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Leviticus 26:31 - Exile's devastating spiritual consequences?

Leviticus 26:31 - ויקרא 26:31

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־עָרֵיכֶם חָרְבָּה וַהֲשִׁמּוֹתִי אֶת־מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶם וְלֹא אָרִיחַ בְּרֵיחַ נִיחֹחֲכֶם׃

English Translation

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

Transliteration

Venatati et-areichem chareva vahashimoti et-mikdasheichem velo ariach bereiach nichochachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־עָֽרֵיכֶם֙ חׇרְבָּ֔ה וַהֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י אֶת־מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶ֑ם וְלֹ֣א אָרִ֔יחַ בְּרֵ֖יחַ נִיחֹֽחֲכֶֽם׃
וְנָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־עָֽרֵיכֶם֙ חׇרְבָּ֔ה וַהֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י אֶת־מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶ֑ם וְלֹ֣א אָרִ֔יחַ בְּרֵ֖יחַ נִיחֹֽחֲכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 26:31) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. It describes the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem, including the destruction of cities, desolation of sanctuaries, and rejection of korbanos (offerings).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "your sanctuaries" refers to Batei Mikdash (Temples) where offerings were brought. The phrase "I will not smell" signifies that Hashem will not accept their korbanos, as they are offered without sincere repentance. Rashi emphasizes that even during exile, the potential for Divine mercy remains if Bnei Yisrael return to Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Teshuvah (7:7), Rambam teaches that these punishments are not vengeful but corrective—meant to inspire teshuvah. The withdrawal of Divine favor ("I will not smell") reflects the spiritual consequence of estrangement from Hashem’s will, not a permanent rejection.

Midrashic Insights

  • Vayikra Rabbah (35:1): The "desolation" of sanctuaries alludes to the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, linking their fate to the people’s moral state.
  • Sifra (Behar 5:3): The "sweet odours" represent more than korbanos—they symbolize the loss of Torah study and mitzvos, which are likened to a pleasing fragrance before Hashem.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Arizal (Shaar HaKavanos) notes that "not smelling" the offerings hints at a disruption in the flow of Divine sustenance (shefa) from higher spiritual realms, as korbanos normally elevate the physical world. Their rejection signifies a broken connection between heaven and earth.

Practical Lesson

This verse underscores that physical sanctuaries depend on spiritual integrity. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that even in exile, our "small sanctuaries" (synagogues and study halls) must be maintained with reverence to hasten the ultimate redemption and rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 31b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the curses in the Torah and their implications for the Jewish people.
📖 Ta'anit 4a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:31 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:31 is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), where Hashem warns of the consequences if the Jewish people fail to follow the Torah. This verse specifically describes the destruction of cities, the desolation of the Holy Temple, and the cessation of the pleasant aroma from sacrifices. Rashi explains that this refers to the withdrawal of the Divine Presence when the Jewish people stray from mitzvot.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the direct relationship between the Jewish people's actions and their spiritual and physical wellbeing. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that these warnings serve as a reminder to return to Hashem through teshuvah (repentance). The destruction described here historically occurred with the destruction of the First and Second Temples due to sinat chinam (baseless hatred) and other transgressions.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:31 today?
A: We learn that our connection to Hashem depends on our mitzvah observance. The Talmud (Yoma 9b) states that the Second Temple was destroyed due to sinat chinam, teaching us the importance of unity and love among Jews. Today, even without the Temple, we strive to rectify these causes through Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness.
Q: What does 'I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours' mean?
A: This phrase refers to Hashem no longer accepting the korbanot (sacrifices) offered in the Temple. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) explains that the 'sweet odours' symbolize the Jewish people's devotion. When mitzvot are neglected, the spiritual connection represented by the korbanot is lost. Today, our prayers replace sacrifices (Hoshea 14:3), and sincere repentance restores our bond with Hashem.