Translations
Original
Notes
it is Mine: Israel did not own the land in an absolute way. Their right to live there depended on the covenant, because God himself gave them the land (Deuteronomy 1:8, 39). From this idea of God’s ownership comes the call to care for the land as stewards and to share material resources with others.
Just as seven days made a week ending in a Sabbath day, every seven years ended with a Sabbath year. After seven Sabbath years, or 49 years, came a special year called the Year of Jubilee. Like so many holy days, these times were meant for reflecting on Israel's shared identity and their relationship with God.
Every Israelite, both free and servant, had a place in God’s kingdom. So, those bound in servitude were set free during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:39–43). To reduce poverty and protect families, land sales were limited to fifty years. After that, the land returned to the original owner's family or clan.
The land belonged to God, and the Israelites were only "residents" (25:23). But it is unlikely that they actually used these laws. The best land ended up belonging to wealthy landowners (Isaiah 5:8–10; compare Amos 5:11).
Glossary
Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel Freedom, Liberty History of Israel Inheritance Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Ransom Sabbath
Topics
Agriculture or Farming was Promoted Amongst the Jews by The Rights of Redemption Agriculture: Laws Concerning Buying Land God: Love of, Exemplified Holy Land: All Inheritances In, Inalienable Jubilee: Laws Concerning Land: Original Title To, from God Land: Sale and Redemption of, Laws Concerning Our Environment Taking Care of the Earth The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Redemption of Sold Property The Land of Israel Titles and Names of Saints: Sojourners with God