Leviticus 25
-The twenty-fifth chapter deals with requirements for the
sabbatic year, the year of jubilee, slavery, and the rights of the poor for
redemption. God expected His people to comply fully when they entered their
Promised Land, but sadly from history we see little, or often no, evidence that
they fulfilled the laws presented here for letting the land rest. In fact, this
is one of the reasons that God took them temporarily from their land (2
Chronicles 36:19-21, Jeremiah 25:11). When God gives a command, He has every
right to judge the breaking of it. He promised to provide plenty (Leviticus
25:18-22). He disdained their lack of faith when they did not trust Him. Further,
God’s principle of not wronging one another and living in the fear of Him is
the key point of this passage (Leviticus 25:17).
-Moreover, redemption is an important theme as we weave our
way through this lengthy chapter. The land was not to be sold as permanent
concern, for the land was the LORD’s, and His people were simply sojourning on
earth with Him (Leviticus 25:23). The year of jubilee would revert all land
back to its original ownership within the tribes of Israel with the exception
of the clause of sale within a walled city (Leviticus 25:28-30). Levites were
also given permanent rights to redemption in their possession no matter what
the situation (Leviticus 25:32-34).
-Issues regarding the poor are covered in detail as the
chapter moves on. Usury was outlawed with fellow countrymen, which has served
the Jewish people well in their financial convictions (Leviticus 25:35-38). A
Jewish countryman was not allowed to be considered a slave, but was to be
regarded as a hired man, like a sojourner, until the year of jubilee. Then, he
was free to go back to his family and the property of his forefathers (Leviticus
25:39-42). Another key principle is outlined in verse 43, “You shall not rule
over him with severity, but are to revere your God.” Kindness was exemplified
by the LORD in His abiding commands. Males and females from pagan nations were
authorized to become slaves of the nation of Israel. They could even be passed
down through the generations to the sons as permanent possessions (Leviticus
25:44-46). Jewish people who became so poor that they sold themselves to
strangers, or sojourners, in the land were given special rights to redemption.
Any of the blood relatives could purchase them back if they were so able and
inclined. They could even redeem themselves if they prospered (Leviticus
25:47-49). Redemption price was to be calculated fairly and consistently with
freedom again coming in the year of jubilee. Once again the refraining from
severity in ruling over people is stressed along with the fact that the
children of God are His servants whom He brought out from the slavery in Egypt
(Leviticus 50-55).
-*Application* Not wronging one another and living in the
fear of the LORD is what we must meditate on today. Love is the antidote for
the restrictions and reasons for the Law. Jesus has overcome the Law and has
abolished its condemnation through His overriding grace and mercy. We have an obligation
to reverence and give complete awe to this One who made all things right and
reconciled the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus is our
redemption!
Verses to Memorize: Leviticus
25:4, 10, 17
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