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Leviticus 26:4 - Divine blessing through nature's bounty

Leviticus 26:4 - ויקרא 26:4

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתִּי גִשְׁמֵיכֶם בְּעִתָּם וְנָתְנָה הָאָרֶץ יְבוּלָהּ וְעֵץ הַשָּׂדֶה יִתֵּן פִּרְיוֹ׃

English Translation

then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Transliteration

Venatati gishmeichem be'itam venatna ha'aretz yevulah ve'etz hasadeh yiten piryo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתִּ֥י גִשְׁמֵיכֶ֖ם בְּעִתָּ֑ם וְנָתְנָ֤ה הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ יְבוּלָ֔הּ וְעֵ֥ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה יִתֵּ֥ן פִּרְיֽוֹ׃
וְנָתַתִּ֥י גִשְׁמֵיכֶ֖ם בְּעִתָּ֑ם וְנָתְנָ֤ה הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ יְבוּלָ֔הּ וְעֵ֥ץ הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה יִתֵּ֥ן פִּרְיֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Blessings for Observance

This verse (Vayikra 26:4) appears in the Torah portion of Bechukotai, where Hashem promises abundant blessings for Bnei Yisrael if they follow His commandments. Rashi explains that "rain in due season" refers to rain that falls at the most beneficial times - such as Friday nights when people are indoors, demonstrating Hashem's kindness even in the manner He brings sustenance.

The Agricultural Cycle as Reward

The Ramban notes that the sequence of blessings follows the natural agricultural cycle but emphasizes that these will only come in their proper measure when Israel is worthy. The land yielding its increase ("yevulah") refers to abundant produce beyond normal expectations, as the term implies something extra (from the root "yovel" - to bring forth).

Three Levels of Blessing

The Sforno identifies three distinct blessings in this verse:

  • Timely rain - The foundation for all agricultural success
  • Land's increase - Abundant crops from cultivated fields
  • Tree fruits - Blessings even from uncultivated trees, showing extra divine favor

Spiritual Parallels

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) draws a parallel between these physical blessings and spiritual rewards - just as the rain comes at the proper time for maximum benefit, so too Torah study bears fruit when pursued diligently at the proper times. The "trees of the field" represent Torah scholars whose wisdom benefits the community.

Conditional Nature of Blessings

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch emphasizes that these blessings are contingent upon our spiritual state. The verse begins with "then" ("v'natati"), making clear this is the result of proper observance. The natural world responds to our moral conduct, with agricultural success being a barometer of our relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 2a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of rain in its proper time as a sign of divine favor and blessing.
📖 Megillah 17b
The verse is cited in relation to the blessings of the Amidah prayer, specifically the blessing for the years (Birkat HaShanim), which asks for rain and agricultural prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:4 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:4 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people follow His commandments, He will provide rain at the proper times, the land will produce abundant crops, and the trees will bear fruit. Rashi explains that this refers to rain that falls at the most beneficial times for agriculture, such as on Wednesday and Friday nights when people are indoors and not inconvenienced.
Q: Why is rain mentioned as a blessing in this verse?
A: Rain is considered one of the greatest blessings in the Torah because the Land of Israel depends on rainfall for its sustenance (unlike Egypt which had the Nile). The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) teaches that rain is equivalent to the resurrection of the dead because it brings life to the land. Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit) explains that rain at the proper time is a sign of divine favor.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us that our relationship with Hashem affects the physical world. While today we don't necessarily see immediate agricultural blessings from our mitzvah observance, the principle remains that spiritual actions have physical consequences. Many Jews still pray for rain during the winter months in Israel, showing how this concept remains relevant.
Q: What does 'rain in due season' mean according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains 'rain in due season' means rain that comes when most needed - gentle rains that nourish crops without causing damage. The Talmud (Ta'anit 6b) describes ideal rain as falling on Tuesday and Friday nights. Rashi notes this timing allows people to travel on dry roads during market days (Thursday and Sunday).
Q: Why does the verse mention both crops and fruit trees?
A: The Torah mentions both to show comprehensive blessing - annual crops represent short-term sustenance while fruit trees represent long-term prosperity. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 15b) connects this to the mitzvah of orlah (not eating fruit from young trees), showing that agricultural blessings require both divine favor and human observance of halacha.