And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
LEVITICUS 26:36KJVWhat does Leviticus 26:36 mean?
Leviticus 26:36 describes how those Israelites who survive after judgment will be so fearful and anxious in foreign lands that even the sound of a shaking leaf will terrify them, causing them to run away as if fleeing from a deadly threat, even when no one is actually chasing them. This verse paints a picture of overwhelming dread and insecurity among the survivors living among their enemies.
In this part of Leviticus, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of breaking their covenant with Him. The verse comes in a section listing the curses that would follow disobedience, specifically describing a deep sense of fear and vulnerability that would haunt those left alive in exile. The language emphasizes how complete their loss of confidence and peace would be, even in situations where there is no real danger.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:36
- The word "faintness" comes from מוֹרָךְ (morakh), which means a sense of weakness, timidity, or failing courage. Here, it highlights that the fear is not just physical but deeply rooted in their hearts and minds.
- "Hearts" is לֵבָב (levav), often used in Hebrew to refer to the inner self or mind, not just emotions. The faintness affects their whole inner being, not just their feelings.
- "Shaken" is נָדַף (nadaph), meaning to be driven or tossed. The image is of a leaf being blown about, suggesting how easily startled and unsettled the people will be.
- "Chase" and "pursueth" both use רָדַף (radaph), which means to pursue or chase after. The repetition underlines how the people will feel hunted even when no one is actually after them.
Why Leviticus 26:36 matters
- This verse clarifies that the consequences of disobedience are not just physical hardships but also deep psychological distress, showing the total impact of exile.
- The vivid imagery of being frightened by a shaking leaf emphasizes how completely the Israelites' sense of safety and confidence would be stripped away.
- In the context of Leviticus 26, this verse connects to the larger theme of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, showing how far-reaching the effects of breaking the covenant would be, affecting every part of life.