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Leviticus 26:17 - Divine rebuke for disobedience.

Leviticus 26:17 - ויקרא 26:17

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתִּי פָנַי בָּכֶם וְנִגַּפְתֶּם לִפְנֵי אֹיְבֵיכֶם וְרָדוּ בָכֶם שֹׂנְאֵיכֶם וְנַסְתֶּם וְאֵין־רֹדֵף אֶתְכֶם׃

English Translation

And I will set my face against you, and you shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and you shall flee when none pursues you.

Transliteration

Venatati panay bachem venigaftem lifnei oyveichem veradu vachem soneichem venastem ve'ein-rodef etchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתִּ֤י פָנַי֙ בָּכֶ֔ם וְנִגַּפְתֶּ֖ם לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם וְרָד֤וּ בָכֶם֙ שֹֽׂנְאֵיכֶ֔ם וְנַסְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵין־רֹדֵ֥ף אֶתְכֶֽם׃
וְנָתַתִּ֤י פָנַי֙ בָּכֶ֔ם וְנִגַּפְתֶּ֖ם לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם וְרָד֤וּ בָכֶם֙ שֹֽׂנְאֵיכֶ֔ם וְנַסְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵין־רֹדֵ֥ף אֶתְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Vayikra 26:17) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvot. The Torah outlines the consequences of abandoning the covenant, emphasizing that Hashem's "setting His face against" the Jewish people signifies a withdrawal of divine protection.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "וְנָתַתִּי פָנַי בָּכֶם" ("I will set My face against you") as an expression of divine anger, meaning Hashem will no longer "turn a blind eye" to their sins. The phrase "וְנִגַּפְתֶּם לִפְנֵי אֹיְבֵיכֶם" ("you shall be slain before your enemies") indicates that even in battle, the Jewish people will lack strength and suffer defeat due to their spiritual failings.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ta'anit (Laws of Fasting), the Rambam explains that such calamities serve as a wake-up call for teshuvah (repentance). The phrase "וְנַסְתֶּם וְאֵין־רֹדֵף אֶתְכֶם" ("you shall flee when none pursues you") reflects a state of irrational fear—a psychological consequence of straying from Torah, where even imagined threats cause panic.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifra) links this verse to the curses in Devarim 28:25, emphasizing that defeat and subjugation by enemies are direct results of abandoning the covenant. The phrase "וְרָדוּ בָכֶם שֹׂנְאֵיכֶם" ("they that hate you shall reign over you") is seen as a reversal of the Jewish people's destined role as a "kingdom of priests" (Shemot 19:6).

Spiritual Implications

  • Divine Withdrawal: Hashem's "face" represents His providence; its removal leaves the Jewish people vulnerable.
  • Loss of Confidence: Fleeing without a pursuer symbolizes the erosion of inner peace and faith.
  • Historical Fulfillment: Commentators connect these warnings to events like the destruction of the Temples and exiles, where enemies prevailed due to spiritual decline.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 49a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the consequences of abandoning the study of Torah and mitzvot, illustrating the dire outcomes that befall the Jewish people when they turn away from God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem will 'set His face against you' in Leviticus 26:17?
A: When the verse says Hashem will 'set His face against you,' it means He will withdraw His protection and blessings, allowing hardships to occur as a consequence for not following the Torah. Rashi explains this as a removal of divine favor, leading to vulnerability before enemies.
Q: Why does the verse say 'you shall flee when none pursues you'?
A: This phrase describes a state of panic and insecurity, where even without real danger, people will feel terrified and run away. The Rambam teaches that this is one of the curses resulting from abandoning Torah values—a loss of inner peace and confidence.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:17 apply to us today?
A: The verse reminds us that closeness to Hashem brings protection, while straying from Torah can lead to fear and instability. The Talmud (Sotah 49a) discusses how moral decline weakens society, showing that these principles remain relevant in all generations.
Q: What is the significance of enemies 'reigning over you' in this verse?
A: This warns of loss of independence and subjugation to hostile forces when the Jewish people disregard the covenant. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this to historical exiles, emphasizing that spiritual actions directly impact national security.