Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.
LEVITICUS 26:42KJVWhat does Leviticus 26:42 mean?
Leviticus 26:42 says that God will remember His promises to Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham, and also remember the land itself. This verse assures the Israelites that even if they face consequences for disobedience, God’s commitment to His ancient agreements with their ancestors remains firm.
In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, describing what will happen if they turn back to Him after straying. The verse comes in a section where God lists blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. Here, God emphasizes that His relationship with the patriarchs and the land is not forgotten, even when the people fail.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 26:42
- "remember" (זָכַר, zakhar): This word means more than just recalling something; it often carries the sense of acting on a promise or commitment. Here, it signals that God will actively honor His covenants.
- "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word refers to a binding agreement or promise. Mentioning the covenant with each patriarch underlines the depth and continuity of God’s promises.
- "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): The land is not just a place but a central part of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Remembering the land means God will care for it and restore it as part of His faithfulness.
Why Leviticus 26:42 matters
- This verse clarifies that God’s promises to the patriarchs are not canceled by Israel’s failures; they are enduring and will be remembered even after periods of judgment.
- The repeated mention of the covenant with each patriarch highlights the layered and unbreakable nature of God’s commitment to His people.
- By including the land, the verse connects God’s faithfulness not just to people but to the physical place central to Israel’s identity and hope.