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Leviticus 26:42 - Divine promise: ancestral covenants remembered

Leviticus 26:42 - ויקרא 26:42

Hebrew Text

וְזָכַרְתִּי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי יַעֲקוֹב וְאַף אֶת־בְּרִיתִי יִצְחָק וְאַף אֶת־בְּרִיתִי אַבְרָהָם אֶזְכֹּר וְהָאָרֶץ אֶזְכֹּר׃

English Translation

Then will I remember my covenant with Ya῾aqov, and also my covenant with Yiżĥaq, and also my covenant with Avraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

Transliteration

Vezakharti et-briti Yaakov ve'et et-briti Yitzhak ve'et et-briti Avraham ezkor veha'aretz ezkor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזָכַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֣י יַעֲק֑וֹב וְאַף֩ אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֨י יִצְחָ֜ק וְאַ֨ף אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶזְכֹּ֖ר וְהָאָ֥רֶץ אֶזְכֹּֽר׃
וְזָכַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֣י יַעֲק֑וֹב וְאַף֩ אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֨י יִצְחָ֜ק וְאַ֨ף אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶזְכֹּ֖ר וְהָאָ֥רֶץ אֶזְכֹּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Promise of Covenant Remembrance

The verse (Vayikra 26:42) emphasizes Hashem's eternal commitment to the Avot (Patriarchs) and their descendants. The order of Yaakov, Yitzchak, and Avraham appears reversed from chronological sequence, which Rashi explains as teaching that Yaakov - the most recent and "smallest" (in humility) - is mentioned first to show that even his merit alone would suffice for redemption. The mention of all three Patriarchs reinforces the layered and unbreakable nature of the covenant.

Layered Covenantal Merit

Ramban notes that each Patriarch established a distinct dimension of the covenant:

  • Avraham - The covenant of inheritance (Bereshit 15:18)
  • Yitzchak - The covenant of spiritual continuity (Bereshit 26:3-5)
  • Yaakov - The covenant of national destiny (Bereshit 28:13-14)

The Inclusion of the Land

The concluding phrase "and I will remember the land" is interpreted by the Sforno as indicating that Eretz Yisrael itself has a role in the redemption process. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 36:5) states the land will "vomit out" its inhabitants when undeserving, but will lovingly receive the Jewish people when they return to Torah.

Theological Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 7:5) derives from this verse that ultimate redemption is guaranteed, not based on our merit alone but on the eternal covenants with our forefathers. However, the Ohr HaChaim emphasizes that while the covenant ensures eventual redemption, the timing and manner depend on our spiritual state.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 17b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the order of the Amidah prayer, specifically the blessings related to the patriarchs, where the sequence of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is derived from this verse.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 32a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the order of the shofar blasts and the remembrance of the patriarchs, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between God and the patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:42 mean when it says G-d will remember the covenants with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov?
A: This verse teaches that even when the Jewish people stray and face consequences, G-d will never completely abandon them because of the eternal covenants He made with our forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov). Rashi explains that the verse mentions the patriarchs in reverse order to show that even if the current generation isn't worthy, the merit of their righteous ancestors can bring redemption.
Q: Why does Leviticus 26:42 mention the land at the end?
A: The mention of the land refers to G-d's promise to give the Land of Israel to the Jewish people as an eternal inheritance. The Ramban explains that just as G-d remembers His covenant with our ancestors, He also remembers His promise regarding the land, meaning the Jewish people will always have a connection to Eretz Yisrael regardless of exile.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:42 give us hope today?
A: This verse gives us confidence that no matter how difficult our exile may be, G-d's promises to our ancestors remain in effect. The Talmud (Megillah 10b) teaches that all divine punishments ultimately contain elements of mercy, and this verse shows that our relationship with G-d is eternal, based on the unbreakable covenants with our forefathers.
Q: Why are the patriarchs listed in reverse order in Leviticus 26:42?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 36:1) explains they are listed from youngest to oldest (Yaakov, Yitzchak, Avraham) to teach that sometimes the merit of later generations (Yaakov) can help, but if not, then the merit of earlier generations (Yitzchak and Avraham) can still bring salvation. It shows that G-d considers the merit of all our righteous ancestors.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 26:42?
A: We learn the power of ancestral merit (zechut avot) and the importance of connecting to our heritage. The Sforno notes that this verse comes after discussing repentance, teaching that while our ancestors' merit helps, we must also strive to improve ourselves. It inspires us to value our Jewish lineage while taking personal responsibility in our relationship with G-d.