In a perfect example of midrashic exegesis, he combines the view of Lev. 26 with Jeremiah’s prophecy to form one statement. While the view of exile as ‘the land’s sabbaths’ demands that it is limited in time, Leviticus does not allude to its duration, either actual or theoretical. Even in the secondary layer of Lev. 26.43–45, with its view that after the land has enjoyed its Sabbaths, and the people have served their time and have repented, the Lord will forgive and renew the covenant, there is no hint regarding the chronological terms of these expectations. Jeremiah’s prophecy, by contrast,
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