Leviticus 26:34

Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

Then shall the land {H776} enjoy {H7521} her sabbaths {H7676}, as long {H3117} as it lieth desolate {H8074}, and ye be in your enemies {H341}' land {H776}; even then shall the land {H776} rest {H7673}, and enjoy {H7521} her sabbaths {H7676}.

Then, at last, the land will be paid its Shabbats. As long as it lies desolate and you are in the lands of your enemies, the land will rest and be repaid its Shabbats.

Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths.

Then shall the land enjoy its sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye are in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy its sabbaths.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 26:34 (KJV)

Leviticus 26:34 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the consequences of Israel's disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant, specifically regarding the neglect of the land's mandated Sabbath rests. It is part of a longer passage in Leviticus 26 detailing the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, serving as a solemn warning from God to His people.

Context

This verse is found within the section of curses (Leviticus 26:14-45) that God promised would befall Israel if they broke His covenant. Among the many commands given to Israel was the observance of the Sabbath Year, where the land was to lie fallow every seventh year (Leviticus 25:1-7). This was a test of faith and obedience, demonstrating reliance on God's provision. Israel's failure to consistently observe these land sabbaths, prioritizing their own gain over God's command, accumulated a debt of rest for the land. Leviticus 26:34 declares that this owed rest would be forcibly taken during the period of their exile, when the land would be desolate and empty of its inhabitants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse highlights God's unwavering justice. His warnings are not idle threats; disobedience has tangible and severe consequences. The land, which was deprived of its commanded rest by human greed and neglect, would now "enjoy her sabbaths" through divine judgment.
  • Sovereignty of God over Creation: Even in judgment, God's concern for His creation is evident. The land itself is personified as "enjoying" its rest, underscoring that God's laws extend to the very fabric of the earth and that His will ultimately prevails.
  • Consequences of Covenant Breaking: This verse serves as a stark reminder that breaking the covenant with God leads to severe national penalties, including exile and desolation. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of Israel's spiritual health, their relationship with the land, and their national well-being.
  • Rest for the Land: The phrase "enjoy her sabbaths" (Hebrew: shabbaton, implying a complete cessation of work) signifies a forced period of rest for the land. This was a fulfillment of the neglected Sabbath years, indicating that God's principles regarding rest and stewardship cannot be ignored indefinitely.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sabbaths" (Hebrew: shabbaton) refers to a time of cessation or complete rest. Here, it is applied to the land, which was to receive a period of rest every seven years. The phrase "enjoy her sabbaths" is a powerful anthropomorphism, implying that the land itself had a right to rest that was denied by Israel. The word "desolate" emphasizes the emptiness and abandonment of the land once the people were removed, creating the conditions for this forced rest.

Related Scriptures

The historical fulfillment of this prophecy is explicitly noted in the biblical narrative. The seventy years of the Babylonian exile (from 586 BC) are directly linked to the land enjoying its neglected sabbaths. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 36:21, "To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years." This demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling both His promises of blessing and His warnings of judgment.

Practical Application

Leviticus 26:34 offers timeless lessons for today. Firstly, it underscores the principle that ignoring divine commands, whether concerning rest, stewardship of resources, or obedience, ultimately leads to negative consequences. God's principles are immutable, and while His patience is vast, His justice is certain. Secondly, it highlights the importance of respecting natural rhythms and God's design, even in our modern world. Lastly, it reminds us of God's sovereignty: even in judgment, His purposes are fulfilled, and His creation ultimately serves His will. It encourages a careful examination of our own lives and societies to ensure we are living in alignment with God's established order.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 (6 votes)

    To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

  • Leviticus 25:2 (4 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 25:4 (4 votes)

    But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

  • Leviticus 26:43 (2 votes)

    The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.

  • Leviticus 25:10 (2 votes)

    And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.