Leviticus 26:42

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

Then will I remember {H2142} my covenant {H1285} with Jacob {H3290}, and also my covenant {H1285} with Isaac {H3327}, and also my covenant {H1285} with Abraham {H85} will I remember {H2142}; and I will remember {H2142} the land {H776}.

then I will remember my covenant with Ya'akov, also my covenant with Yitz'chak and my covenant with Avraham; and I will remember the land.

then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

then will I remember my covenant with Jacob; and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

Commentary

Leviticus 26:42 stands as a powerful declaration of God's enduring faithfulness, even in the midst of the dire warnings and potential curses outlined earlier in the chapter. This verse offers a beacon of hope, promising divine remembrance and restoration for the nation of Israel, contingent upon their repentance.

Context

Chapter 26 of Leviticus presents a foundational section of the Mosaic Law, detailing the blessings for obedience and the severe curses for disobedience to God's covenant. The preceding verses vividly describe the consequences of persistent rebellion, including famine, pestilence, war, and ultimately, exile from the promised land. However, Leviticus 26:40-41 introduces a crucial turning point: if the people humble themselves, confess their iniquity, and accept their punishment, God promises to "remember" His covenant. Verse 42 is the direct fulfillment of that promise, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to the foundational covenants made with their patriarchs.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The central message is God's enduring loyalty to His promises. Despite Israel's potential unfaithfulness, God's character dictates that He will remember His solemn agreements with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This highlights that His covenants are unconditional in their ultimate fulfillment, even if conditional in their immediate blessings or curses.
  • Covenant Remembrance: The repeated phrase "I will remember" signifies more than mere recall; it implies divine action based on past promises. God's memory here is active and redemptive. He remembers the specific covenants detailed in Genesis, such as the Abrahamic Covenant, which included promises of land, descendants, and blessing to all nations.
  • The Patriarchal Covenants: By specifically naming Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God underscores the historical and foundational nature of His relationship with Israel. These are the bedrock promises that predate the Mosaic Law and serve as the ultimate guarantee of Israel's future, even through periods of discipline and exile.
  • The Land Promise: The inclusion "and I will remember the land" is critical. The land of Canaan was central to God's covenant with Abraham, a physical inheritance and a place where God's presence would dwell among His people. Even if they were driven out, God's memory of the land signifies His intent to restore them to it, demonstrating the unbreakable nature of His promises regarding their inheritance. This promise of restoration is echoed in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 29:10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remember" is zakhar (Χ–ΦΈΧ›Φ·Χ¨). In biblical usage, zakhar is not merely a mental recollection but often implies an active, purposeful engagement or intervention based on what is remembered. When God "remembers" His covenant, it means He is about to act decisively to fulfill His promises. It signifies His unchanging character and His commitment to His word, leading to restoration and mercy.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 26:42 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It teaches us about God's enduring faithfulness, even when we falter. Just as God remembered His covenant with Israel's patriarchs despite their descendants' future failings, He remains true to His promises to His people in Christ. When we confess our sins and turn to Him, we can trust that He will remember His new covenant promises, offering forgiveness and restoration. This verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan of redemption will prevail, and His promises are always reliable, providing hope in times of struggle and discipline.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 16:60

    ΒΆ Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

  • Psalms 106:45

    And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

  • Exodus 6:5

    And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

  • Exodus 2:24

    And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

  • Ezekiel 36:1

    ΒΆ Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

  • Ezekiel 36:15

    Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Psalms 136:23

    ΒΆ Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:
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