Why the Whole World Suffers When Israel Sins

Another interpretation: "If you walk in My statutes," etc., "then I will give your rains in their season," etc.; "but if you will not hearken to Me," etc., "and I will make your heavens like iron," etc. (Leviticus 26:3, 4, 14, 19). And thus it says: "Therefore over you the heavens have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce" (Haggai 1:10) — for because of your iniquities they too are smitten. They would have stationed two battalions of soldiers so as to guard each and every one of Israel [that they should not sin. And not only do the nations not guard Israel, but they even keep them away from the commandments. And because Israel sins, the whole world entire is smitten, as it is said: "Therefore over you the heavens have withheld the dew" (Haggai 1:10). But if they do not sin, the whole world is blessed on their account, as it is said: "And through your seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves" (Genesis 26:4). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: "You yourselves have seen that I have spoken with you from the heavens. You shall not make beside Me gods of silver, nor gods of gold shall you make for yourselves" (Exodus 20:22-23) — for if you sin and pray before Me, I will not answer you, as it is said: "And it came to pass that, as He called and they did not hearken, so they shall call and I will not hearken, says the Lord of Hosts" (Zechariah 7:13). Therefore: "You shall not make beside Me gods of silver," etc.]