Leviticus 25:8

And you shall count off seven Sabbaths of years--seven times seven years--so that the seven Sabbaths of years amount to forty-nine years.

Study Bible

And you shall count off
The phrase "count off" in Hebrew is "סָפַר" (safar), which means to count, recount, or number. This command to count is not merely a mathematical exercise but a spiritual discipline. It reflects the importance of intentionality and mindfulness in the observance of God's commands. Counting each year emphasizes the anticipation and preparation for the Jubilee, a time of restoration and freedom. This practice reminds believers of the importance of being deliberate in their walk with God, ensuring that they are aligned with His divine timing and purposes.

seven sabbaths of years
The concept of "seven sabbaths of years" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of time and rest. The number seven is significant in the Bible, symbolizing completion and perfection. The Sabbath year, occurring every seventh year, was a time of rest for the land and a test of faith for the Israelites, trusting God to provide. By multiplying this cycle by seven, the passage underscores the fullness of God's provision and the ultimate rest found in Him. It points to the eschatological hope of eternal rest and restoration in God's kingdom.

seven times seven years
This phrase reiterates the importance of the number seven and its multiples, emphasizing completeness and divine order. The repetition of "seven times seven" serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of God's creation and His covenant with Israel. It also foreshadows the ultimate redemption and liberation that comes through Christ, who fulfills the law and brings about a new creation. For believers, this is a call to live in the rhythm of God's grace, experiencing His rest and renewal.

so that the seven sabbaths of years
The purpose of counting these sabbaths is to lead to a significant moment in Israel's calendar—the Jubilee. This phrase highlights the intentionality behind God's commands, where each cycle of sabbaths builds upon the previous, culminating in a time of liberation and restoration. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption. For Christians, it is a picture of the ultimate freedom found in Christ, who sets captives free and restores what is broken.

amount to forty-nine years
The culmination of these cycles is the forty-nine years, leading to the fiftieth year, the Jubilee. This period represents a complete cycle of time, a fullness that anticipates a new beginning. The number forty-nine, being seven times seven, signifies a perfect completion, preparing the way for the Jubilee's newness. In the Christian context, it symbolizes the completeness of Christ's work on the cross and the new life believers have in Him. It is an invitation to live in the freedom and abundance of God's grace, looking forward to the ultimate Jubilee in His eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai, including the instructions for the Sabbatical and Jubilee years.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws of Leviticus were given. They were to observe these laws as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including the instructions for the Sabbatical year and the Jubilee.

4. Sabbatical Year
Every seventh year, the land was to rest, and debts were to be forgiven, symbolizing trust in God's provision.

5. Jubilee Year
Occurring every fiftieth year, following seven cycles of Sabbatical years, it was a time of liberation and restoration, where land was returned to original owners and slaves were freed.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Timing
The command to count seven sabbaths of years teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing and His provision for our needs.

Rest and Renewal
The Sabbatical and Jubilee years remind us of the importance of rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually, in our lives.

Freedom and Restoration
The Jubilee year symbolizes God's desire for freedom and restoration, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and liberation in our relationships and communities.

Obedience and Faith
Observing these laws required faith and obedience, teaching us to rely on God's promises and provision even when it challenges our understanding.

Social Justice and Equity
The principles of the Jubilee year promote social justice and equity, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the marginalized and oppressed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years challenge our modern understanding of work and rest?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of the Jubilee year to promote social justice and equity in our communities today?

3. How does the idea of counting time in sevens (Sabbath, Sabbatical, Jubilee) reflect God's design for creation and our lives?

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

5. How does Jesus' fulfillment of the Jubilee promise in Luke 4:18-19 impact our understanding of freedom and restoration in our spiritual lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:2-3
The concept of Sabbath rest originates from God's rest on the seventh day of creation, establishing a pattern of rest and renewal.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Provides additional details on the release of debts during the Sabbatical year, emphasizing God's provision and care for His people.

Isaiah 61:1-2
The proclamation of the year of the Lord's favor, which Jesus references in Luke 4:18-19, connects to the Jubilee's themes of liberation and restoration.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus declares the fulfillment of the Jubilee's promise of freedom and restoration, highlighting the spiritual significance of these laws.