Leviticus 26:22

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وأَطلَقتُ علَيكم وَحشَ البَرِّيَّة، فتُثْكِلُكم وتُهلِكُ بَهائِمَكم وتُقَلِّلُكم، فتُقفِرُ طُرُقُكم.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that God will send wild animals to hurt the people, take their children, destroy their cattle, and make their population smaller. The main roads will become empty. God is speaking and warning the people of the consequences of disobeying Him.

Explained for Children

Imagine if a kid didn't clean their room and their parents said, 'If you don't clean your room, we'll let the wild animals in.' That's kind of like what God is saying here, but much more serious. He's warning that bad things will happen if they don't follow His rules.

Historical Background

The Book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was addressed to the Israelites, God's chosen people, to guide them on how to live a holy life. This verse is part of a broader section about blessings and curses based on the Israelites' obedience to God's commandments.

Living It Out Today

Today, if a community ignores important safety regulations, they might face serious consequences like increased crime or pollution, which can harm families and reduce the community's population and prosperity. This verse reminds us of the importance of following wise guidelines for a healthy and safe environment.

Topics

• obedience
• consequences
• wildlife
• population
• security
• punishment

Related Verses

• Exodus 23:28
• Numbers 21:6
• Ezekiel 5:17
• Jeremiah 14:5
• Revelation 11:7

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when God says He will 'send wild beasts'?

God is warning that if the people disobey Him, they will face natural and dangerous consequences, such as wild animals attacking them and their livestock, leading to fear and loss.

How can we apply this verse to our modern lives?

We can see this as a reminder that ignoring important guidelines or laws can lead to negative outcomes, affecting our safety and well-being, just as the Israelites faced the threat of wild animals.

Is this a literal warning or more symbolic?

While it could be literal, many scholars view this as a symbolic warning about the dire consequences of disobedience, indicating that neglecting God's commands can lead to severe and natural repercussions.

What other parts of the Bible talk about consequences for disobedience?

Several parts of the Bible discuss the consequences of disobedience, including Deuteronomy 28, which outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, much like the section in Leviticus.