Leviticus 26:6

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Rest from Enemies").
* **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](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Lying Down in Peace and Safety"). 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.
* [Deuteronomy 28:6](/deuteronomy/28-6 "Deuteronomy 28:6 - Blessings of Obedience")
* [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Security in God's Presence")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Prophecy of Universal Peace")

### 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](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")), and promising true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

**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](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Unfailing Love")). 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](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")), 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](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God Through Christ")). 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](/john/14-27 "Jesus' Gift of Peace")). In Christ, believers experience true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28-29 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), 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](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Sorrow")).

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

Isaiah 35:9

No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]:

Zephaniah 3:13

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Psalms 147:14

He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Haggai 2:9

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

Psalms 29:11

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Hosea 2:18

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.