Definition: And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 26:25. It’s a really intense and dramatic warning, and it’s important to understand its meaning within the context of ancient Israelite life. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I will bring a sword upon you…” : This isn’t about a literal sword being used. It’s a metaphor for God’s judgment – a powerful, forceful punishment. It suggests that God is actively and deliberately punishing Israel for their sins. Think of it like a very severe and unrelenting storm. "...that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant..." : This is crucially important. The word "covenant" means a binding agreement or promise. The “quarrel” refers to the ongoing conflict between God and Israel, particularly concerning their obedience to God’s laws and promises. It's about a long-standing disagreement and perhaps even betrayal. "...and when ye are gathered together within your cities..." : This speaks to a specific event – a large gathering of people in Israel's towns or settlements – often during times of celebration, religious festivals, or when the nation is strong. "...I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." : This is the most frightening part. "Pestilence" was a term used for disease, often including plague and sickness. The verse suggests that God intends to unleash a devastating epidemic – a widespread illness – upon Israel. It's not just about physical suffering; it’s a complete destruction of their community and way of life. The phrase “delivered into the hand of the enemy” means that God will ultimately defeat or destroy them completely, perhaps even eliminate them entirely. What’s the overall message? This verse is a powerful warning against disobedience and rebellion. It's a call to repentance and emphasizes that God is serious about his judgment. It highlights that Israel’s problems weren't just about their own mistakes; they were rooted in a larger, spiritual conflict with God. It speaks of a time when God will actively punish them for rejecting him. Important Context: This passage appears in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus. It was part of a larger message about God’s justice and his plan to bring about purification and restoration through judgment. The exact context is debated among scholars, but it’s generally understood as a time when Israel was facing significant challenges – perhaps related to their relationship with other nations or internal conflicts. In short, this verse describes a severe punishment of God for disobedience, leading to widespread destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event or story?