Leviticus 26:44

KJV

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And yet {H637} for all that {H2063}, when they be {H1571} in the land {H776} of their enemies {H341}, I will not cast them away {H3988}, neither will I abhor {H1602} them, to destroy them utterly {H3615}, and to break {H6565} my covenant {H1285} with them: for I am the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet, in spite of all that, I will not reject them when they are in the lands of their enemies, nor will I loathe them to the point of utterly destroying them and thus break my covenant with them, because I am ADONAI their God.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

American Standard Version

And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am Jehovah their God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:44 stands as a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness and covenant loyalty, even in the face of Israel's anticipated disobedience and subsequent judgment. Nestled within a chapter outlining severe curses for covenant infidelity, this verse offers a divine assurance that despite the nation's eventual exile to the "land of their enemies," God would neither utterly abandon nor abhor His people, nor would He break the sacred covenant He established with them, affirming His unchanging character as the LORD their God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 concludes the legal and ritualistic instructions given at Mount Sinai, serving as a climactic covenant ratification. It presents a stark dichotomy: blessings for obedience to the Mosaic Covenant in the first half ([Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience")), followed by an extensive and escalating series of curses for disobedience in the latter half ([Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience")). These curses detail famine, pestilence, war, and ultimately, the desolation of the land and the dispersion of Israel among the nations. Verse 44 appears at the very end of this dire warning, after God describes how He would "bring a sword upon you" and "scatter you among the heathen," immediately preceding a call to repentance and a reaffirmation of the Abrahamic and Jacobic covenants in [Leviticus 26:40-45](/leviticus/26-40-45 "Leviticus 26:40-45 - God's Promise of Remembrance"). This strategic placement highlights God's ultimate commitment beyond the conditional Mosaic Law, demonstrating His sovereign grace that undergirds His disciplinary actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, while they were encamped at Mount Sinai. They had just entered into a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, becoming His treasured possession among all peoples, as outlined in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests"). The warnings in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"), particularly concerning exile to the "land of their enemies," foreshadow the historical reality of Israel's repeated cycles of apostasy, divine judgment, and eventual dispersion, most notably the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, as chronicled in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Fall of Northern Kingdom") and [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Southern Kingdom"). In the ancient Near East, a broken covenant often meant the complete annihilation of the offending party, with no hope of restoration. However, this verse reveals a unique aspect of Yahweh's character: His faithfulness transcends human failure, ensuring that His foundational promises to the patriarchs, which predated the Mosaic Law, would ultimately endure, even when the conditional Mosaic Covenant brought about severe consequences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their anticipated unfaithfulness. It highlights the distinction between the conditional Mosaic Covenant and the unconditional, eternal covenants made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the theme of **Covenant Continuity and Preservation**. The verse also touches upon the theme of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**, showing that while God will justly discipline His people for sin, His judgment is not annihilative but redemptive, preserving a remnant and a future. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Immutable Character**, as His promise not to break His covenant is grounded in His very identity as "the LORD their God," a declaration of His self-existent, covenant-keeping nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gam (Hebrew, _gam'_):** This particle, translated "And yet for all that," serves to introduce a strong contrast or concession. It signifies "even," "also," or "though," indicating that despite the preceding litany of curses and the dire state of exile, God's promise of non-abandonment holds true. It highlights the surprising and gracious nature of God's declaration, occurring against the backdrop of severe judgment.
* **mâʼaç (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** Translated "cast them away," this primitive root means "to spurn," "to despise," or "to reject." It conveys a strong sense of disdain or repudiation. God's promise not to "cast them away" means He will not utterly disown or abandon His people, even when their actions would justly warrant such a response. This speaks to a deep, enduring commitment that transcends their failure.
* **bᵉrîyth (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This foundational term, translated "covenant," refers to a solemn, binding agreement or compact, often sealed by an oath and involving mutual obligations and consequences. The phrase "to break my covenant with them" emphasizes the inviolable nature of God's divine promises, particularly the unconditional covenants (like the Abrahamic Covenant), which guarantee Israel's continued existence and the ultimate fulfillment of promises concerning land and descendants, even when the conditional Mosaic Covenant is violated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies,"**: This opening clause acknowledges the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience detailed in the preceding verses of [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"). "For all that" refers to the comprehensive list of curses, including scattering among the nations. "The land of their enemies" vividly describes their future state of captivity and dispersion, a direct consequence of their covenant infidelity, yet it sets the stage for God's surprising declaration of enduring grace.
* **"I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them,"**: Despite Israel's rebellion and the just punishment of exile, God promises He will not utterly repudiate them nor view them with complete disgust. This is a profound statement of divine steadfastness and compassion, indicating that His judgment is corrective and restorative, not annihilative. It assures that His relationship with His people remains intact at a fundamental level, even when their sin makes them worthy of revulsion.
* **"to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them:"**: This phrase reinforces the limits of God's discipline. While severe, His judgment will not lead to their absolute annihilation. Crucially, God pledges not to annul His foundational covenant with them. This refers primarily to the unconditional, everlasting covenants made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which guarantee their continued existence as a people and the eventual fulfillment of promises concerning land and descendants, even when the Mosaic covenant's conditional terms are violated.
* **"for I [am] the LORD their God."**: This concluding affirmation serves as the ultimate ground for God's faithfulness. His name, Yahweh (LORD), signifies His self-existent, sovereign, and covenant-keeping nature. His identity as "their God" underscores His unique, personal, and unchanging relationship with Israel, providing the immutable basis for His promise of non-abandonment and covenant preservation. It is a divine guarantee rooted in His very character.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 26:44 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing the severe consequences of Israel's sin (exile, abhorrence, casting away) with God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant preservation. This creates a powerful tension that highlights the depth of divine grace. The use of **Negative Assertion** ("I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant") emphasizes God's commitment by explicitly stating what He will *not* do, thereby reinforcing the certainty of His enduring loyalty. The phrase "the land of their enemies" functions as **Metonymy**, representing the entire experience of exile, suffering, and dispersion. Finally, the concluding **Divine Self-Attestation**, "for I [am] the LORD their God," serves as an **Oath Formula** or **Divine Guarantee**, grounding the entire promise in God's immutable character and sovereign authority. This declaration acts as a theological anchor, ensuring the promise's reliability and demonstrating that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human performance but on His own nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:44 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness, mercy, and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. It reveals that while God is just and will indeed punish sin, His ultimate disposition towards His chosen people is one of steadfast love and commitment. This verse underscores the concept of divine grace that transcends human failure, ensuring that God's ultimate plan for Israel, rooted in His unconditional covenants, will not be thwarted by their disobedience. It speaks to the preserving power of God's character, which acts as a safeguard against the complete destruction of His people, even when they are deserving of it. This principle of divine faithfulness amidst human unfaithfulness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, providing a foundation for hope and assurance in God's redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:30-34](/psalms/89-30-34 "Psalm 89:30-34 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Romans 11:28-29](/romans/11-28-29 "Romans 11:28-29 - God's Unchanging Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 26:44 offers immense comfort and reassurance for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character. In a world where relationships often falter and promises are broken, this verse stands as an anchor, affirming that God's commitment to His people, rooted in His very being, is unbreakable. It teaches us that even when we stumble, stray, or experience the natural consequences of our actions, God does not utterly abandon those who are His. His discipline is always redemptive, aimed at restoration rather than annihilation. This truth allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His love is steadfast and His mercies are new every morning, not because of our perfect obedience, but because of His perfect faithfulness. It calls us to trust in His enduring grace, even in our moments of deepest failure or despair, and to reflect His faithfulness in our own commitments and relationships, demonstrating the same steadfast love and forgiveness to others that God has shown to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's promise not to "cast away" or "abhor" His people, even in their worst state, impact your view of His character?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine judgment and mercy?**
* **How can the assurance of God's unchanging covenant faithfulness in Leviticus 26:44 strengthen your faith when you face personal failures or difficult consequences?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God will never punish His people for their sins?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean God will never punish His people. In fact, it is found within a chapter that details extensive and severe curses for disobedience, including famine, pestilence, war, and ultimately, exile to the "land of their enemies." The preceding verses in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") clearly outline the consequences of breaking the Mosaic Covenant. What [Leviticus 26:44](/leviticus/26-44 "Leviticus 26:44 - God's Enduring Faithfulness") promises is that even in the midst of severe judgment and discipline, God will not utterly abandon His people, nor will He break His foundational, unconditional covenant with them (like the Abrahamic Covenant). His punishment is corrective, aimed at bringing them to repentance and restoration, rather than total annihilation. It's a promise of preservation, not immunity from consequence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:44, a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's commitment to Israel despite their unfaithfulness under the Old Covenant, Christ embodies the perfect faithfulness that both Israel and humanity lacked. He is the true Israel, the obedient Son, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and its demands, as declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of the curses and judgments for sin, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" will never be utterly cast away or abhorred by God. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") proclaims, He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. The New Covenant established in His blood is an "everlasting covenant," as affirmed in [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Everlasting Covenant"), a superior agreement that guarantees God's covenant promises to His people—now spiritual Israel, the church—will never be broken. In Christ, believers are assured that nothing can separate them from the love of God, as triumphantly declared in [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Inseparable Love"), fulfilling the spirit of God's promise in Leviticus 26:44 on an even deeper, more secure, and eternally binding level.

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

Nehemiah 9:31

Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

Psalms 94:14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

2 Kings 13:23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 4:31

(For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Psalms 89:33

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.