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Leviticus 26:44 - Eternal covenant despite exile?

Leviticus 26:44 - ויקרא 26:44

Hebrew Text

וְאַף־גַּם־זֹאת בִּהְיוֹתָם בְּאֶרֶץ אֹיְבֵיהֶם לֹא־מְאַסְתִּים וְלֹא־גְעַלְתִּים לְכַלֹּתָם לְהָפֵר בְּרִיתִי אִתָּם כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.

Transliteration

Ve-af gam-zot bihyotam be-eretz oyvehem lo-me'astim ve-lo-ge'altim lechalotam lehafer briti itam ki ani Adonai Eloheihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַף־גַּם־זֹ֠את בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֞ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֗ם לֹֽא־מְאַסְתִּ֤ים וְלֹֽא־גְעַלְתִּים֙ לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם לְהָפֵ֥ר בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ם כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃
וְאַף־גַּם־זֹ֠את בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֞ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֗ם לֹֽא־מְאַסְתִּ֤ים וְלֹֽא־גְעַלְתִּים֙ לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם לְהָפֵ֥ר בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ם כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Fidelity Despite Exile

The verse (Vayikra 26:44) emphasizes Hashem's unwavering commitment to Bnei Yisrael even during their exile among hostile nations. Rashi explains that this assurance comes "even when they are in the land of their enemies" – demonstrating that Divine providence persists regardless of geographical or political circumstances. The double language of "לא מאסתים ולא געלתים" ("I will not cast them away nor abhor them") underscores the completeness of this promise.

Covenantal Assurance

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:5) derives from this verse that the eternal nature of the covenant means the Jewish people will never be fully rejected, even when deserving severe punishment. The phrase "להפר בריתי אתם" ("to break My covenant with them") is interpreted by Sforno as affirming that the covenant is intrinsically linked to Hashem's identity as "ה' אלקיהם" ("Hashem their God") – an eternal relationship that transcends conditional circumstances.

Exilic Protection in Midrashic Thought

  • Midrash Torat Kohanim notes this verse guarantees Jewish survival despite dispersion, comparing it to a father who disciplines his child yet never abandons them.
  • Malbim highlights the contrast between human rulers who discard failed servants and Hashem who maintains His relationship even when we dwell "בארץ איביהם" ("in the land of their enemies").
  • Kli Yakar observes that the verse's concluding phrase "כי אני ה' אלקיהם" establishes this promise as stemming from Hashem's essential nature rather than human merit.

Theological Implications

The Talmud (Megillah 11a) connects this verse to the Purim narrative, showing how Divine providence operated covertly in exile. This reflects the Orthodox Jewish understanding of hester panim (the hidden Face), where Hashem's protection persists even when not overtly visible. The verse thus serves as a foundational text for the Jewish belief in ultimate redemption despite present exilic challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing God's enduring covenant with Israel, emphasizing that even in exile, God does not abandon His people.
📖 Yoma 54b
The verse is referenced to illustrate the idea that God's presence remains with Israel even when they are in the land of their enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:44 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:44 reassures the Jewish people that even when they are exiled and living among their enemies, Hashem will never completely reject or abandon them. Despite their sins, He will not break His eternal covenant with them because He is their God. This is a promise of divine mercy and faithfulness.
Q: Why is Leviticus 26:44 important?
A: This verse is important because it offers hope and comfort, especially during times of exile and hardship. It teaches that Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people is unbreakable, and His commitment to them is everlasting. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 7:5) emphasizes that repentance is always possible, and this verse underscores that Hashem never gives up on His people.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:44?
A: We learn that Hashem's love for the Jewish people is unconditional, even when they stray. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) explains that this verse shows Hashem's patience and long-suffering nature. It also teaches us to trust in His promises and to recognize that no matter how far we may feel, we can always return to Him.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:44 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us that even in difficult times—whether personal or national—Hashem has not abandoned us. The Talmud (Megillah 29a) states that the Divine Presence accompanies the Jewish people in exile. This encourages us to maintain faith and strive for spiritual growth, knowing that Hashem's covenant endures forever.