Leviticus 18:28

Arabic 2023 (SAB) (الكتاب الشريف)

فَإِنْ أَنْتُمْ نَجَّسْتُمُ الْأَرْضَ، تَتَقَيَّأُكُمْ كَمَا تَقَيَّأَتِ الشُّعُوبَ الَّتِي قَبْلَكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse warns that the land will expel people if they defile it, just as it expelled the nations before them. God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of their actions and the importance of obedience.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a beautiful garden, and if you don't take care of it, it might get so sick that it pushes you out. This is like that, but for a whole land. God is telling the people to take care of the land so it doesn't push them away, just like it pushed away the people who lived there before.

Historical Background

This verse comes from the Book of Leviticus, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. The audience was the Israelites, who were about to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting was one of transition, where the Israelites needed guidance to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous inhabitants.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to how we treat the environment. Just like the land expelled those who didn't take care of it, our environment can become inhospitable if we don't respect and care for it. For example, pollution can lead to health problems and climate change.

Topics

• obedience
• environment
• consequences
• warning
• land stewardship
• historical context

Related Verses

• Exodus 23:24
• Leviticus 19:29
• Numbers 33:55
• Ezekiel 36:13
• Romans 1:28

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'spue not you out' mean?

To 'spue out' means to expel or vomit out, suggesting that the land will reject the people if they defile it, just as it did with the previous inhabitants.

Who are the 'nations that were before you'?

These are the Canaanite nations that lived in the Promised Land before the Israelites arrived. They were expelled due to their sins and failure to live according to God's laws.

How does this verse relate to modern environmental issues?

This verse can be applied to how we treat the environment today. If we pollute and misuse the land, we risk making it inhospitable, just as the land expelled those who didn't care for it in the past.

What are the consequences of defiling the land?

The consequences of defiling the land include expulsion and a loss of the blessings associated with living in harmony with God's laws. The land itself becomes a judge of the people's actions.