share torah logo

Leviticus 26:6 - Divine peace, no fear

Leviticus 26:6 - ויקרא 26:6

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתִּי שָׁלוֹם בָּאָרֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּם וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי חַיָּה רָעָה מִן־הָאָרֶץ וְחֶרֶב לֹא־תַעֲבֹר בְּאַרְצְכֶם׃

English Translation

And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will remove evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Transliteration

Venatati shalom ba'arets ush'khavtem ve'ein macharid vehisbati chayah ra'ah min-ha'arets vecherev lo-ta'avor be'artzechem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵ֣ין מַחֲרִ֑יד וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֞י חַיָּ֤ה רָעָה֙ מִן־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְחֶ֖רֶב לֹא־תַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃
וְנָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּשְׁכַבְתֶּ֖ם וְאֵ֣ין מַחֲרִ֑יד וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֞י חַיָּ֤ה רָעָה֙ מִן־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְחֶ֖רֶב לֹא־תַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּאַרְצְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Peace and Divine Protection in the Land

The verse (Vayikra 26:6) describes the blessings of peace and security that Hashem promises to Bnei Yisrael when they follow His commandments. Rashi explains that "peace" (shalom) is the ultimate blessing, as without peace, no other blessing can be fully enjoyed. The Radak adds that true peace includes both physical safety and spiritual harmony among the people.

Freedom from Fear

The phrase "you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid" is interpreted by the Sifra as referring to undisturbed rest, free from external threats. The Ramban emphasizes that this tranquility is not merely the absence of war but a state of complete security, where even the fear of potential dangers is removed.

Removal of Evil Beasts

The promise "I will remove evil beasts out of the land" is understood by the Midrash (Torat Kohanim) as both literal and metaphorical. Literally, harmful animals will no longer pose a threat. Metaphorically, the "evil beasts" represent hostile nations or internal strife, which will also cease under Hashem's protection.

Absence of War

The clause "neither shall the sword go through your land" is explained by the Malbim as a guarantee that no invading army will pass through Eretz Yisrael. The Ibn Ezra connects this to the earlier promise of peace, noting that military conflict disrupts daily life, and its absence is a key component of divine blessing.

  • Rashi: Peace is the vessel that holds all other blessings.
  • Ramban: True peace includes emotional security, not just physical safety.
  • Midrash: "Evil beasts" symbolize both natural and human threats.
  • Malbim: The absence of war ensures uninterrupted prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of peace and the absence of fear, contrasting the peaceful era of King Solomon with other times.
📖 Sanhedrin 98b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Messianic era, where peace and security will prevail as described in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:6 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 26:6 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people follow His commandments, He will grant peace and security in the land. This includes peaceful sleep without fear, protection from dangerous animals, and safety from war ('the sword'). Rashi explains that this is part of the blessings for keeping the Torah.
Q: Why is peace ('shalom') mentioned as a blessing in this verse?
A: Peace (shalom) is considered one of the greatest blessings because it enables all other mitzvot and good deeds to flourish. The Talmud (Berachot 64a) teaches that 'shalom' is equal to everything, as without peace, other blessings cannot be fully enjoyed. This verse highlights that true peace comes from Divine protection when we follow Hashem's ways.
Q: Does this verse mean there will literally be no wild animals in the land?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation (like Rashi and Ramban), the phrase 'I will remove evil beasts' can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Literally, dangerous animals will not harm the people. Metaphorically, it also means that external threats and enemies (often compared to 'wild beasts' in Tanach) will not oppress Israel when they are faithful to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While this verse specifically refers to the Land of Israel, the principle applies universally: observing Torah brings Divine protection and peace. The Sforno teaches that spiritual commitment creates a shield of peace. Today, we pray for these blessings and recognize that true security comes from our relationship with Hashem and adherence to mitzvot.
Q: What is the connection between lying down peacefully and keeping mitzvot?
A: The verse links peace ('you shall lie down without fear') to faithfulness to Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) explains that when we fulfill Hashem's will, He removes all disturbances—physical and spiritual—allowing us to rest securely. This teaches that inner and outer peace are Divine rewards for living a Torah life.