Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'punish you seven times more' mean in Leviticus 26:18?
A: The phrase 'seven times more' is understood by Rashi and other commentators as a measure of increased severity in divine punishment if the Jewish people continue to disobey Hashem's commandments. The number seven symbolizes completeness in Jewish tradition, meaning the punishment will be thorough and intensified.
Q: Why does the Torah mention escalating punishments in Leviticus 26:18?
A: The Torah outlines a series of escalating consequences (called 'tochachah') to encourage repentance. Rambam explains in Hilchot Teshuvah that these warnings are acts of divine mercy—giving people opportunities to recognize their mistakes and return to Hashem before suffering greater consequences.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:18 apply to us today?
A: The verse teaches that actions have consequences, and ignoring mitzvot leads to spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that suffering can serve as a wake-up call for teshuvah (repentance). Today, we must view challenges as opportunities to examine our deeds and strengthen our connection to Torah.
Q: What is the significance of the number seven in this verse?
A: In Jewish thought, seven represents completion (like the seven days of creation). Here, it signifies that the punishment will be comprehensive—addressing all aspects of wrongdoing. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) also connects it to the seven Noahide laws or the seven heavens, emphasizing the seriousness of straying from Torah.
Q: Does this verse mean G-d wants to punish us?
A: No—the Talmud (Berachot 5a) compares divine punishment to a parent disciplining a child out of love. Rashi explains that the punishments in this parsha are corrective, not vengeful. Their purpose is to guide us back to righteousness, as Hashem desires our ultimate good and connection to Him.
Context in the Torah
This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 26:18, within the Tochacha (the Admonition), a section detailing the consequences of failing to observe Hashem's commandments. The verse follows a series of escalating warnings, emphasizing the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure) in divine retribution.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi interprets "sheva al chatoteichem" (seven times for your sins) as an intensification of punishment, not necessarily a literal sevenfold increase. He explains that if the Jewish people persist in disobedience despite earlier chastisements, Hashem will increase the severity of their suffering proportionally to their continued defiance.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Ta'anit (Laws of Fasting), the Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that suffering is a divine mechanism to awaken repentance. Here, the "seven times" signifies a compounding of hardships meant to redirect Bnei Yisrael toward teshuvah (repentance). The number seven symbolizes completeness—implying that the chastisement will be thorough until the desired spiritual awakening occurs.
Midrashic Insight
The Sifra (Torat Kohanim) links this verse to the concept of yissurim shel ahava (chastisements of love), wherein suffering serves as a corrective measure from a compassionate Creator. The doubling of punishment ("seven times") reflects Hashem's desire for closeness, even when discipline is necessary.
Kabbalistic Dimension
The Zohar associates "seven" with the middot (divine attributes) of gevurah (judgment). Here, the intensified punishment aligns with the structured balance of divine justice, ensuring that consequences are measured yet purposeful in guiding the soul toward rectification (tikkun).
Practical Lesson