Leviticus 26:34

Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths.

Study Bible

Then the land
The phrase "Then the land" refers to the physical territory of Israel, which holds significant theological and covenantal importance. In Hebrew, "land" is "eretz," a term that encompasses not just soil but the entire environment that God entrusted to the Israelites. The land is a divine gift, a tangible sign of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. It is a place meant to reflect God's order and holiness, and its treatment is a reflection of the people's relationship with God.

will enjoy its Sabbaths
The concept of the land enjoying its Sabbaths is rooted in the Hebrew word "Shabbat," meaning rest or cessation. This is a profound reminder of the Sabbath principle, which extends beyond human rest to the land itself. The Sabbatical year, or "Shmita," commanded in Leviticus 25, required the Israelites to let the land lie fallow every seventh year. This was an act of trust in God's provision and a recognition of His sovereignty over creation. The land's rest is a divine ordinance, emphasizing that all creation is subject to God's rhythm and order.

all the days of the desolation
The "days of the desolation" refer to the period when the Israelites would be exiled due to their disobedience. The Hebrew word for desolation, "shammah," conveys a sense of devastation and abandonment. This desolation is both a consequence of Israel's failure to keep God's commandments and a necessary period for the land to recover its ordained rest. Historically, this was fulfilled during the Babylonian exile, when the land lay desolate, fulfilling the Sabbaths it was denied.

while you are in the land of your enemies
This phrase highlights the consequence of Israel's disobedience—exile in foreign lands. The "land of your enemies" signifies not just physical displacement but spiritual and cultural alienation. In Hebrew, "enemies" is "oyev," which can also mean adversaries. This exile serves as a divine chastisement intended to bring the Israelites to repentance and restoration. It underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience.

then the land will rest
The repetition of the land resting emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath principle. The Hebrew word for rest, "nuach," implies a deep, restorative peace. This rest is not merely the absence of activity but a return to divine order and purpose. It reflects God's original intent for creation, where everything functions in harmony with His will. The land's rest during the exile serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of neglecting God's commands and the hope of eventual restoration.

and enjoy its Sabbaths
The enjoyment of Sabbaths by the land is a fulfillment of divine justice and mercy. The Hebrew word for enjoy, "ratsah," conveys a sense of satisfaction and acceptance. This enjoyment is both a rectification of past neglect and a prophetic sign of future restoration. It points to a time when God's people will fully embrace His commandments, leading to a harmonious relationship with the land and with God Himself. This serves as an inspirational call for believers to honor God's creation and His ordained times of rest, trusting in His provision and sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are being addressed in this passage. They are warned about the consequences of disobedience.

2. The Land of Israel
The Promised Land given to the Israelites, which is central to God's covenant with them. It is to observe the Sabbath rest.

3. The Land of Enemies
Represents the foreign lands where the Israelites would be exiled due to their disobedience.

4. Sabbath Rest
A divinely instituted period of rest for the land, reflecting God's creation pattern and covenantal law.

5. Exile
The event of being removed from the land, serving as a consequence for the Israelites' failure to observe God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
God's commands are not arbitrary; they are designed for the well-being of His people and His creation.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's laws leads to inevitable consequences, as seen in the exile of the Israelites.

God's Sovereignty Over the Land
The land belongs to God, and He determines its use and rest. This teaches stewardship and respect for creation.

Rest as a Divine Principle
The Sabbath rest is a principle that extends beyond human rest to include the land, emphasizing the need for balance and renewal.

Hope in Restoration
Even in judgment, there is hope for restoration. The land's rest during exile points to God's ultimate plan for renewal and redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of Sabbath rest for the land challenge our modern understanding of environmental stewardship?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of rest in our personal lives, families, and communities?

3. How does the exile of the Israelites serve as a warning and a lesson for contemporary believers?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives?

5. How does the promise of spiritual rest in Hebrews 4:9-10 encourage us in our walk with Christ, especially in times of personal "exile" or hardship?

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 for both people and the land.

Exodus 23:10-11
Instructions for the Sabbath year, where the land is to rest every seventh year, highlighting the importance of rest and renewal.

2 Chronicles 36:20-21
The fulfillment of this prophecy during the Babylonian exile, where the land finally enjoys its Sabbaths.

Jeremiah 25:11-12
The prophecy of the seventy-year exile, which correlates with the land's rest.

Hebrews 4:9-10
The spiritual rest that believers enter through faith in Christ, paralleling the physical rest of the land.