Leviticus 26:8

KJV

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And five {H2568} of you shall chase {H7291} an hundred {H3967}, and an hundred {H3967} of you shall put ten thousand {H7233} to flight {H7291}: and your enemies {H341} shall fall {H5307} before {H6440} you by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand -your enemies will fall before your sword.

Berean Standard Bible

Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.

American Standard Version

And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 26:8 presents a remarkable promise of overwhelming divine assistance and supernatural victory for the Israelites, contingent upon their faithfulness to God's covenant. This verse assures them that a small number of their warriors, empowered by God, will be able to rout and decisively defeat a vastly superior enemy force, underscoring that their success in battle would stem not from their own might or numbers, but from the omnipotent power of God fighting on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 26 serves as the climactic conclusion to the legal and ceremonial instructions given in the preceding chapters, functioning as a solemn covenant summary between Yahweh and Israel. It meticulously outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, forming a comprehensive covenantal oath. Verse 8 is nestled within the section detailing the blessings promised for covenant fidelity, specifically from [Leviticus 26:3](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3 - Walking in God's Statutes") to [Leviticus 26:13](/leviticus/26-13 "Leviticus 26:13 - God's Deliverance and Presence"). These blessings range from agricultural prosperity and peace in the land to divine protection and overwhelming military success against their adversaries. The hyperbolic numerical ratios in verse 8 emphasize the supernatural nature of God's intervention, making it clear that such victories are beyond human capability and are a direct result of God's active presence and power among His obedient people. This promise sets the stage for the nation's future, reminding them that their destiny in the Promised Land is inextricably linked to their relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, shortly after their exodus from Egypt and prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This period was critical for the nascent nation, as they were transitioning from a nomadic existence to becoming a settled people in a land already inhabited by numerous formidable pagan nations, such as the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites. These groups were often militarily superior and engaged in practices anathema to God's covenant. The promise in [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle") would have been profoundly encouraging and foundational for a people facing such daunting prospects. It instilled courage and faith, assuring them that their success would not depend on their own limited military strength or numbers, but on the omnipotence of God, who promised to fight for them. This principle is echoed throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - God's Promise to Scatter Enemies"), where God assures Israel that He will cause their enemies to be smitten before them, reinforcing the idea that divine intervention, not human might, would secure their inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") is saturated with the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and its Consequences**. The chapter meticulously details the direct correlation between Israel's obedience to God's commands and the blessings they would receive, contrasting it sharply with the curses for disobedience. Verse 8 specifically highlights the theme of **Divine Empowerment and Supernatural Victory**, demonstrating that God's presence among His people transcends human limitations. It underscores that military success is not a matter of numerical superiority or strategic prowess, but a direct result of God fighting on behalf of His obedient covenant partners. This promise also contributes to the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty and Providence**, affirming His ultimate control over the destiny of nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises when His people walk in His ways, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chase (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** The Hebrew verb רָדַף (H7291) signifies "to run after," "to pursue," or "to follow after," often with hostile intent. In a military context, as in [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle"), it denotes a vigorous and relentless pursuit of a fleeing enemy, implying not merely repelling them but actively driving them away in a rout, leading to complete destruction or capture. The repetition of this verb for both "chase" and "put to flight" emphasizes the active, aggressive, and decisive nature of the Israelite victory, empowered by God, where the smaller force becomes the relentless pursuer of a much larger, defeated foe.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** The Hebrew noun אוֹיֵב (H341) refers to "an adversary" or "foe," derived from a root meaning "to hate." In this context, it designates the hostile nations and forces that would oppose Israel's settlement and peace in the Promised Land. The promise that these "enemies" would "fall before you" underscores God's commitment to neutralizing all opposition to His covenant people, ensuring their security and dominance over those who sought to harm them.
* **Fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** The Hebrew root נָפַל (H5307) means "to fall" and is used in a great variety of applications, including literal falling, collapsing, perishing, or being overthrown. In the military context of [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle"), "shall fall before you" vividly portrays the complete military collapse and defeat of the adversaries. It signifies not just a retreat, but a decisive rout resulting in significant casualties, ensuring the security and dominance of the obedient Israelites. This "falling" is a direct consequence of God's active intervention on behalf of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And five of you shall chase an hundred":** This clause immediately establishes the principle of disproportionate victory. By human standards, a mere five Israelites would be utterly overwhelmed by one hundred enemies. However, under God's empowerment, these five will not only stand their ground but actively pursue and rout the larger force, demonstrating a supernatural reversal of military odds. This sets the tone for the extraordinary nature of the divine blessing.
* **"and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight":** Building on the previous statement, this clause amplifies the hyperbole, presenting an even more staggering ratio of 1:100. One hundred Israelite warriors, divinely assisted, will cause ten thousand enemies to flee in disarray. This reiterates the theme that God's power multiplies human effort exponentially, rendering numerical superiority of the enemy irrelevant and highlighting the absolute efficacy of divine intervention.
* **"and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword":** This concluding phrase describes the inevitable and decisive outcome of the divine assistance. The pursuit and rout will culminate in the complete defeat and destruction of the enemies. "Fall before you by the sword" signifies not just a retreat, but a total military collapse, with many casualties, ensuring the security, peace, and dominance of the obedient Israelites in the land God promised them.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle") is **Hyperbole**. The numerical ratios presented (5 chasing 100, and 100 putting 10,000 to flight) are clearly exaggerated for emphasis, far exceeding any realistic human military capability. This exaggeration serves to highlight the extraordinary and supernatural nature of God's promised intervention, assuring the Israelites that their victories would be divinely orchestrated and not dependent on their own strength or numbers. The verse also employs **Parallelism** through the repetition of the "X of you shall do Y to Z" structure, reinforcing the consistent theme of God granting overwhelming power. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of "chase," "put to flight," and "fall... by the sword" creates a strong sense of **Visual Imagery**, allowing the audience to picture the panicked retreat of the enemies and the triumphant pursuit and decisive victory of the Israelites. This combination of devices powerfully conveys the absolute certainty and magnitude of God's promised blessing for covenantal obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 26:8 profoundly articulates the theological truth that God is the ultimate source of victory and protection for His people. It underscores the principle of divine empowerment, where human weakness is transcended by God's omnipotence, demonstrating that the outcome of battles, both physical and spiritual, is ultimately determined by God's will and His active presence. This verse also reinforces the covenantal framework, linking tangible blessings directly to faithful obedience, thereby emphasizing the importance of walking in alignment with God's commands as the prerequisite for experiencing His supernatural favor and protection. It teaches that God's faithfulness to His promises is unwavering when His people uphold their end of the covenant, establishing a foundational truth about His character as a covenant-keeping God who actively intervenes on behalf of those who trust and obey Him.

* [Deuteronomy 32:30](/deuteronomy/32-30 "God as the Source of Victory"): "How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?"
* [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "One Chasing a Thousand"): "One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you."
* [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalms/44-6-7 "Trusting God for Victory"): "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, Leviticus 26:8 transcends its historical military context to offer profound spiritual encouragement and practical guidance. While we no longer engage in literal battles for land, we face a myriad of spiritual adversaries, personal struggles, and overwhelming life circumstances that can feel insurmountable. This verse powerfully reminds us that our strength is not in our own limited resources, intellect, or capabilities, but in the boundless power of God. When we walk in obedience and faithfulness to His Word, we can trust that God will fight our battles, enabling us to overcome seemingly impossible odds in our spiritual warfare against temptation, sin, and the forces of darkness. It calls us to abandon self-reliance and embrace a radical dependence on divine empowerment, knowing that with God, a small, faithful remnant can achieve disproportionate victories, transforming our fears into faith and our weaknesses into platforms for God's glory. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we relying on our own strength or truly trusting in God's ability to bring about victory in our challenges?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed or outnumbered, and how can the promise of [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle") encourage you to trust in God's supernatural power?**
* **How does your daily walk of obedience to God's commands relate to experiencing His empowering presence in your spiritual battles?**
* **What "enemies" (spiritual, emotional, circumstantial) are you facing, and how can you actively surrender them to God, trusting Him to "put them to flight"?**

### FAQ
**Does the promise in Leviticus 26:8 apply literally to Christians today, implying physical military victories?**

Answer: While the original context of [Leviticus 26:8](/leviticus/26-8 "Leviticus 26:8 - Divine Victory in Battle") was a literal promise of military victory for ancient Israel in the Promised Land, its application to Christians today is primarily spiritual. Believers are not called to engage in physical warfare for territory, but rather in spiritual warfare against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The principle of divine empowerment, where God enables a few to overcome many, remains profoundly relevant. It assures us that when we are faithful to God, He grants us supernatural strength to overcome spiritual temptations, societal pressures, and personal struggles that would otherwise overwhelm us. Our victory is not by human might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")), making us "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 26:8, with its promise of overwhelming victory through divine empowerment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise was a shadow of physical conquest, Christ embodies the true and eternal victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. He is the ultimate "one" who chased "thousands" of spiritual adversaries, not through physical might, but through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. The disproportionate victory promised in Leviticus foreshadows Christ's triumph on the cross, where, seemingly weak and alone, He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). For believers, this victory is appropriated through faith in Him. We are enabled to be "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")) not by our own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, allowing us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God")). Thus, the promise of divine assistance to overcome overwhelming odds is fully realized in the spiritual victory granted to those who are "in Christ," whose triumph is our triumph, and whose power enables us to live victoriously in a fallen world ([1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Victory Over the World")).

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

Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.

Deuteronomy 28:7

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Judges 7:19

So Gideon, and the hundred men that [were] with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that [were] in their hands.

Judges 7:21

And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

1 Chronicles 11:20

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew [them], and had a name among the three.

Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.