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Leviticus 20:22 - Divine laws ensure land's embrace

Leviticus 20:22 - ויקרא 20:22

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־כָּל־חֻקֹּתַי וְאֶת־כָּל־מִשְׁפָּטַי וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם וְלֹא־תָקִיא אֶתְכֶם הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם שָׁמָּה לָשֶׁבֶת בָּהּ׃

English Translation

You shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, into which I bring you to dwell, vomit you not out.

Transliteration

Ushmartem et kol chukotai ve'et kol mishpatai va'asitem otam velo taki etchem ha'aretz asher ani mevi etchem shamah lashevet bah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֶת־כׇּל־חֻקֹּתַי֙ וְאֶת־כׇּל־מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹא־תָקִ֤יא אֶתְכֶם֙ הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֜י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְכֶ֛ם שָׁ֖מָּה לָשֶׁ֥בֶת בָּֽהּ׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֶת־כׇּל־חֻקֹּתַי֙ וְאֶת־כׇּל־מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹא־תָקִ֤יא אֶתְכֶם֙ הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֜י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְכֶ֛ם שָׁ֖מָּה לָשֶׁ֥בֶת בָּֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 20:22) emphasizes the importance of observing all of Hashem's chukim (statutes) and mishpatim (judgments) upon entering Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this warning is directed at avoiding the sins that caused the previous inhabitants to be expelled from the land. The land itself has a spiritual sensitivity to sin, and if Bnei Yisrael transgress, they too will be "vomited out" like the nations before them.

The Distinction Between Chukim and Mishpatim

Rambam (Hilchos Meilah 8:8) differentiates between chukim and mishpatim:

  • Chukim – Divine decrees without apparent rational explanation (e.g., kashrut, sha'atnez). Their observance demonstrates pure obedience to Hashem's will.
  • Mishpatim – Laws with discernible ethical or logical reasoning (e.g., prohibitions against theft or murder).

The Sforno adds that both categories are equally binding, and neglecting either undermines the covenant with Hashem.

The Land's Reaction to Sin

The metaphor of the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants is discussed in the Talmud (Yoma 39b), which states that Eretz Yisrael cannot tolerate severe immorality. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 23:9) compares this to a nobleman who cannot bear foul odors—similarly, the land rejects spiritual impurity. The Ramban explains that this is a unique characteristic of Eretz Yisrael, as it is the dwelling place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).

Practical Implications

The Kli Yakar highlights that the verse stresses action ("va'asisem osam—and do them")—mere intellectual acknowledgment of mitzvos is insufficient. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 262) further teaches that observance of mitzvos ensures the Jewish people's physical and spiritual survival in the land. This principle remains relevant today, as the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael is intrinsically linked to Torah observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 9b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the consequences of not observing the commandments, linking it to the destruction of the Temple and exile from the land.
📖 Ketubot 110b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of living in the Land of Israel and the spiritual consequences of neglecting the commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:22 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:22 teaches that the Jewish people must observe all of Hashem's commandments (חוקים ומשפטים) to merit living securely in the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that failure to keep the mitzvot could lead to exile from the land, just as the previous inhabitants were expelled for their sins.
Q: Why is the land described as 'vomiting' people out?
A: The metaphor of the land 'vomiting' its inhabitants (based on Rashi and Ibn Ezra) emphasizes how severely the land rejects immoral behavior. Just as the body rejects harmful substances, the Holy Land cannot tolerate serious violations of Torah law. This teaches how spiritually sensitive the Land of Israel is.
Q: What is the difference between 'statutes' (chukim) and 'judgments' (mishpatim) in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains that 'chukim' are mitzvot whose reasons aren't obvious (like kashrut), while 'mishpatim' are logical laws (like prohibitions against theft). Both categories are equally binding, showing we serve Hashem through obedience even when we don't understand the reasons.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Sages teach that exile resulted from failing to observe Torah properly (Talmud Yoma 9b). Today, we must strengthen our mitzvah observance to help bring final redemption. The verse reminds us that our bond with Israel depends on our spiritual commitment, not just physical presence.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 20:22?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) derives that observing mitzvot protects our right to live in Israel. This teaches that national Jewish identity is inseparable from Torah observance. Every mitzvah we do strengthens our connection to the land and helps secure our future there.