Leviticus 26:36

As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them.

Study Bible

As for those of you who survive
This phrase addresses the remnant of the Israelites who endure the consequences of disobedience. The Hebrew root for "survive" (שָׁאַר, sha'ar) implies a small, remaining group, often used in the context of a remnant that God preserves. Historically, this reflects the recurring theme of a faithful remnant in Israel's history, emphasizing God's mercy and the hope of restoration despite judgment.

I will send despair into their hearts
The Hebrew word for "despair" (מֹרַךְ, morak) conveys a sense of faintness or weakness. This divine action signifies a psychological and spiritual consequence of disobedience, where fear and hopelessness replace the courage and strength that come from faithfulness to God. It highlights the internal turmoil that results from being separated from God's protective presence.

in the lands of their enemies
This phrase situates the Israelites in foreign territories, emphasizing the reality of exile as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. Historically, this reflects periods such as the Babylonian exile, where Israelites lived under foreign rule. It underscores the loss of national identity and security when God's people are removed from the Promised Land.

The sound of a windblown leaf
The imagery of a "windblown leaf" (עָלֶה נִדָּף, aleh niddaf) evokes a sense of fragility and vulnerability. In the context of fear, even the most innocuous sound becomes a source of terror. This hyperbolic expression illustrates the depth of fear and paranoia that grips those who have lost their trust in God.

will put them to flight
The phrase indicates a reaction of panic and retreat. The Hebrew root (נָס, nas) for "flight" suggests a hurried escape, often used in military contexts. This reflects the irony of fleeing from non-existent threats, highlighting the irrationality of fear when one is not anchored in God's promises.

and they will flee as though fleeing from the sword
This simile emphasizes the intensity of their fear, equating it to the terror of facing a deadly weapon. The sword (חֶרֶב, cherev) often symbolizes judgment and warfare in Scripture. The Israelites' reaction is disproportionate to the actual threat, illustrating the debilitating power of a guilty conscience and divine judgment.

They will fall, even though no one is pursuing them
The final phrase captures the tragic outcome of living in fear and disobedience. The Hebrew word for "fall" (נָפַל, naphal) can mean to collapse or be overthrown. This outcome is a self-fulfilling prophecy of defeat, where the absence of an external enemy underscores the internal collapse due to spiritual and moral failure. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, yet also points to the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace for restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Moses
The prophet and leader who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the blessings and curses outlined in Leviticus 26.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is the land from which the Israelites would be exiled if they disobeyed God.

4. Enemies' Lands
Refers to the foreign nations where the Israelites would be scattered if they failed to obey God's commandments.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who establishes the covenant with Israel, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Consequence of Disobedience
Disobedience to God leads to fear and insecurity, even in the absence of real threats. This reflects the spiritual truth that sin separates us from the peace of God.

The Power of a Guilty Conscience
A guilty conscience can cause irrational fear and anxiety. This verse illustrates how sin can distort our perception of reality, leading to unnecessary panic and distress.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commandments brings peace and security. The Israelites' experience serves as a warning to remain faithful to God's Word to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign and just in His judgments. The fear and despair sent into the hearts of the disobedient Israelites demonstrate God's control over both physical and psychological realms.

The Call to Repentance
Even in judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance. The fear and flight experienced by the Israelites should lead them to recognize their need to return to God and seek His forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear described in Leviticus 26:36 reflect the spiritual state of the Israelites in exile?

2. In what ways can a guilty conscience affect our daily lives and relationship with God?

3. How does the theme of fear and flight in Leviticus 26:36 connect with the teachings in Proverbs 28:1?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are living in obedience to God's commandments to avoid the consequences described in this passage?

5. How can understanding God's sovereignty in judgment help us develop a healthy fear of the Lord and encourage us to live righteously?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter parallels Leviticus 26, detailing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.

Isaiah 30:17
This verse echoes the theme of fear and flight, where a thousand will flee at the threat of one, highlighting the psychological impact of disobedience.

Proverbs 28:1
The proverb that states the wicked flee when no one pursues, connecting to the fear and paranoia described in Leviticus 26:36.

Hebrews 10:31
This New Testament verse underscores the fearful expectation of judgment for those who fall into the hands of the living God, relating to the fear described in Leviticus 26:36.