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Leviticus 26:5 - Abundant harvests, Divine blessing promised

Leviticus 26:5 - ויקרא 26:5

Hebrew Text

וְהִשִּׂיג לָכֶם דַּיִשׁ אֶת־בָּצִיר וּבָצִיר יַשִּׂיג אֶת־זָרַע וַאֲכַלְתֶּם לַחְמְכֶם לָשֹׂבַע וִישַׁבְתֶּם לָבֶטַח בְּאַרְצְכֶם׃

English Translation

And your threshing shall reach to the vintage, and the vintage shall reach to the sowing time: and you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

Transliteration

V'hisig lakhem dayish et-batzir u'vatzir yasig et-zara va'akhal'tem lachmekhem lasova v'yeshavtem lavetach b'artzekhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִשִּׂ֨יג לָכֶ֥ם דַּ֙יִשׁ֙ אֶת־בָּצִ֔יר וּבָצִ֖יר יַשִּׂ֣יג אֶת־זָ֑רַע וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם לַחְמְכֶם֙ לָשֹׂ֔בַע וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֥ם לָבֶ֖טַח בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃
וְהִשִּׂ֨יג לָכֶ֥ם דַּ֙יִשׁ֙ אֶת־בָּצִ֔יר וּבָצִ֖יר יַשִּׂ֣יג אֶת־זָ֑רַע וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם לַחְמְכֶם֙ לָשֹׂ֔בַע וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֥ם לָבֶ֖טַח בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 26:5) describes the blessings of agricultural abundance and security that will accompany the Jewish people when they follow Hashem's commandments. It portrays an ideal state where the harvests are so plentiful that they overlap, ensuring sustenance and peace in the land.

Agricultural Blessings: Threshing, Vintage, and Sowing

Rashi explains that "your threshing shall reach to the vintage" means the grain harvest (threshing) will be so abundant that it will last until the grape harvest (vintage), and the grape harvest will be so plentiful that it will last until the next sowing season. This signifies uninterrupted prosperity, where one harvest seamlessly transitions into the next without scarcity.

  • Threshing (דַּיִשׁ): Refers to the processing of grain, symbolizing sustenance from the field.
  • Vintage (בָּצִיר): Represents the grape harvest, indicating blessings of wine and fruit.
  • Sowing (זָרַע): The next planting season, showing that food will never run out.

Eating to Satisfaction and Dwelling Securely

The second half of the verse emphasizes two additional blessings:

  • Eating bread to the full (וַאֲכַלְתֶּם לַחְמְכֶם לָשֹׂבַע): The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 9:1) teaches that true blessing is not merely having food but being satisfied by it—a sign of divine favor.
  • Dwelling safely (וִישַׁבְתֶּם לָבֶטַח בְּאַרְצְכֶם): The Sforno notes that security in the land is contingent on righteousness. When the Jewish people uphold Torah and mitzvos, they merit peace without fear of enemies.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine reward for obedience. It teaches that such blessings are not merely material but reflect a harmonious relationship with Hashem, where nature itself aligns with the spiritual state of the people.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Talmud (Berachos 35b) derives from this verse that one must recite blessings before and after eating, recognizing that sustenance comes from Hashem. Additionally, the promise of security reinforces the principle that true peace is a divine gift earned through adherence to Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 111b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the blessings that will come to Israel when they observe the commandments, particularly the promise of agricultural abundance and security in the land.
📖 Sanhedrin 98a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the future redemption and the messianic era, emphasizing the prosperity and peace that will characterize that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:5 describes the blessings of abundance and security that will come when the Jewish people follow Hashem's commandments. According to Rashi, it means that the harvest will be so plentiful that the threshing (processing grain) will still be happening when the grape harvest (vintage) begins, and the grape harvest will still be happening when it's time to sow seeds again. This shows continuous blessing without lack.
Q: Why is Leviticus 26:5 important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the direct connection between observing mitzvot (commandments) and receiving Hashem's blessings of prosperity and safety in the Land of Israel. The Rambam explains that these physical blessings are a sign of divine favor when the Jewish people live righteously.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 26:5 today?
A: We learn that material success and security come from Hashem as a reward for faithfulness. The Talmud (Berachot 35b) connects this verse to the idea that when we prioritize Torah and mitzvot, Hashem ensures our physical needs are met. Today, this teaches us to trust in Hashem's providence while doing our part in serving Him.
Q: How does 'dwelling safely in the land' apply today?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that true security comes from spiritual commitment. While this verse originally referred to physical safety in the Land of Israel, the principle applies today - when we uphold Torah values, Hashem grants us protection and removes unnecessary fears, whether in Israel or the diaspora.
Q: What does 'eating bread to the full' symbolize?
A: The Sforno teaches that this phrase represents more than just physical satisfaction - it signifies that when blessings come from Hashem, people will be content with what they have without greed or waste. The 'bread' represents all sustenance, and eating 'to the full' means experiencing true satisfaction through righteous living.