This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for July 26
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

The Sabbath concept was introduced first in the book of Genesis after God created the world (2:2, 3). It became an integral part of life for the Israelites as they became a nation and was included in the Ten Commandments. The Sabbath concept includes more than observing one day in seven as a time of rest, however. Every seventh year was considered a sabbatical as well. This meant that the land was to be left untilled—no sowing or reaping. Whatever the land produced was considered food available to all—whether owner or servant, sojourner, or cattle (Leviticus 25:6, 7).

Along with this requirement came a promise from God: he would cause the land to yield all the people needed to eat that year, since he had ordered this observance (see vv. 18-22). This provision was similar to the time in the wilderness when he gave manna to the children of Israel on every day except the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22). He would send extra manna the day before. Today’s text takes us a step further in the Lord’s instructions.

Concept of Jubilee/Leviticus 25:8-12

God gave the land to his people. In a sabbatical year that land was to be given a “holy rest,” just as the people were to rest on the seventh day each week. In a period of 49 years, there would be seven sabbatical years.

Next Moses was given specific directions about what was to follow the 49^th(sabbatical) year. “Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere
. . . on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout the land” (v. 9). This marked the beginning of what became known as the Year of Jubilee. Every Israelite would normally experience one of these years during his lifetime. The Day of Atonement occurs in what we know as late September or early October. The trumpet used—the shophar—was the horn (qeren) of the ram. By abbreviation yobhel (ram), from which the word jubilee is derived, became synonymous with trumpet (see Exodus 19:13, 19).

The concept of Jubilee was designed to protect each family’s right to keep their own homestead. In addition, all personal debts were to be canceled. The land was to lie fallow for one additional year. What grew naturally in a field could be eaten and enjoyed by anyone—not just the family living on the property.

Return During Jubilee/Leviticus 25:13-17

The land belonged to the Lord. The Israelites were allowed to use it, but they were tenants, not owners. In the Year of Jubilee, the ownership of each piece of property reverted to the family to whom it had originally been given. In reality, a piece of property could not be sold, but leased. In addition, all slaves were set free at this time as well (25:39-41).

If an Israelite were to lease his land to another, the price must be carefully figured, taking into account how many crops the renter would receive before the land had to be returned to its original owner. The property’s value was based on the number of harvest seasons (vv. 16, 17).

Obedience to God/Leviticus 25:18-21

The Lord anticipates a possible objection in verse 20—“You may ask, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?’” God answers that he will provide such a bountiful crop in the sixth year that enough could be harvested to take care of the people for three years! Trusting God was a major lesson to be learned with the Year of Jubilee.

In times of “economic downturns,” some believers find it hard to give generously and proportionately to the Lord. They wonder, “How will we manage if we give a tithe of our income to the church?” The answer remains the same over the centuries—God will provide!

Redemption Promised/Leviticus 25:23, 24

The Year of Jubilee provided a fresh start for every Israelite family. If one had been sold into slavery, he was set free. If one’s land had been sold, it was returned to him. If one owed money to creditors, the slate was wiped clean. All of this reminded them that God’s people are simply aliens here on earth (v. 23). Christians need to be reminded of this fact as well (1 Peter 2:11).

Alfred E. Brumley wrote, This World Is Not My Home. We have been released from the bondage in which we have been held because of our sins. We are free at last! Christ came to give us liberty; any year can be our Year of Jubilee (see Isaiah 61:1-3)! |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.