Jeremiah 34:14

Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.

Study Bible

Every seventh year
This phrase refers to the sabbatical year, a concept rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically in Exodus 21:2 and Deuteronomy 15:12. The Hebrew word for "seventh" is "שְׁבִיעִי" (shevi'i), which signifies completion and rest, echoing the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day. The sabbatical year was a time of release and renewal, reflecting God's provision and mercy. It was a reminder to the Israelites of their dependence on God and His sovereignty over time and resources.

you must free
The command to "free" is derived from the Hebrew word "שָׁלַח" (shalach), meaning to send away or release. This directive underscores the importance of liberty and justice in God's covenant community. It reflects God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, serving as a perpetual reminder of His grace and the call to emulate His compassion by releasing those in bondage.

any fellow Hebrew
The term "fellow Hebrew" emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the Israelite society. The Hebrew word "עִבְרִי" (ivri) denotes a member of the Hebrew people, highlighting the shared identity and covenant relationship among the Israelites. This phrase calls for solidarity and mutual care within the community, recognizing each person as a brother or sister in faith.

who has sold himself to you
This phrase addresses the practice of indentured servitude, where an individual might sell themselves due to debt or poverty. The Hebrew word "מָכַר" (makar) means to sell, indicating a transaction that, while legal, was not meant to be permanent. This practice was regulated by the Law to ensure humane treatment and eventual freedom, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

When he has served you six years
The six-year period of service is a test of faithfulness and endurance, both for the servant and the master. The number six, represented by the Hebrew word "שֵׁשׁ" (shesh), often symbolizes human effort and labor. This timeframe allowed for the servant to work off their debt while also providing the master with labor, but it was always meant to culminate in liberation.

you must let him go free
The repetition of the command to "let him go free" reinforces the importance of liberation and the ethical obligation to honor God's law. The Hebrew word "חָפְשִׁי" (chofshi) means free or released, signifying a return to autonomy and dignity. This act of release is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan and His desire for His people to live in freedom and justice.

from your service
The phrase "from your service" indicates the end of the servant's obligation and the restoration of their independence. The Hebrew word "עֲבֹדָה" (avodah) means service or labor, and its cessation marks a new beginning for the freed individual. This release is a reflection of God's deliverance and a call to His people to practice mercy and justice in their relationships.

But your fathers did not listen
This phrase serves as a lament and a warning. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen, implying not just auditory reception but obedience and response. The failure of the ancestors to heed God's command highlights the recurring theme of disobedience and its consequences. It serves as a cautionary tale for future generations to learn from past mistakes and to align their actions with God's will.

or incline their ear
The expression "incline their ear" is a Hebrew idiom that conveys attentiveness and willingness to obey. The word "הִטָּה" (hittah) means to stretch out or extend, suggesting an active effort to understand and comply. This phrase underscores the importance of being receptive to God's voice and the necessity of aligning one's heart and actions with His commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Hebrews
The people of Israel, specifically those who were in servitude and were to be released in the seventh year.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied, and where the people were not following God's command regarding the release of Hebrew servants.

4. The Seventh Year
A sabbatical year, as commanded by God, for the release of Hebrew servants, reflecting God's provision and mercy.

5. The Ancestors
The forefathers of the people of Judah who failed to obey God's command regarding the release of servants.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The importance of adhering to God's laws, as they are designed for justice and mercy.

The Principle of Rest and Release
Understanding the sabbatical year as a time of rest and liberation, reflecting God's character and care for His people.

Historical Context and Relevance
Recognizing the historical disobedience of the Israelites and applying the lessons learned to our own lives.

Spiritual Freedom
Drawing parallels between physical release from servitude and spiritual freedom in Christ.

Community Responsibility
Emphasizing the role of the community in ensuring justice and mercy are practiced, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to release Hebrew servants every seventh year reflect God's character and His intentions for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of the sabbatical year in our modern context, both personally and communally?

3. What are some areas in our lives where we might be failing to "listen or incline our ear" to God's commands, similar to the ancestors mentioned in Jeremiah 34:14?

4. How does the concept of spiritual freedom in Christ relate to the physical release of servants in the Old Testament?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that we are practicing justice and mercy in our interactions with others, especially those who are vulnerable or oppressed?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:2
This verse provides the original commandment regarding the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, establishing the foundation for Jeremiah 34:14.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
Expands on the law of releasing servants, emphasizing the importance of remembering their own deliverance from Egypt as a motivation for obedience.

Leviticus 25:39-41
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, a time of liberation and restoration, which parallels the release of servants every seventh year.

Nehemiah 5:1-13
Illustrates a later instance where the people of Israel were reminded to release their fellow Hebrews from servitude, showing the ongoing struggle to obey this command.