Leviticus 25:15

You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee; he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining.

Study Bible

You are to buy
The Hebrew root for "buy" is קָנָה (qanah), which implies acquiring or purchasing. In the context of Leviticus, this is not merely a commercial transaction but a covenantal act that respects God's laws and the community's well-being. The act of buying here is deeply tied to the concept of stewardship and responsibility, reminding believers that all possessions ultimately belong to God.

from your neighbor
The term "neighbor" in Hebrew is רֵעַ (rea), which can mean friend, companion, or fellow citizen. This emphasizes the communal and relational aspect of transactions. In ancient Israel, the community was tightly knit, and economic dealings were expected to reflect mutual respect and care, reinforcing the idea that one's neighbor is not just a business partner but a brother in faith.

based on the number of years since the Jubilee
The Jubilee, יוֹבֵל (yovel) in Hebrew, was a year of liberation and restoration occurring every 50 years. It was a time when land was returned to original owners and debts were forgiven. This phrase underscores the importance of the Jubilee as a divine reset, ensuring that economic disparities do not become permanent. It reflects God's desire for justice and equity, reminding believers of the temporal nature of earthly possessions.

he is to sell to you
The Hebrew verb מָכַר (makar) means to sell, and it carries the connotation of transferring ownership. In this context, selling is not just a financial transaction but an act that should be governed by fairness and integrity. The seller is reminded to consider the Jubilee cycle, ensuring that the price reflects the time remaining until the next Jubilee, thus preventing exploitation.

based on the number of remaining harvest years
This phrase highlights the agrarian basis of ancient Israelite society, where the economy was closely tied to the land and its produce. The "remaining harvest years" serve as a measure of value, linking the worth of the land to its productivity. This concept teaches believers about the importance of sustainability and the wise use of resources, as well as the need to trust in God's provision through the cycles of nature.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, specifically addressing their economic and social practices.

3. Jubilee Year
A significant event occurring every 50 years in Israel, where land was returned to original owners, and debts were forgiven, symbolizing freedom and restoration.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Jubilee
The Jubilee year was a time of economic reset, reflecting God's desire for justice and equality among His people. It reminds us of the importance of fairness and compassion in our financial dealings.

Economic Justice
The instruction to buy and sell based on the number of years since the Jubilee teaches us to consider fairness and integrity in our transactions. It challenges us to think about how we can practice economic justice in our own lives.

Trust in God's Provision
The Jubilee system required faith in God's provision, as it involved letting the land rest and trusting that God would provide. This encourages us to trust God in our financial decisions and to prioritize His principles over worldly gain.

Restoration and Forgiveness
The Jubilee symbolizes restoration and forgiveness, pointing us to the ultimate restoration found in Christ. It encourages us to seek reconciliation and to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Jubilee challenge our modern understanding of property and ownership?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of fairness and justice from Leviticus 25:15 in our daily financial transactions?

3. How does the Jubilee year reflect God's character and His desires for His people?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's provision in our financial decisions today?

5. How can the themes of restoration and forgiveness in the Jubilee inform our relationships with others, especially in areas of conflict or debt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25:10
This verse introduces the concept of the Jubilee, emphasizing liberty and restoration, which is foundational to understanding verse 15.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Discusses the release of debts every seven years, which parallels the economic reset seen in the Jubilee.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus references the Jubilee in His mission statement, highlighting themes of liberation and restoration.