Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 26:38 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:38 warns of the consequences of not following Hashem's commandments. Rashi explains that this verse refers to the Jewish people being exiled among the nations and suffering as a result of their sins. The phrase 'the land of your enemies shall eat you up' symbolizes the hardships and assimilation that would occur in exile.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Leviticus, which outlines the consequences of abandoning Torah observance. The Rambam teaches that these warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping mitzvot and maintaining our covenant with Hashem. It emphasizes that our connection to the Land of Israel depends on our spiritual commitment.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 17b) explains that exile and suffering come as a result of straying from Torah values. Today, this verse reminds us of the importance of strengthening our Jewish identity, observing mitzvot, and avoiding assimilation, even when living in diaspora communities. It also encourages us to pray for the final redemption.
Q: What does 'the land of your enemies shall eat you up' mean?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) interprets this as meaning that Jews in exile would suffer materially and spiritually in foreign lands. The land 'eating' them refers to the difficulties of living under oppressive regimes and the challenges of maintaining Jewish observance outside of Israel. Rashi adds that it also implies dying without proper burial rites.
Q: Is there hope after this warning in Leviticus 26:38?
A: Yes, the very next verses (39-42) speak of repentance and redemption. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) teaches that no matter how far we stray, teshuva (repentance) is always possible. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 7:5) explains that these warnings ultimately come from Hashem's love, to guide us back to the right path.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 26:38) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. Rashi explains that this is part of the consequences for abandoning the covenant with Hashem, where exile and suffering among the nations are foretold.
Literal Interpretation (Peshat)
The phrase "וַאֲבַדְתֶּם בַּגּוֹיִם" ("you shall perish among the heathen") refers to the physical and spiritual dissolution of the Jewish people in exile. The Ramban (Nachmanides) emphasizes that this is not merely physical death but a loss of identity and cohesion among foreign nations.
Midrashic Explanation (Derash)
The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) interprets "וְאָכְלָה אֶתְכֶם אֶרֶץ אֹיְבֵיכֶם" ("the land of your enemies shall eat you up") metaphorically: just as the land of Israel "spits out" those who defile it (Vayikra 18:28), the lands of the enemies will metaphorically "consume" the Jewish people through assimilation and persecution.
Halachic and Philosophical Insights
Kabbalistic Perspective (Sod)
The Zohar (Part 3, 112a) interprets this verse as a disruption in the divine flow of blessing when the Jewish people are exiled, causing spiritual desolation in both the people and the land they inhabit.