposition of the abundant blessings promised for faithfulness, including prosperity, peace, and God's abiding presence in the land, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience"). Immediately following these promises, the text transitions to a series of progressively severe curses, starting with famine and defeat, advancing to pestilence, wild beasts, and ultimately culminating in exile and national ruin. Verse 33 is situated within the most dire phase of these warnings, describing the ultimate and most devastating outcome if the people were to persistently reject God's earlier warnings and continue in rebellion. This progression highlights the gravity of covenant fidelity and the escalating nature of divine judgment, leading to complete societal and territorial collapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant presented in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") mirrors the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, which typically included both blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. In this framework, Yahweh acts as the Great King, and Israel as His vassal people. For ancient Israel, the land was not merely territory but a central component of their identity and their unique covenant relationship with God, a sacred gift from Him. To be "scattered among the heathen" (a phrase echoed in [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among All Peoples")) represented the ultimate undoing of their national existence and the loss of their divinely promised inheritance. The "sword" symbolized ongoing warfare, insecurity, and the absence of peace, indicating that God's displeasure would follow them even into exile. The desolation of the land and cities was a visible, tangible sign of God's withdrawal of blessing and protection, a direct reversal of the prosperity promised for obedience. These curses found significant historical fulfillment in the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom and the Babylonian exile of the southern kingdom, as powerfully prophesied by figures such as [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/9 "Jeremiah 9 - Prophecy of Desolation and Scattering") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - Prophecy of Exile and Scattering").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's promises are conditional upon Israel's obedience. The concept of **Divine Justice and Judgment** is prominent, revealing God's righteousness in responding to persistent sin. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Sanctity of the Land** as a sacred trust, emphasizing that its retention is tied directly to Israel's fidelity to God. It also foreshadows the theme of **Exile and Dispersion**, a recurring motif in Israel's history that serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of national apostasy, as seen in later prophetic warnings like [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Seventy Years of Captivity"). Ultimately, Leviticus 26:33 reinforces the absolute **Sovereignty of God** over the destiny of His people and the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** From H2219, this primitive root means "to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow." In the context of Leviticus 26:33, it vividly portrays a forceful and widespread dispersion of the Israelite people, not a voluntary migration. It implies a violent breaking up of national unity and presence within their land, highlighting the loss of communal cohesion and identity. This divine act of scattering signifies a profound disruption of their covenant relationship and communal life.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this term refers to "a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." Here, "sword" functions as a powerful symbol or metonymy for war, conflict, and divine judgment. The phrase "draw out a sword after you" implies a relentless pursuit of conflict and violence that would follow them even into exile, signifying that God's punitive hand would remain active, preventing any true peace or security.
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** From H8077, this feminine noun denotes "devastation; figuratively, astonishment." It emphasizes the utter ruin, emptiness, and horror that would befall the land and cities, once vibrant with life and divine blessing. This term conveys not just physical abandonment but also a sense of dread and astonishment, reflecting the reversal of God's creative and sustaining power due to human sin. The land, once flowing with milk and honey, would become a stark testament to their covenant failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will scatter you among the heathen":** This initial clause pronounces the primary judgment of exile and diaspora. God declares His active, sovereign role in dispersing Israel from their promised land, emphasizing that this is not a random misfortune but a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of their disobedience. "Heathen" (H1471, _gôwy_) refers to foreign, non-Israelite nations, signifying a loss of Israel's distinct national identity and the vulnerability of living among peoples who do not worship Yahweh. This dispersion would be widespread, fragmenting the unified people of God across many lands.
* **"and will draw out a sword after you":** This phrase indicates that the divine judgment would not cease with their removal from the land. Even in foreign lands, Israel would face continuous conflict, persecution, or the persistent threat of violence. The "sword" symbolizes ongoing warfare and divine retribution, implying that God's displeasure and the consequences of their sin would relentlessly pursue them, preventing any true peace or security. It suggests an active, sustained judgment that follows them wherever they go, negating any hope of finding rest or safety apart from God's favor.
* **"and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste":** This final clause describes the physical devastation that would accompany their removal. The land, which God had promised and blessed as their inheritance, would become barren, uninhabited, and unproductive, a stark reversal of its former fertility. Their once-thriving cities (H5892, _ʻîyr_), symbols of their civilization, prosperity, and communal life, would fall into ruin and emptiness (H2723, _chorbâh_). This desolation served as a stark, visible reminder of their covenant failure and the removal of God's protective hand and blessing from their territory.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn and severe message. The most prominent device is **Prophecy**, as the verse explicitly foretells future events—the scattering of Israel, their pursuit by war, and the desolation of their land—all of which were historically fulfilled in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. **Symbolism** is powerfully used with the "sword," which represents not merely a physical weapon but the broader concept of divine judgment, war, and persistent adversity that would follow the disobedient nation. The entire chapter, including this verse, functions as **Covenant Language**, articulating the reciprocal obligations and dire consequences inherent in the Mosaic covenant between Yahweh and Israel. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting three distinct but interconnected consequences of disobedience, each reinforcing the severity and comprehensiveness of the divine judgment. The cumulative effect of these pronouncements also creates a sense of **Climax**, as this verse represents a peak of the curses, detailing the ultimate national catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:33 profoundly underscores God's unwavering justice, holiness, and faithfulness to His covenant. It reveals that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also righteous and will not tolerate persistent rebellion. The severe consequences outlined here demonstrate that sin has real, tangible repercussions, affecting not only individuals but also the entire nation. This verse highlights the sanctity of the covenant and the seriousness with which God views His people's obedience, emphasizing that His warnings are not idle threats. It also serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the historical reality of Israel's exiles, serving as a testament to the prophetic accuracy of God's word and His sovereign control over history. Ultimately, it speaks to the timeless principle that turning away from God's ways leads to spiritual and physical desolation, while adherence to His commands brings blessing and security.

* [Jeremiah 9:16](/jeremiah/9-16 "Jeremiah 9:16 - Prophecy of Scattering Among Nations")
* [Ezekiel 12:15](/ezekiel/12-15 "Ezekiel 12:15 - Scattering and Sword Among the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among All Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:33 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound seriousness of sin and the unwavering consistency of God's character. While believers today are not under the Old Covenant law in the same way, the underlying principles remain eternally true: God is holy, He abhors sin, and choices have consequences. This verse calls us to a deeper reverence for God's word and a recognition that persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual scattering, internal conflict, and a sense of desolation in our lives, even if not in a physical, national sense. It prompts us to examine our own hearts for areas of rebellion or apathy, urging us to walk in humility and obedience. It also reinforces the truth that God's warnings are not arbitrary but are given out of His perfect justice and His desire for our good, guiding us away from paths that lead to ruin and towards His abundant life. Understanding this passage encourages us to pursue a life of faithful devotion, trusting in God's wisdom and goodness, and recognizing that true flourishing is found in alignment with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of God's justice and mercy, particularly in light of His warnings?**
* **In what ways might "spiritual scattering" or "desolation" manifest in a believer's life today, even without physical exile?**
* **What specific areas of my life might be out of alignment with God's will, and what "consequences" might I be experiencing or inviting?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to His warnings in the Old Testament strengthen my trust in His promises for the New Covenant believer?**

### FAQ

**Was this prophecy literally fulfilled in Israel's history?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecies in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"), including verse 33, were indeed literally and extensively fulfilled in Israel's history. The "scattering among the heathen" was vividly realized through the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and, more extensively and devastatingly, through the Babylonian exile of the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 BC. Prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") and [Ezekiel](/zekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - Scattering and Sword") explicitly foretold these events, detailing the desolation of the land and the dispersion of the people. Throughout subsequent history, the Jewish people have experienced continuous dispersion and periods of persecution across the globe, further attesting to the long-term fulfillment of these warnings, until their modern-day return to the land.

**How does this verse apply to Christians today, who are not under the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a covenant for salvation or national governance, the principles revealed in [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience") remain profoundly relevant. This verse highlights God's unchanging character: His holiness, His justice, and His faithfulness to His word. It teaches us the seriousness of sin and the reality that disobedience, even for believers, can lead to negative consequences—though not necessarily physical exile or national desolation. Spiritually, persistent rebellion can lead to a sense of "scattering" from God's presence, a "sword" of internal conflict or external spiritual warfare, and a "desolation" of joy, peace, and fruitfulness in one's life. It serves as a powerful call to heed God's warnings, walk in obedience, and recognize that true blessing and security are found in faithful communion with Him, as opposed to self-reliance or rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:33, with its grim pronouncements of scattering, sword, and desolation, powerfully underscores the utter inability of humanity to perfectly keep God's law and the dire consequences of our inherent sinfulness. This curse, however, finds its ultimate reversal and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the law, enduring the full weight of the covenant curses on our behalf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Where Israel faced scattering and desolation for their disobedience, Christ, through His crucifixion, bore the ultimate "desolation" of separation from God, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" so that those who believe in Him might never be truly scattered or desolate. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep, bringing them into one fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")), and promises a new land, a new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more curse, no more sword, and no more desolation ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are brought into a new covenant, where the Spirit writes God's laws on their hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")), enabling true obedience and securing an eternal inheritance free from the curses of the old covenant. The judgment of [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience"), therefore, serves as a stark backdrop against which the glorious grace and redemptive power of Christ shine even brighter, offering true peace, security, and spiritual abundance to all who trust in Him.

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

Zechariah 7:14

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Ezekiel 20:23

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 28:66

And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

Deuteronomy 4:27

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

Psalms 44:11

Thou hast given us like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Ezekiel 22:15

And I will scatter thee among the heathen, and disperse thee in the countries, and will consume thy filthiness out of thee.