Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 26:9 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 26:9 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people follow His commandments, He will turn His attention to them, bless them with abundance (fruitfulness and multiplication), and uphold His covenant with them. Rashi explains that this refers to both physical blessings (like children and prosperity) and spiritual closeness to Hashem.
Q: Why is the covenant mentioned in Leviticus 26:9 important?
A: The covenant in this verse refers to the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people, established at Mount Sinai. The Rambam teaches that this covenant is unbreakable and signifies Hashem's enduring commitment to us as His chosen nation, provided we uphold the Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:9 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem's blessings are connected to our observance of Torah. The Sforno explains that even today, when we strive to follow Hashem's ways, we merit His providence and blessings—whether in family growth, livelihood, or spiritual fulfillment. It encourages us to strengthen our commitment to mitzvot.
Q: What does 'make you fruitful and multiply you' refer to in Leviticus 26:9?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like the Midrash (Torat Kohanim), this phrase refers to both physical and spiritual blessings. Physically, it means having many children and agricultural prosperity. Spiritually, it refers to the growth of Torah knowledge and good deeds among the Jewish people.
Q: What is the connection between keeping mitzvot and the blessings in Leviticus 26:9?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) teaches that these blessings are conditional—they come as a reward for fulfilling mitzvot. The verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), showing that Hashem's kindness follows our faithfulness. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) emphasizes that divine reward ultimately leads to greater ability to serve Hashem.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 26:9) appears in the section of Bechukotai, where Hashem outlines the blessings for observing the mitzvot. It follows a series of promises for material and spiritual prosperity if Bnei Yisrael remain faithful to the covenant.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi interprets "וּפָנִיתִי אֲלֵיכֶם" ("I will turn myself to you") as an expression of divine favor—Hashem will direct His attention benevolently toward the Jewish people. He connects this to the concept of hashgacha pratit (individual divine providence), ensuring their well-being.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) emphasizes that these blessings are contingent upon avodat Hashem (service of G-d) and tikkun hamiddot (refinement of character). The promise of fruitfulness and multiplication is not merely physical but also spiritual, reflecting growth in Torah and mitzvot.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 26:9) elaborates that "וַהֲקִימֹתִי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי אִתְּכֶם" ("I will establish My covenant with you") refers to the eternal nature of the covenant, which cannot be nullified even in times of exile. This aligns with the promise in Vayikra 26:44 that Hashem will never forsake His people.
Key Themes
Practical Implication
The Sforno notes that these promises serve as an incentive for avodat Hashem b'simcha (serving G-d with joy), as the rewards reflect a reciprocal relationship—Hashem responds to our commitment with boundless kindness.