Leviticus 26:32

And I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who dwell in it will be appalled.

Study Bible

And I will lay waste the land
The phrase "lay waste" comes from the Hebrew root "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), which means to desolate or devastate. This word is often used in the context of divine judgment, where God allows the land to become barren as a consequence of the people's disobedience. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the land itself is a participant in the blessings and curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant. The land of Israel was seen as a gift from God, a place flowing with milk and honey, and its desolation would serve as a stark reminder of the people's failure to uphold their end of the covenant.

so that your enemies who dwell in it
The term "enemies" in Hebrew is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which refers to adversaries or those who are hostile. In the context of Leviticus, these enemies are often foreign nations that would occupy the land when Israel is exiled due to their disobedience. The historical context here is significant, as Israel was surrounded by powerful nations such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, who at various times threatened or conquered the land. The phrase "who dwell in it" implies a reversal of the intended order, where the land meant for God's people is now inhabited by those who do not know Him, highlighting the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.

will be appalled
The Hebrew word for "appalled" is "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), the same root used earlier for "lay waste." This repetition emphasizes the extent of the desolation. The enemies' reaction of being appalled suggests a sense of shock and horror at the level of destruction. This serves as a powerful testimony to the seriousness of God's judgment. In a broader scriptural context, this reaction underscores the idea that God's actions, whether in blessing or judgment, are meant to reveal His holiness and justice to all nations. The appalling state of the land would serve as a witness to the surrounding nations of the consequences of turning away from the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The primary audience of Leviticus, the Israelites are God's chosen people, receiving the laws and commandments through Moses.

2. The Promised Land
The land given by God to the Israelites, which is central to their identity and covenant with God.

3. Enemies of Israel
The foreign nations surrounding Israel, often in conflict with them, and who would witness the desolation of the land.

4. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws and commandments to the Israelites.

5. God's Covenant
The agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Disobedience
God's warnings are not idle threats but serious consequences for covenant unfaithfulness.

Reflect on areas of life where disobedience to God might lead to spiritual desolation.

The Witness of the Nations
The desolation of the land serves as a testimony to the nations of God's justice.

Consider how our lives reflect God's character to those around us.

The Faithfulness of God
Even in judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant promises.

Trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing the consequences of sin.

The Call to Repentance
The purpose of these warnings is to lead the people back to God.

Embrace repentance as a path to restoration and renewed relationship with God.

Hope for Restoration
Despite the severity of the consequences, there is always hope for restoration through repentance.

Hold onto the hope of restoration and renewal in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the warning in Leviticus 26:32 reflect the nature of God's covenant with Israel?

2. In what ways can the desolation of the land serve as a warning for us today in our spiritual walk?

3. How do the consequences described in Leviticus 26 compare to the blessings for obedience found earlier in the chapter?

4. What lessons can we learn from the fulfillment of these warnings in Israel's history, such as the Babylonian exile?

5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration found in Leviticus 26 to our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter also outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a broader context for the consequences described in Leviticus 26.

Jeremiah 25
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the desolation of the land as a result of Israel's disobedience, echoing the warnings in Leviticus.

2 Chronicles 36
Describes the fulfillment of the land's desolation during the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of Israel's failure to keep the covenant.

Romans 11
Paul discusses the consequences of disobedience and the hope of restoration, drawing a parallel to the themes in Leviticus 26.

Hebrews 12
This chapter speaks of God's discipline, which can be related to the corrective nature of the curses in Leviticus 26.