Leviticus 25:6

Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year shall be food for you--for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, the hired hand or foreigner who stays with you,

Study Bible

But the Sabbath produce of the land
The term "Sabbath" here refers to the sabbatical year, a concept rooted in the Hebrew word "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), meaning rest or cessation. This year of rest for the land, occurring every seventh year, is a profound expression of trust in God's provision. Historically, this practice allowed the land to rejuvenate, reflecting God's wisdom in sustainable agriculture. Spiritually, it symbolizes a deeper rest in God's sovereignty, reminding believers that ultimate provision comes from Him, not human effort.

will be food for you
The phrase underscores God's promise of provision. The Hebrew word for "food" is "אָכְלָה" (oklah), which signifies sustenance and nourishment. In a broader biblical context, this provision is a testament to God's faithfulness. Even when the land lies fallow, God ensures His people are fed, teaching reliance on divine providence rather than human labor.

for yourself
This phrase emphasizes personal provision. The sabbatical year is not just a communal or agricultural practice but a personal experience of God's care. It invites individuals to trust in God's provision for their personal needs, reinforcing the relationship between the believer and the Creator.

your manservant and maidservant
The inclusion of servants highlights the egalitarian nature of God's provision. The Hebrew terms "עֶבֶד" (eved) for manservant and "שִׁפְחָה" (shifchah) for maidservant indicate those in servitude. In ancient Israel, these individuals were often economically vulnerable. God's command ensures they too partake in the blessings of the sabbatical year, reflecting His justice and compassion.

the hired hand or foreigner
This phrase extends God's provision to those outside the immediate family or community, including "שָׂכִיר" (sakhir), the hired worker, and "תוֹשָׁב" (toshav), the foreigner or sojourner. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these groups were often marginalized. By including them, God demonstrates His inclusive love and care for all humanity, foreshadowing the New Testament's message of salvation for all nations.

who stays with you
The phrase "who stays with you" implies a sense of community and belonging. The Hebrew root "גּוּר" (gur) suggests dwelling or residing. This inclusion signifies that those who live among God's people, regardless of their origin, are to be treated with dignity and provided for. It reflects the biblical principle of hospitality and the call to be a light to the nations, embodying God's love and justice in community life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai, including the instructions found in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, including the instructions for the Sabbath year.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the laws for the Israelites, including the instructions for the Sabbath year.

4. Sabbath Year
A year of rest for the land, occurring every seventh year, during which the land was to lie fallow, and the people were to rely on what the land naturally produced.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where these laws were to be observed.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
The Sabbath year required the Israelites to trust that God would provide for their needs without their usual agricultural efforts. This teaches us to rely on God's provision in our lives, even when we cannot see the immediate results of our labor.

Rest and Renewal
Just as the land needed rest, we too need periods of rest and renewal. This principle encourages us to incorporate regular rest into our lives, trusting that God will sustain us.

Care for the Community
The produce of the Sabbath year was for everyone, including servants, hired workers, and foreigners. This teaches us the importance of caring for our community and sharing our resources with those in need.

Stewardship of Creation
Allowing the land to rest demonstrates a respect for God's creation. We are called to be good stewards of the earth, ensuring its health and productivity for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Sabbath year challenge our modern understanding of work and rest?

2. In what ways can we practice trusting God for our daily needs, as the Israelites were called to do during the Sabbath year?

3. How can we apply the principle of community care found in Leviticus 25:6 to our current context?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate rest and renewal into our lives, following the example of the Sabbath year?

5. How does the principle of stewardship in the Sabbath year inform our responsibility towards the environment today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:10-11
This passage also discusses the Sabbath year, emphasizing the importance of allowing the land to rest and providing for the poor and animals.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
This passage connects to the concept of the Sabbath year by discussing the release of debts, highlighting the theme of rest and renewal.

Genesis 2:2-3
The concept of rest is rooted in the creation account, where God rested on the seventh day, establishing a pattern for the Sabbath.

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches about reliance on God for provision, which connects to the trust required during the Sabbath year when the Israelites were to depend on God's provision.