Leviticus 26:6

Translation
King James Version
And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And I will give H5414 peace H7965 in the land H776, and ye shall lie down H7901, and none shall make you afraid H2729: and I will rid H7673 evil H7451 beasts H2416 out of the land H776, neither shall the sword H2719 go H5674 through your land H776.
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Complete Jewish Bible
"'I will give shalom in the land -you will lie down to sleep unafraid of anyone. I will rid the land of wild animals. The sword will not go through your land.
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Berean Standard Bible
And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear. I will rid the land of dangerous animals, and no sword will pass through your land.
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American Standard Version
And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will cause evil beasts to cease out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
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World English Bible Messianic
“‘I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one will make you afraid. I will remove evil animals out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will sende peace in the land, and ye shall sleepe and none shall make you afraid: also I will rid euill beastes out of the lande, and the sworde shall not go through your lande.
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Young's Literal Translation
`And I have given peace in the land, and ye have lain down, and there is none causing trembling; and I have caused evil beasts to cease out of the land, and the sword doth not pass over into your land.
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See also
Isaiah 35:9Zephaniah 3:13Psalms 147:14Jeremiah 30:10Haggai 2:9Psalms 29:11Hosea 2:18
In the KJVVerse 3,531 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Leviticus 26:6 articulates a profound covenantal promise from God to the Israelites, assuring them of comprehensive peace and security within the land if they maintained faithful obedience to His commands. This verse envisions a state of holistic well-being for the nation, extending beyond the mere absence of external conflict to encompass an internal freedom from fear, enabling undisturbed rest and flourishing. It highlights God's direct, sovereign intervention to protect His people from both natural dangers and human aggression, thereby underscoring His unwavering faithfulness to bless those who uphold His statutes.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 26:6 is strategically positioned within a pivotal chapter that serves as the climactic summary of the covenant stipulations presented throughout the book of Leviticus and indeed, the Pentateuch. This chapter meticulously outlines the blessings promised for covenant obedience (Leviticus 26:3-13) and the severe curses that would inevitably follow disobedience (Leviticus 26:14-45). The preceding verses (Leviticus 26:3-5) lay the groundwork by promising foundational blessings of agricultural abundance, timely rain, and bountiful harvests, ensuring the physical sustenance of the nation. Leviticus 26:6 directly builds upon these material provisions, elevating God's benevolent care beyond mere physical needs to encompass profound peace and security. It signifies a transition from the ability to produce to the ability to enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear of internal or external disruption, emphasizing God's holistic provision for His people's secure dwelling.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: For ancient Israel, a people recently liberated from Egyptian bondage and poised to enter a promised land surrounded by often hostile and aggressive nations, the concept of "peace in the land" was not merely an abstract ideal but a tangible, existential necessity. Their very survival was precarious, constantly menaced by wild animals that could decimate crops and livestock, and by the pervasive threat of invasion, raids from neighboring tribes, and internal strife. The divine promise to "rid evil beasts out of the land" directly addressed a critical, everyday concern for their physical safety and economic livelihood. Simultaneously, the assurance that "neither shall the sword go through your land" spoke to their deepest anxieties regarding national security and the preservation of their nascent identity. This promise of divine protection was revolutionary in the ancient Near East, where constant warfare and instability were the norm. It starkly contrasted with the reliance on military might or capricious deities prevalent in surrounding cultures, underscoring the unique covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, where their holistic well-being was directly contingent upon their covenant faithfulness. This divinely secured peace was a hallmark of God's provision, demonstrating His power to establish a secure and prosperous dwelling for Israel, as later exemplified in the peaceful settlement of Canaan under God's guidance, such as when the Lord gave them rest on every side.
  • Key Themes: Leviticus 26:6 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Pentateuch and broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of Covenant Faithfulness and Divine Blessing, demonstrating that God's promises of peace and security are contingent upon Israel's obedience to His commands. It reinforces the concept of Holistic Shalom, illustrating that God's peace extends beyond the mere absence of conflict to encompass complete well-being, prosperity, and internal tranquility. The verse also underscores God's Sovereignty and Protection, portraying Him as the active agent who intervenes directly to safeguard His people from both natural perils and human aggression, thereby asserting His dominion over all creation and human affairs. Furthermore, it foreshadows the concept of Rest and Security in God, where the ability to "lie down" without fear symbolizes the profound peace that comes from trusting in divine provision, a theme echoed in later wisdom literature like Psalm 4:8. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of God's Desired Dwelling, where a peaceful and secure land is the ideal environment for His people to live in communion with Him, anticipating the ultimate rest found in His presence.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Give (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): This primitive root signifies more than a simple transfer; it implies an active bestowal, an appointment, or a setting in place. When God says, "I will give peace," it emphasizes His sovereign initiative and active role in establishing this state of well-being. It is not something Israel achieves on its own, but a divine gift, demonstrating God's intentional and powerful provision. The breadth of its application in the provided Strong's data (put, make, appoint, bestow, deliver, set, etc.) underscores the comprehensive nature of God's action in granting shalom.
  • Afraid (Hebrew, chârad', H2729): This verb denotes a deep, visceral reaction: to shudder with terror, to tremble, or to be anxious. The promise "none shall make you afraid" means the complete removal of any cause for dread or alarm, both external and internal. It signifies a profound psychological and emotional security, allowing the people to "lie down" in a state of deep, undisturbed rest. This goes beyond physical safety to address the inner state of the individual and the collective, highlighting God's desire for His people to live free from debilitating anxiety and terror.
  • Sword (Hebrew, chereb', H2719): This term literally refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, but in biblical contexts, it powerfully symbolizes war, conflict, invasion, and even divine judgment. The phrase "neither shall the sword go through your land" is a direct and potent assurance of national security, signifying freedom from military aggression, prevention of internal strife, and the absence of destructive forces. It encapsulates God's protective hand over the nation's borders and its internal stability, ensuring that the land would not be ravaged by violence or conquest.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And I will give peace in the land": This foundational clause establishes God's sovereign initiative as the sole source of true peace. The emphatic "I will" highlights His active involvement and unreserved commitment to His covenant promises. The "peace" (Hebrew shalom) promised is not merely the cessation of hostilities but a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and tranquility that permeates every aspect of life within the entire land, affecting the nation holistically.
  • "and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid": This phrase paints a vivid picture of profound security and undisturbed rest. "Lying down" implies a complete absence of threat, allowing for deep, restorative sleep and relaxation—a precious commodity in a dangerous ancient world. The subsequent assurance that "none shall make [you] afraid" emphasizes the removal of both external threats and the debilitating internal anxiety they typically provoke, leading to deep psychological and emotional tranquility that flows from divine protection.
  • "and I will rid evil beasts out of the land": This specific promise addresses a very real and tangible threat in the ancient world. Wild animals posed significant dangers to human life, livestock, and agricultural produce, representing a constant source of fear and economic vulnerability. God's promise to "rid" or banish these creatures signifies His direct, supernatural intervention to protect His people from natural perils, ensuring their physical safety and the security of their livelihoods.
  • "neither shall the sword go through your land": This final clause provides the ultimate assurance of national security and territorial integrity. It promises freedom from war, foreign invasion, and internal conflict. The "sword" here is a potent symbol for all forms of violent human aggression and destructive forces. God's commitment to prevent the sword from passing through their land means He would actively defend their borders and maintain internal stability, allowing them to dwell securely, cultivate their land, and prosper without the constant threat of violence.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 26:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine promise and comprehensive security. The most prominent is Divine Agency, underscored by the repeated and emphatic "I will" ("I will give peace," "I will rid evil beasts"). This grammatical structure highlights God's active, personal, and sovereign involvement as the sole source and guarantor of these blessings, rather than them being a result of human effort alone. There is also clear Parallelism in the structure of the promises, with each clause building upon the previous one to create a comprehensive and cumulative picture of security: peace, freedom from fear, protection from natural dangers, and protection from human conflict. The phrase "ye shall lie down" functions as a powerful Metonymy for rest and security, where the physical act of lying down represents the profound state of being free from anxiety, danger, and disturbance. Furthermore, the "sword" serves as potent Symbolism for all forms of violent conflict, war, and judgment, its absence signifying complete national tranquility and divine protection. The cumulative effect of these interconnected promises also leans towards Hyperbole, presenting an idealized state of absolute peace and security that underscores the magnificent scope and magnitude of God's intended blessing for His obedient people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 26:6 profoundly illustrates God's covenant faithfulness and His deep desire for His people's holistic well-being. It reveals that true peace and security are not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of flourishing (shalom) that originates solely from God Himself. This verse underscores the theological principle that obedience to God's commands leads to tangible blessings, not as a transactional exchange, but as a natural outflow of living in harmony with His divine order and character. It portrays God as a benevolent and omnipotent protector who actively intervenes to guard His people from both natural dangers and human aggression, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs. The promise of rest and freedom from fear points to a deeper spiritual reality: that genuine security and tranquility are ultimately found in trusting God's provision and presence, allowing His people to "lie down" in confidence even amidst a chaotic and fallen world.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In a world still grappling with pervasive conflict, widespread anxiety, and various forms of "evil beasts"—whether literal threats, or the metaphorical beasts of societal ills, economic instability, and personal struggles—Leviticus 26:6 offers a timeless message of profound hope and divine provision. While the specific covenant promises were given to ancient Israel, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant for believers today: true peace and comprehensive security ultimately flow from a right and obedient relationship with God. This verse challenges us to critically examine where we seek our peace and safety. Do we primarily rely on human efforts, political solutions, technological advancements, or financial security, or do we acknowledge God as the ultimate, sovereign source of shalom? It encourages believers to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He desires our flourishing and possesses the power to provide a peace that transcends our circumstances. Living in obedience to God's principles, aligning our lives with His will, positions us to experience His protective hand and the deep, abiding rest that comes from surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him. This passage invites us to "lie down" in faith, confident that God is actively at work, even when the world around us seems to rage with chaos and uncertainty.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the comprehensive nature of shalom (peace, wholeness, well-being) challenge our modern understanding of peace as merely the absence of conflict?
  • In what specific areas of your life do you currently experience fear or anxiety, and how might trusting in God's promise of security (as seen in Leviticus 26:6) bring you deeper rest?
  • While the Mosaic Covenant's blessings were conditional for Israel, what timeless principles can we, as New Testament believers, draw from this passage regarding God's desire to provide peace and protection for His people?

FAQ

Is the peace promised in Leviticus 26:6 only physical, or does it include spiritual peace?

Answer: The peace promised in Leviticus 26:6, utilizing the rich Hebrew word shalom (H7965), is inherently holistic and encompasses far more than just physical peace. While it certainly includes the literal absence of war ("neither shall the sword go through your land") and protection from physical dangers ("I will rid evil beasts out of the land"), shalom also signifies completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and a state of flourishing in all aspects of life. This includes profound emotional and spiritual tranquility, freedom from anxiety, and a deep sense of security that allows one to "lie down" without fear. For ancient Israel, this meant a harmonious relationship with God that resulted in a blessed existence on every level—physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. For believers today, this holistic understanding of peace is powerfully echoed in the New Testament, where Christ offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), and promising true rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28).

How does this promise of protection from "evil beasts" and "the sword" apply to believers today?

Answer: While the immediate and literal context of Leviticus 26:6 was for ancient Israel's physical safety and national security in the Promised Land, its underlying principles of divine protection and provision remain eternally relevant for believers. Today, "evil beasts" can be understood metaphorically as the various dangers, temptations, and destructive forces that threaten our spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being—from the pervasive evils of society and moral decay to spiritual attacks, overwhelming circumstances, and personal struggles. Similarly, "the sword" can symbolize not just literal warfare, but also the conflicts, divisions, and destructive forces that seek to disrupt our peace, whether in our personal lives, families, churches, or communities. God's promise in Leviticus 26:6 assures us that He is sovereign over all these threats and desires to provide His people with security and rest. While we may not always be immune to physical harm or suffering in a fallen world, we can trust in God's ultimate protection, His ability to deliver us from spiritual evil, and His steadfast promise that nothing can separate us from His unfailing love (Romans 8:38-39). He provides a spiritual peace and security that transcends any earthly threat or circumstance.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The comprehensive peace and security promised in Leviticus 26:6 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the "Prince of Peace" foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus embodies and bestows the true shalom that the Mosaic Covenant only foreshadowed as a conditional blessing. While the Old Testament promise was contingent upon Israel's obedience, Christ's sacrificial work on the cross secured an unconditional and eternal peace for all who believe. He Himself is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility—both between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile—through His atoning sacrifice (Ephesians 2:14-16). Through Him, we are no longer made "afraid" by the "evil beasts" of sin, death, and the devil, for He has decisively conquered them all, disarming the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). The "sword" of divine judgment, which once threatened humanity due to sin, was fully borne by Christ on the cross, allowing us to "lie down" in the spiritual security of His finished work and receive forgiveness and reconciliation (Romans 5:1). Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). In Christ, believers experience true rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-29), a spiritual freedom from fear, and the unshakeable assurance of eternal security that transcends any earthly threat. His future return will usher in a new heaven and new earth where all "swords" will be put away, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, fulfilling the promise of ultimate and everlasting peace in His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:4).

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Commentary on Leviticus 26 verses 1–13

Here is, I. The inculcating of those precepts of the law which were of the greatest consequence, and by which were of the greatest consequence, and by which especially their obedience would be tried, Lev 26:1, Lev 26:2. They are the abstract of the second and fourth commandments, which, as they are by much the largest in the decalogue, so they are most frequently insisted on in other parts of the law. As, when a master has given many things in charge to his servant, he concludes with the repetition of those things which were of the greatest importance, and which the servant was most in danger of neglecting, bidding him, whatever he did, be sure to remember those, so here God by Moses, after many precepts, closes all with a special charge to observe these two great commandments. 1. "Be sure you never worship images, nor ever make any sort of images or pictures for a religious use," Lev 26:1. No sin was more provoking to God than this, and yet there was none that they were more addicted to, and which afterwards proved of more pernicious consequence to them. Next to God's being, unity, and universal influence, it is necessary that we know and believe that he is an infinite Spirit; and therefore to represent him by an image in the making of it, to confine him to an image in the consecrating of it, and to worship him by an image in bowing down to it, changes his truth into a lie and his glory into shame, as much as any thing. 2. "Be sure you keep up a great veneration for sabbaths and religious assemblies," Lev 26:2. As nothing tends more to corrupt religion than the use of images in devotion, so nothing contributes more to the support of it than keeping the sabbaths and reverencing the sanctuary. These make up very much of the instrumental part of religion, by which the essentials of it are kept up. Therefore we find in the prophets that, next to the sin of idolatry, there is no sin for which the Jews are more frequently reproved and threatened than the profanation of the sabbath day.

II. Great encouragements given them to live in constant obedience to all God's commandments, largely and strongly assuring them that if they did so they should be a happy people, and should be blessed with all the good things they could desire. Human governments enforce their laws with penalties to be inflicted for the breach of them; but God will be known as the rewarder of those that seek and serve him. Let us take a view of these great and precious promises, which, though they relate chiefly to the life which now is, and to the public national concerns of that people, were typical of the spiritual blessings entailed by the covenant of grace upon all believers through Christ. 1. Plenty and abundance of the fruits of the earth. They should have seasonable rain, neither too little nor too much, but what was requisite for their land, which was watered with the dew of heaven (Deu 11:10, Deu 11:11), that it might yield its increase, Lev 26:4. The dependence which the fruitfulness of the earth beneath has upon the influences of heaven above is a sensible intimation to us that every good and perfect gift must be expected from above, from the Father of lights. It is promised that the earth should produce its fruits in such great abundance that they would be kept in full employment, during both the harvest and the vintage, to gather it in, Lev 26:5. Before they had reaped their corn and threshed it, the vintage would be ready; and, before they had finished their vintage, it would be high time to begin their sowing. Long harvests are often with us the consequences of bad weather, but with them they should be the effects of a great increase. This signified the abundance of grace which should be poured out in gospel times, when the ploughman should overtake the reaper (Amo 9:13), and a great harvest of souls should be gathered in to Christ. The plenty should be so great that they should bring forth the old to be given away to the poor because of the new, to make room for it in their barns, which yet they would not pull down to build greater, as that rich fool (Luk 12:18), for God gave them this abundance to be laid out, not be hoarded up from one year to another. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him, Pro 11:26. That promise (Mal 3:10), I will pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, explains this, Lev 26:10. And that which crowns this blessing of plenty is (Lev 26:5), You shall eat your bread to the full, which intimates that they should have, not only abundance, but content and satisfaction in it. They should have enough, and should know when they had enough. Thus the meek shall eat and be satisfied, Psa 22:26. 2. Peace under the divine protection; "You shall dwell in your land safely (Lev 26:5); both really save, and safe in your own apprehensions; you shall lie down to rest in the power and promise of God, and not only none shall hurt you, but none shall so much as make you afraid," Lev 26:6. See Psa 4:8. They should not be infested with wild beasts, these should be rid out of the land, or, as it is promised (Job 5:23), should be at peace with them. Nor should they be terrified with the alarms of war: Neither shall the sword go through your land. This holy security is promised to all the faithful, Psa 91:1, etc. Those must needs dwell in safety that dwell in God, Job 9:18, Job 9:19. 3. Victory and success in their wars abroad, while they had peace and tranquility at home, Lev 26:7, Lev 26:8. They are assured that the hand of God should so signally appear with them in their conquests that no disproportion of numbers should make against them: Five of you shall have courage to attack, and strength to chase and defeat, a hundred, as Jonathan did (Sa1 14:12), experiencing the truth of his own maxim (Lev 26:6), that it is all one with the Lord to save by many or by few. 4. The increase of their people: I will make you fruitful and multiply you, Lev 26:9. Thus the promise made to Abraham must be fulfilled, that his seed should be as the dust of the earth; and much more numerous they would have been if they had by their sin cut themselves short. It is promised to the gospel church that it shall be fruitful, Joh 15:16. 5. The favour of God, which is the fountain of all good: I will have respect unto you, Lev 26:9. If the eye of our faith be unto God, the eye of his favour will be unto us. More is implied than is expressed in that promise, My soul shall not abhor you (Lev 26:11), as there is in that threatening, My soul shall have no pleasure in him, Heb 10:38. Though there was that among them which might justly have alienated him from them, yet, if they would closely adhere to his institutions, he would not abhor them. 6. Tokens of his presence in and by his ordinances: I will set my tabernacle among you, Lev 26:11. It was their honour and advantage that God's tabernacle was lately erected among them; but here he lets them know that the continuance and establishment of it depended upon their good behaviour. The tabernacle that was now set should be settled if they would be obedient, else not. Note, The way to have God's ordinances fixed among us, as a nail in a sure place, is to cleave closely to the institution of them. It is added (Lev 26:12), "I will walk among you, with delight and satisfaction, as a man in his garden; I will keep up communion with you as a man walking with his friend." This seems to be alluded to, Rev 2:1, where Christ is said to walk in the midst of the golden candlesticks. 7. The grace of the covenant, as the fountain and foundation, the sweetness and security, of all these blessings: I will establish my covenant with you, Lev 26:9. Let them perform their part of the covenant, and God would not fail to perform his. All covenant-blessings are summed up in the covenant-relation (Lev 26:12): I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and they are all grounded upon their redemption: I am your God, because I brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, Lev 26:13. Having purchased them, he would own them, and never cast them off till they cast him off. He broke their yoke, and made them go upright, that is, their deliverance out of Egypt put them in a state both of ease and honour, that, being delivered out of the hands of their enemies, they might serve God without fear, each walking in his uprightness. When Israel rejected Christ, and was therefore rejected by him, their back is said to be bowed down always under the burden of their guilt, which was heavier than that of their bondage in Egypt, Rom 11:10.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–13. Public domain.
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Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 105.6
“You may lie down to rest without anxiety.” Moreover, Solomon says in the book of Proverbs, “When you sit down, you need not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet and you will not be afraid of sudden terror or of the attack of the wicked when it comes.” These words he spoke concerning the just and wise man. Furthermore it is said in blessing, “You may lie down to rest without anxiety.” If you are just, no one can frighten you. If you fear God, you will fear nothing else. “The just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself”;19 and in the words of David, “I shall not fear the terror of the night,” and so forth. He adds still further: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” and again, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear.” Do you see the courage and constancy of the soul that observes the commandments of God?
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 105.8
“I will rid your country of ravenous beasts and keep war from sweeping across your land.” There are many fights which pass over our land, if we do not observe the law of God and keep his commands. Let each one return to his own soul or conscience and examine himself with interior recollection. Let him see how our land, that is, our body, is oppressed at one time by the spirit of fornication, at another by anger or fury. Again it is disturbed by the darts of avarice or struck by the javelins of envy; then it is darkened by the vice of pride. In whatever way the flesh lusts against the spirit or the spirit against the flesh, our land is agitated by exceedingly dangerous battles. Therefore, if a man observes the divine commands, by the Holy Ghost brings his body into subjection, keeps God’s precepts and fulfills them, he suffers this fight and war less or endures them in such a way that he is victorious. Indeed, God takes them away from his land and does not allow them to pass over the land, that is, the soul of the just.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 105.5
Then follow the words “and I will establish peace in your lands.” What peace does God give? The peace which the world possesses? Christ says he does not give that kind of peace, for he declares, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as this world gives peace do I give to you.” Therefore he denies that he will give the peace of the world to his disciples. Do you want to see then what peace God gives in our land? If the land is good so that it produces fruit a hundredfold, sixtyfold or thirtyfold, it will receive from God that peace which the apostle describes: “May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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