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Leviticus 26:28 - Divine wrath for disobedience.

Leviticus 26:28 - ויקרא 26:28

Hebrew Text

וְהָלַכְתִּי עִמָּכֶם בַּחֲמַת־קֶרִי וְיִסַּרְתִּי אֶתְכֶם אַף־אָנִי שֶׁבַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

then I will walk contrary to you also in fury; and will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Transliteration

Vehalakhti imakhem bachamat keri veyisarti etkhem af ani sheva al chattoteikhem

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָלַכְתִּ֥י עִמָּכֶ֖ם בַּחֲמַת־קֶ֑רִי וְיִסַּרְתִּ֤י אֶתְכֶם֙ אַף־אָ֔נִי שֶׁ֖בַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶֽם׃
וְהָלַכְתִּ֥י עִמָּכֶ֖ם בַּחֲמַת־קֶ֑רִי וְיִסַּרְתִּ֤י אֶתְכֶם֙ אַף־אָ֔נִי שֶׁ֖בַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 26:28) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section detailing the consequences of failing to observe Hashem's commandments. It follows a progression of warnings, escalating in severity if the Jewish people persist in disobedience.

Meaning of "Walking Contrary" (וְהָלַכְתִּי עִמָּכֶם בַּחֲמַת־קֶרִי)

Rashi explains that בַּחֲמַת־קֶרִי ("in fury of opposition") means Hashem will respond to Israel's rebelliousness (keri, implying casual or willful neglect of mitzvot) with corresponding severity. The Sforno adds that this reflects measure-for-measure justice—just as the people acted with indifference, so too will divine providence appear harsh and unrelenting.

Sevenfold Chastisement (וְיִסַּרְתִּי אֶתְכֶם... שֶׁבַע עַל־חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם)

The Ramban interprets "seven times" not as a literal count but as an expression of completeness—punishment matching the full measure of their sins. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) connects this to the concept of yissurim (suffering) as purification, where hardships atone for transgressions and ultimately restore the covenant.

Midrashic Perspective

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 5) emphasizes that even in anger, Hashem's discipline is purposeful—like a parent who reluctantly punishes a child to correct their path.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes that the word וְיִסַּרְתִּי ("I will chastise") shares a root with musar (ethical instruction), implying the suffering is ultimately for moral refinement.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) derives from such verses that hardships should prompt introspection and teshuvah (repentance). The "seven times" punishment serves as a warning to awaken the people to return to Torah observance before consequences intensify.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I will walk contrary to you in fury' mean in Leviticus 26:28?
A: According to Rashi, this phrase means that if the Jewish people continue to sin despite previous warnings, Hashem will respond with strict judgment ('fury') and withdraw His protection, allowing hardships to come upon them as a consequence of their actions.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'chastise you seven times for your sins'?
A: The number seven symbolizes completeness in Jewish tradition (as seen in creation, Shabbat, etc.). Here, it means that the punishment will be thorough and proportional to the sins. The Rambam explains that this reflects the principle of 'measure for measure'—just as the people repeatedly ignored Hashem’s commandments, the consequences will be intensified.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 26:28?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem gives warnings before punishment, emphasizing repentance (teshuvah). The Talmud (Yoma 86a) states that even when punishment comes, its purpose is to inspire people to return to Hashem. The 'seven times' shows that consequences are corrective, not vengeful.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that hardships in life can serve as reminders to examine our actions and strengthen our relationship with Hashem. Just as the verse warns of consequences for straying, it also implies that sincere repentance can bring forgiveness and renewed closeness to Hashem, as highlighted in the teachings of the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1).