Leviticus 26:7

KJV

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall chase {H7291} your enemies {H341}, and they shall fall {H5307} before {H6440} you by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before your sword.

Berean Standard Bible

You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you.

American Standard Version

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:7 presents a profound promise of divine empowerment and overwhelming military victory for the Israelites, directly contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's covenant. This verse, situated within a chapter detailing the blessings for adherence to the Mosaic Law, assures that God Himself would enable His people to aggressively pursue and decisively defeat their adversaries, causing them to fall by the sword. It powerfully underscores the principle that Israel's security and success were never dependent on their own strength or military prowess, but rather on God's active intervention as a direct consequence of their covenant loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as a climactic and foundational chapter, concluding the vast body of legal, ritual, and moral instructions delivered throughout the book of Leviticus. Following detailed laws concerning sacrifices, priesthood, purity, and festivals, this chapter functions as a grand covenant summary, outlining the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Verses 3-13 meticulously enumerate the blessings for faithfulness, commencing with the foundational condition: "If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them..." [Leviticus 26:3](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3 - The Covenant Condition for Blessings"). These promised blessings encompass agricultural abundance, national peace, demographic growth, God's abiding presence among His people, and freedom from fear. Specifically, [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - Promise of Military Victory") elaborates on the military dimension of this security, guaranteeing decisive victory over adversaries as a direct consequence of their covenant fidelity, a stark contrast to the devastating defeats and subjugation described in the latter part of the chapter for disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to the nascent nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment following their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage and preceding their entry into the Promised Land. At this critical juncture, Israel was transitioning from a nomadic, enslaved people into a distinct sovereign nation under the direct governance of Yahweh. They were preparing to undertake the daunting conquest of Canaan, a land inhabited by numerous hostile, idolatrous, and militarily formidable peoples. Promises of military success, such as those articulated in [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - Divine Aid in Battle"), held immense significance, offering crucial assurance of divine assistance in the formidable task ahead. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, military prowess and divine favor in battle were inextricably linked, with victorious nations routinely attributing their triumphs to their patron deities. For Israel, this promise reinforced the unique and exclusive nature of their covenant with Yahweh, who alone would fight on their behalf, a truth powerfully demonstrated in their foundational deliverance at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").
* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") is permeated by several overarching themes that [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - God's Promise of Victory") significantly contributes to. Central among these is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequence**, where God meticulously outlines the direct correlation between Israel's obedience to His commands and the blessings they would receive, including military triumph. Another prominent theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, emphasizing that God, not human strength or strategy, is the ultimate source of Israel's security and victory. This verse highlights God's role as the **Divine Warrior**, actively engaging in battle on behalf of His people, a motif seen throughout the Pentateuch, from the deliverance at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea") to the instructions for conquest in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws for Warfare"). Finally, the theme of **Holiness and Separation** is implicitly present, as God's blessing of victory would enable Israel to maintain their distinct identity and fulfill their mission as a holy nation set apart from the idolatrous practices of their defeated enemies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chase (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** From the primitive root H7291, this verb signifies an active, aggressive pursuit, to run after, or to persecute, often with hostile intent. In the context of [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - The Pursuit of Enemies"), it implies not merely a defensive stand or repelling of an attack, but a proactive engagement where Israel would press their advantage, driving the enemy before them. This word evokes a sense of relentless pursuit, ensuring the enemy's complete rout rather than a mere retreat.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From the active participle H341, this noun denotes one who is hating or an adversary. In the military context of this verse, it refers to the hostile nations and peoples who would oppose Israel's existence, settlement, and covenant faithfulness. The promise is that these adversaries, regardless of their perceived strength, would be overcome by God's empowering presence with Israel.
* **Fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From the primitive root H5307, this verb means to fall, drop, or collapse. In a military context, "to fall before you" (נָפְלוּ לִפְנֵיכֶם) is an idiomatic expression for being utterly defeated, killed, or subdued. It denotes a decisive and comprehensive defeat where the enemy is rendered powerless and overcome, often implying a rout, slaughter, or surrender. The addition of "by the sword" specifies the means of their demise, emphasizing the finality and totality of their defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall chase your enemies,"**: This initial clause promises that the Israelites, divinely empowered and emboldened, would not merely withstand their foes but would actively pursue them. It depicts a scenario where Israel holds the strategic initiative, turning the tide of battle from defense to decisive offense. The implication is that their enemies would be in flight, and Israel would be given the strength, courage, and opportunity to press their advantage, ensuring a complete rout rather than a mere withdrawal.
* **"and they shall fall before you by the sword."**: This second phrase describes the decisive and devastating outcome of the pursuit. The enemies, fleeing in disarray before the advancing Israelites, would be utterly defeated and killed in battle. "Falling before you" signifies their complete subjugation, collapse, and demise, indicating a comprehensive victory where the adversaries are rendered powerless. The specification "by the sword" highlights the violent and final nature of the victory God would grant, emphasizing the physical destruction of the opposing forces.

#### Literary Devices
[Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - A Promise of Victory") primarily employs vivid **Imagery** to paint a dynamic and compelling picture of military triumph. The actions of "chasing" and "falling by the sword" create a powerful visual sequence of pursuit, rout, and decisive defeat, allowing the audience to viscerally grasp the overwhelming victory promised by God. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** or extreme promise, particularly when considering the later, amplified promises within the same chapter (e.g., [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Five Chase a Hundred")), which further magnify the extent of God's miraculous power in battle. This serves to impress upon the Israelites the extraordinary magnitude of the blessings available through unwavering obedience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear **Conditional Blessing**, implicitly relying on the overarching "if" clause established in [Leviticus 26:3](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3 - The Condition of Obedience"), making the fulfillment of this potent promise entirely contingent upon Israel's faithfulness to the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - God as Divine Warrior") powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth that God is the ultimate source of Israel's strength, security, and military success. It profoundly underscores the concept of divine warrior theology, where Yahweh actively fights for His people, granting them victory against seemingly insurmountable odds. This promise is not about Israel's inherent military might, strategic genius, or numerical superiority, but rather about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His empowering, active presence. It teaches that true victory, whether in physical battles or spiritual struggles, stems from aligning oneself with God's will and trusting implicitly in His sovereign power. The conditional nature of this blessing also highlights the critical importance of obedience as an indispensable prerequisite for experiencing God's full favor, protection, and the manifestation of His power.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Blessings of Victory Over Enemies")
* [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "Joshua 23:10 - One Man Chases a Thousand")
* [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalms/44-6-7 "Psalm 44:6-7 - Salvation Not by Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not called to engage in literal physical warfare for a land, the timeless spiritual principles embedded in [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - Spiritual Victory Through Obedience") remain profoundly relevant and applicable. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is our ultimate defender, enabler, and source of victory in the spiritual battles we inevitably face. Just as ancient Israel relied on God for triumph against physical enemies, Christians are called to rely completely on God for strength and victory over our spiritual adversaries—the world's allure, the weaknesses of the flesh, and the deceptive schemes of the devil. Our contemporary "chasing" of enemies might manifest as diligently pursuing righteousness, actively resisting temptation, courageously confronting injustice, and engaging wholeheartedly in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study. Our "enemies falling by the sword" represents the decisive defeat of sin's pervasive power in our lives, the breaking of spiritual strongholds, and the triumph of God's kingdom through our unwavering obedience and faith. This verse encourages a proactive, Spirit-empowered stance against evil, reminding us that our ultimate victory is assured not by our own limited might, but by the indwelling, limitless power of God when we walk in faithful obedience to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel you are facing "enemies" or significant spiritual challenges that seem overwhelming?**
* **How does the promise of God empowering you to "chase" and see your "enemies fall" apply to your spiritual battles against sin, temptation, or discouragement today?**
* **What specific acts of obedience, repentance, or faithfulness might be necessary for you to experience God's empowering presence and victory more fully in your current struggles?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God will always grant physical military victory to nations that claim to follow Him in the modern era?**

Answer: No, not necessarily in a simplistic or universal sense for all nations today. The promise in [Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - Specific Covenant Promise") was part of a specific, conditional covenant made uniquely with ancient Israel. Israel was a unique theocratic nation whose national prosperity, security, and military success were directly and expressly tied to their corporate obedience to God's Mosaic Law. While God is sovereign over all nations and can grant victory or defeat as He wills, the direct, conditional promises of military triumph found in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Israel") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Blessings and Curses") were uniquely given to Israel under the Old Covenant. For New Testament believers, the focus shifts from physical land and military conquest to spiritual warfare and the advancement of God's kingdom through peaceful means, as taught by Jesus in passages like [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers") and His instruction to Peter in [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword"). The principles of divine empowerment and victory are now applied to spiritual battles against sin and evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Leviticus 26:7](/leviticus/26-7 "Leviticus 26:7 - Promise of Victory Fulfilled in Christ"), with its powerful promise of divine empowerment for victory over enemies, finds its ultimate and profound spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise was for physical triumph in battle for a covenant nation, Christ's coming inaugurated a new covenant where the true "enemies" are spiritual: sin, death, and the devil. Jesus, the true Israel and the perfectly obedient Son, perfectly fulfilled all covenant requirements, and through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, He decisively "chased" and caused these ultimate spiritual enemies to "fall." His victory on the cross disarmed the powers and authorities of darkness, triumphing over them publicly (as powerfully declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")). For believers, union with Christ means a profound participation in His already accomplished victory. We are no longer enslaved to sin's dominion ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Freed from Sin's Dominion")), and through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to overcome daily temptations and the schemes of the evil one ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God")). The ancient promise of God fighting for His people is now realized in the spiritual strength and triumph granted to those who walk in obedience to Christ, leading to a life of victory over the spiritual forces that once held humanity captive, culminating in the ultimate and final defeat of death itself at Christ's glorious return ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy")).

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.