Keraia
Leviticus 25

Leviticus 25:38

Redemption of the Poor · Leviticus 25:35–38
Read Leviticus 25

Translations

Modern
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
Traditional
I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.
Literal
I am YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give to you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
Latin
Ego Dominus Deus vester, qui eduxi vos de terra Ægypti, ut darem vobis terram Chanaan, et essem vester Deus.

Original

Hebrew
English
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

Notes

Leviticus 25:38

The mention of the land of Egypt reminded the Israelites that they were once slaves. They needed to help the poor among them because of God's covenant with them. Compare Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:6, where God begins his covenant with them.

Leviticus 25:1–55

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).

Places

Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Brother Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Neighbor Ransom Sabbath

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Debtor: Laws Concerning God: Love of, Exemplified Jubilee: Laws Concerning Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Strangers: Kindness to the Poor of, Required