Leviticus 25:5

You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. The land must have a year of complete rest.

Study Bible

You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest
This command is part of the sabbatical year laws given to Israel, where every seventh year, the land was to rest. The "aftergrowth" refers to any crops that grow on their own from seeds that fell during the previous harvest. This practice emphasized reliance on God's provision rather than human effort. It also served as a reminder of God's ownership of the land (Leviticus 25:23) and the Israelites' role as stewards. The principle of rest and trust in God is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to rely on God's provision (Matthew 6:25-34).

or gather the grapes of your untended vines
The instruction to leave the grapes of untended vines underscores the importance of allowing the land to rest. In ancient Israel, vineyards were a significant source of sustenance and economic activity. By not tending the vines, the Israelites demonstrated obedience and trust in God's command. This practice also provided for the poor and the animals, as they were allowed to eat from what grew naturally (Exodus 23:11). The concept of leaving something for others is seen in the New Testament in the teachings of generosity and care for the needy (James 1:27).

The land must have a year of complete rest
The sabbatical year, or "Shmita," was a time of rest for the land, reflecting the Sabbath principle of rest for people. This rest was not only agricultural but also spiritual, as it was a time to focus on God and His provision. The idea of rest is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to the ultimate rest found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). The sabbatical year also foreshadows the Jubilee year, which occurred every 50th year, where liberty was proclaimed, and debts were forgiven (Leviticus 25:10), symbolizing the freedom and redemption found in Jesus.

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 chosen people of God to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, including the command for the Sabbath year.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites were to enter and where they were to observe the Sabbath year.

4. Sabbath Year (Shemitah)
A year of rest for the land every seventh year, as commanded by God, to allow the land to rejuvenate.

5. God
The ultimate authority and lawgiver who commands the observance of the Sabbath year as a sign of trust and obedience.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
The command to let the land rest every seventh year required the Israelites to trust that God would provide for their needs. This teaches us to rely on God's provision rather than our own efforts.

Stewardship of Creation
The Sabbath year reflects God's concern for the land and His creation. We are called to be good stewards of the environment, recognizing that the earth belongs to God.

Rest and Renewal
Just as the land needed rest, so do we. Observing regular times of rest and renewal is essential for our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were to obey God's commands even when it seemed counterintuitive. This challenges us to obey God's Word, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Community and Compassion
The Sabbath year provided for the poor and the animals, teaching us the importance of community care and compassion for those in need.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Sabbath year challenge our modern understanding of productivity and success?

2. In what ways can we practice trust in God's provision in our daily lives, especially when resources seem scarce?

3. How can we apply the principle of stewardship of creation in our personal and community practices today?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate rest and renewal into our weekly routines?

5. How does the command for the Sabbath year reflect God's heart for justice and compassion, and how can we embody these values in our interactions with others?

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 scripture expands on the concept of the Sabbath year, including the release of debts, highlighting the theme of liberation and trust in God's provision.

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 Sabbath observance.

Hebrews 4:9-10
This New Testament passage speaks of a spiritual rest for the people of God, drawing a parallel to the physical rest commanded in the Old Testament.