But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. I will scatter you among the nationsThe phrase "I will scatter" comes from the Hebrew word "zāra," which conveys the idea of dispersing or spreading out. This scattering is not merely a physical displacement but a profound spiritual and cultural dislocation. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where the Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland. Theologically, this scattering serves as a divine judgment for disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The scattering among "the nations" underscores the loss of identity and the challenge of maintaining faith in foreign lands, yet it also foreshadows the eventual gathering and restoration promised by God. and will draw out a sword after you
The imagery of "drawing out a sword" is a vivid depiction of continued divine judgment and protection being withdrawn. The Hebrew word "ḥereb" for "sword" symbolizes war, destruction, and divine retribution. This phrase indicates that even in exile, the Israelites would face ongoing threats and violence, a consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness. Historically, this was evident as the exiled communities often faced hostility and persecution. Spiritually, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments and the protective covering that obedience provides. as your land becomes desolate
The term "desolate" is translated from the Hebrew "shāmēm," which means to be appalled, devastated, or laid waste. This desolation is both a physical and spiritual condition, reflecting the consequences of Israel's disobedience. Archaeologically, evidence of cities and lands left in ruins during periods of exile corroborates this prophecy. Theologically, the desolation of the land signifies the removal of God's blessing and presence, as the land was intimately tied to the covenant promises. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to faithfulness, highlighting the hope of restoration. and your cities lie in ruins
The phrase "lie in ruins" comes from the Hebrew "ḥorbah," indicating a state of destruction and decay. This condition of the cities is a direct result of the people's failure to uphold their covenant with God. Historically, cities like Jerusalem were indeed left in ruins after invasions, serving as a tangible reminder of the consequences of sin. Scripturally, the ruin of the cities symbolizes the breakdown of community and society when God is not at the center. Yet, within this imagery of ruin, there is an implicit promise of rebuilding and renewal, as God is a God of restoration and hope for those who return to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe primary audience of Leviticus, the Israelites were God's chosen people, receiving the Law through Moses. 2. The NationsRefers to the foreign lands where the Israelites would be scattered due to their disobedience. 3. The Land of IsraelThe promised land given to the Israelites, which would become desolate as a consequence of their disobedience. 4. MosesThe prophet and leader who delivered God's laws and warnings to the Israelites. 5. God's JudgmentThe event of scattering and desolation as a direct consequence of Israel's failure to uphold the covenant. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceGod's warnings are serious, and disobedience leads to real consequences, as seen in the scattering of Israel. The Sovereignty of GodGod's control over nations and history is evident. He uses even the disobedience of His people to fulfill His purposes. The Call to RepentanceThe scattering serves as a call to repentance, reminding us that God desires restoration and relationship with His people. The Importance of Covenant FaithfulnessThe Israelites' experience underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant, a principle that applies to believers today. Hope in RestorationDespite judgment, there is always hope for restoration. God's ultimate plan is to bring His people back to Himself. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the scattering of the Israelites among the nations demonstrate God's justice and mercy? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience in our own lives, and how can we respond to God's call for repentance? 3. How does understanding the historical context of Leviticus 26:33 enhance our appreciation of God's sovereignty? 4. What parallels can we draw between the covenant faithfulness required of the Israelites and the faithfulness expected of Christians today? 5. How can the hope of restoration seen in the scattering and eventual return of Israel encourage us in our personal spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, echoing the themes of Leviticus 26. Jeremiah 9:16This verse speaks of God scattering the Israelites among nations, reinforcing the prophecy of Leviticus 26:33. Ezekiel 12:15Describes the scattering of Israel as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment. 2 Chronicles 36:19-21Chronicles the fulfillment of this prophecy during the Babylonian exile, when the land lay desolate. Romans 11:11-12Discusses the scattering of Israel and the eventual restoration, showing God's redemptive plan. People Egyptians, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Becomes, Cities, Desolate, Desolation, Directions, Draw, Drawn, Heathen, However, Laid, Lie, Nations, Pursue, Ruins, Scatter, Sword, Towns, Uncovered, Unsheathe, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 26:33 5607 warfare, examples
7212 exile
9210 judgment, God's Leviticus 26:14-39 5827 curse
6026 sin, judgment on Leviticus 26:27-33 5508 ruins Leviticus 26:27-35 7520 dispersion, the Leviticus 26:27-42 6702 peace, destruction Leviticus 26:31-33 5979 waste
8840 unfaithfulness, to God Leviticus 26:32-33 1349 covenant, at Sinai Library Emancipated Slaves
I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.'--LEV. xxvi. 13. The history of Israel is a parable and a prophecy as well as a history. The great central word of the New Testament has been drawn from it, viz. 'redemption,' i.e. a buying out of bondage. The Hebrew slaves in Egypt were 'delivered.' The deliverance made them a nation. God acquired them for Himself, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 26:33 NIVLeviticus 26:33 NLTLeviticus 26:33 ESVLeviticus 26:33 NASBLeviticus 26:33 KJV
Leviticus 26:33 Commentaries
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