Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will 'walk contrary' to us?
A: The phrase 'walk contrary' (הָלַכְתִּי בְּקֶרִי) means that if the Jewish people abandon Torah and mitzvot, Hashem will respond in a hidden, seemingly harsh manner (Rashi on Leviticus 26:24). It refers to a withdrawal of Divine protection, making life difficult as a consequence of our actions.
Q: Why does the verse say 'seven times' for punishment?
A: The 'seven times' refers to a complete measure of punishment corresponding to the severity of the sins (Ramban on Leviticus 26:24). In Jewish thought, seven represents completeness, indicating that the consequences will fully match the wrongdoing unless repentance occurs.
Q: What is the main lesson of this verse?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people is reciprocal. When we distance ourselves from Torah, He responds measure for measure (Midrash Tanchuma). However, the ultimate purpose is to inspire teshuvah (repentance) and return to proper observance.
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that challenges we face may be wake-up calls to examine our actions (Talmud Berachot 5a). Rather than seeing difficulties as random, Orthodox Judaism teaches they can be opportunities for spiritual growth and returning to Torah observance.
Q: Does this mean Hashem wants to punish us?
A: No - the Torah emphasizes that Hashem desires our good (Devarim 10:13). As Rambam explains (Hilchos Taanios 1:3), these consequences come from love - like a parent disciplining a child - to guide us back to the right path when we stray.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 26:24) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke) section of Parashat Bechukotai, where Hashem warns of consequences if Bnei Yisrael stray from His commandments. The phrase "וְהָלַכְתִּי אַף־אֲנִי עִמָּכֶם בְּקֶרִי" ("then will I also walk contrary to you") reflects a measure-for-measure response to Israel's disobedience.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi interprets "בְּקֶרִי" as meaning "with casualness" or "with happenstance," suggesting that Hashem will respond to Israel's indifference with a corresponding withdrawal of Divine Providence. He explains that when Bnei Yisrael treat mitzvot with neglect (keri), Hashem, in turn, will relate to them in a seemingly arbitrary manner, leading to suffering.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Ta'anit (1:1-3), Rambam teaches that suffering is meant to awaken repentance. The phrase "וְהִכֵּיתִי אֶתְכֶם גַּם־אָנִי שֶׁבַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם" ("and will punish you yet seven times for your sins") indicates an intensification of chastisement to prompt teshuva. The number seven symbolizes completeness, implying that the punishment will be thorough until they return.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 26:14) links this verse to the concept of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure). Just as Bnei Yisrael acted with keri (disregard), Hashem responds in kind—but with the ultimate goal of redemption. The "seven times" alludes to the seven exiles Israel would endure, each serving as a refining process.
Kabbalistic Interpretation
The Zohar (III 112a) associates "שֶׁבַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם" with the seven lower Sefirot, suggesting that sin disrupts the Divine flow, and punishment realigns the spiritual order. The suffering is not punitive but corrective, restoring harmony between Klal Yisrael and Hashem.
Practical Lesson