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Leviticus 25:18 - Commandments ensure secure dwelling?

Leviticus 25:18 - ויקרא 25:18

Hebrew Text

וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֶת־חֻקֹּתַי וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַי תִּשְׁמְרוּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם וִישַׁבְתֶּם עַל־הָאָרֶץ לָבֶטַח׃

English Translation

And you shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety.

Transliteration

Va'asitem et-chukotai ve'et-mishpatai tishmeru va'asitem otam veyishavtem al-ha'aretz lavetach

Hebrew Leining Text

וַעֲשִׂיתֶם֙ אֶת־חֻקֹּתַ֔י וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם אֹתָ֑ם וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֥ם עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ לָבֶֽטַח׃
וַעֲשִׂיתֶם֙ אֶת־חֻקֹּתַ֔י וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם אֹתָ֑ם וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֥ם עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ לָבֶֽטַח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 25:18) appears in the context of the laws of Shemitah (the Sabbatical year), emphasizing the connection between observing mitzvot and dwelling securely in Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this verse serves as a guarantee: if Bnei Yisrael keep the mitzvot, they will merit to live securely in the land without fear of exile.

Key Terms: Chukim and Mishpatim

The verse mentions two categories of mitzvot:

  • Chukim (חֻקֹּתַי): These are statutes whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as kashrut or sha'atnez. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:26) teaches that fulfilling chukim demonstrates our complete submission to Hashem's will, even without understanding.
  • Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטַי): These are logical laws, such as prohibitions against theft or murder, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command. The Sforno notes that mishpatim maintain societal order.

The Promise of Security in the Land

The concluding phrase "וִישַׁבְתֶּם עַל־הָאָרֶץ לָבֶטַח" ("you shall dwell in the land in safety") is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as a twofold promise:

  • Physical security: Protection from enemies and natural disasters.
  • Spiritual security: The ability to observe Torah without persecution or distraction.

Practical Implications

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 26a) derives from this verse that proper observance of mitzvot ensures Jewish sovereignty in Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:4) adds that this security is conditional - when mitzvot are neglected, the land "spits out" its inhabitants (Vayikra 18:28).

Contemporary Application

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this verse teaches that true national security comes not through military might alone, but through fidelity to Torah. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) emphasizes that "וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם" ("and do them") implies performing mitzvot with enthusiasm and completeness, not mere technical compliance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 39a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for fulfilling commandments and the concept of dwelling securely in the land as a result of observing God's statutes and judgments.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
Referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing commandments and the assurance of dwelling safely in the land as a divine promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:18 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:18 teaches that by observing Hashem's statutes (chukim) and judgments (mishpatim), the Jewish people will merit to dwell securely in the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this refers specifically to the agricultural laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) mentioned in this chapter, showing that our material security depends on spiritual obedience.
Q: Why is keeping mitzvot connected to living safely in Israel?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 8:1) explains this as a fundamental principle: When the Jewish people fulfill Torah properly, Hashem removes all obstacles to our peaceful dwelling in the land. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) adds that the land itself responds to mitzvah observance, yielding its bounty when we follow divine laws.
Q: What are 'chukim' and 'mishpatim' mentioned in this verse?
A: Chukim (statutes) are mitzvot whose reasons aren't obvious to human understanding (like kashrut), while mishpatim (judgments) are logical laws like civil justice (Rashi on Leviticus 18:4). The Talmud (Yoma 67b) teaches that both categories are equally important divine commandments, though we may understand them differently.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Sforno explains this verse applies in all times: Observance of mitzvot brings divine protection whether in Israel or diaspora. The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that even outside Israel, keeping Torah creates spiritual 'security' in our communities. Many see modern Israeli agriculture's success as connected to renewed Shemitah observance.
Q: What's the significance of the word 'v'yishavtem' (you shall dwell) in this verse?
A: The Kli Yakar notes this implies settled, permanent dwelling - not temporary residence. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) derives from here that living in Israel is itself a mitzvah. The word 'lavetach' (in safety) teaches that true security comes not from military strength alone, but through Torah observance (Malbim).