Leviticus 26 44

Leviticus 26:44 kjv

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.

Leviticus 26:44 nkjv

Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.

Leviticus 26:44 niv

Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the LORD their God.

Leviticus 26:44 esv

Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God.

Leviticus 26:44 nlt

"But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the LORD their God.

Leviticus 26 verses

Leviticus 26 44 Meaning

Leviticus 26:44 declares that despite Israel's persistent disobedience, leading to the severe judgments and dispersion described in the preceding verses, God will not completely abandon, utterly reject, or annihilate His people when they are in the land of their enemies. Crucially, He pledges never to break the covenant He established with them. This promise is rooted in His unchangeable nature and His unwavering commitment as the Lord, their covenant-keeping God. It reveals His enduring faithfulness and the preserving power of His divine oath, ensuring a future for His people beyond their deserved discipline.

Leviticus 26 44 Context

Leviticus chapter 26 is a pivotal conclusion to the holiness code, outlining the blessings promised for Israel's obedience to God's covenant laws and the severe curses that would follow their disobedience. Verses 14-39 detail a comprehensive sequence of judgments, including famine, pestilence, war, defeat, exile, and scattering among foreign nations, culminating in utter despair and desolation of the land. Amidst this grim prophecy of deserved judgment, verse 44 emerges as a divine guarantee. It provides a beacon of hope, revealing God's ultimate intent even within the punishment. This specific promise signifies that while Israel would suffer intensely for their rebellion, their dispersion would not lead to complete annihilation. It implies that God's overarching purpose and covenant relationship with them would endure, establishing the basis for future restoration. The historical context for the original audience, standing on the threshold of Canaan, underscored the seriousness of their choice: faithfulness leading to abundant life in the land, or unfaithfulness leading to displacement and suffering, yet with a divine promise of ultimate preservation against total obliteration, contrasting with the typical fate of defeated nations in the ancient Near East whose gods were perceived to abandon them.

Leviticus 26 44 Word analysis

• Yet for all that: This phrase signifies a strong concession, highlighting that even in light of the full extent of the curses and consequences described earlier (Lev 26:14-39), God's fundamental commitment endures. It implies the depth of Israel's deserved punishment, yet God's higher principle prevails.
• when they are in the land of their enemies: This specifically denotes the state of exile, captivity, and dispersion. It is the condition of utmost vulnerability and punishment for the people. This anticipates historical exiles like the Babylonian captivity and the subsequent long diaspora.
• I will not cast them away (Hebrew: מָאַס - ma'as): This term means to reject, despise, spurn, or loathe. God promises not to completely repudiate His people. While He allows them to be cast out of the land, He Himself does not ultimately abandon them. There is a distinction between judicial consequence and ultimate relational severance.
• neither will I abhor them (Hebrew: גָּעַל - ga'al): This word means to detest, loathe, or feel utter disgust for. It's a powerful term for a deep level of revulsion. God states He will not reach this point of complete rejection concerning Israel. His holy nature detests sin, but His covenant love maintains a restraint against utterly abhorring the people He chose.
• to destroy them utterly (Hebrew: כָּלָה - kalah): This signifies complete annihilation, consuming, or putting an end to something. Despite the severe judgments and suffering, God guarantees that His people will not face total destruction. Their physical existence and continuity as a nation will be preserved. This underlines the concept of divine preservation amidst judgment.
• and to break My covenant with them (Hebrew: פָּרַר - parar): This means to annul, frustrate, make void, or infringe upon a sworn agreement. This is the cornerstone of the promise. God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 12, 15, 17) is immutable. This covenant guarantees Israel's national survival and their role in God's redemptive plan. God's character prohibits Him from breaking His solemn oath.
• for I am the Lord their God (Hebrew: כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם - ki 'ani Yahweh Eloheihem): This is a self-attestation of the Almighty, Yahweh (the personal, covenantal name of God). It grounds the entire promise in His unchangeable nature, His absolute sovereignty, and His specific covenant relationship with Israel. "Their God" emphasizes His possessive claim and unwavering commitment to His chosen people, affirming that His character, not their merits, is the ultimate guarantee.

Leviticus 26 44 Bonus section

This verse embodies the concept of divine forbearance and enduring love even in the face of persistent rebellion. It underscores that God's identity as "Lord their God" means His covenant is more resilient than human failure. The language here ("not cast them away," "not abhor them," "not destroy them utterly," "not break My covenant") employs strong negatives to convey a firm and steadfast promise against complete abandonment. This theological principle is crucial for understanding not only the past and future of the nation of Israel but also God's relationship with believers in general. Just as Israel experienced discipline without utter destruction, God's dealing with His children in Christ may include correction and trials, but never permanent forsaking or revocation of His promises rooted in the new covenant established through Jesus.

Leviticus 26 44 Commentary

Leviticus 26:44 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness amidst human infidelity. Placed after the dire predictions of judgment and dispersion, it serves as the ultimate assurance that God's disciplinary actions against His people will never lead to their complete annihilation or the abrogation of His covenant. It demonstrates that while the blessings of the covenant were conditional on obedience, the existence of the nation of Israel and the ultimate remembrance of His divine oath possessed an unconditional element, rooted solely in God's immutable character as Yahweh, their God. This verse reveals divine mercy prevailing over deserved wrath, offering a glimpse of future hope beyond the consequences of sin. It highlights that God's ultimate commitment is anchored not in the fickle obedience of humanity, but in His own unchanging being and promises. This principle underpinned Israel's survival through centuries of exile and persecution, assuring that God always has a redemptive plan for His chosen people, paving the way for eventual restoration and a New Covenant fulfillment.