Topical Encyclopedia The biblical principle of allowing the land to rest every seventh year, known as the Sabbatical Year or Shemitah, is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law, reflecting God's concern for the land, the people, and the community's social welfare. This practice is primarily outlined in the Torah, specifically in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Leviticus.Biblical Foundation The commandment for the land to rest is found in Exodus 23:10-11 : "For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat; and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove." This passage highlights the dual purpose of the Sabbatical Year: ecological and social. By allowing the land to lie fallow, the soil is rejuvenated, and the poor and needy are provided with sustenance. Leviticus 25:3-7 further elaborates on this command: "For six years you may sow your fields and prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard. You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. It shall be a year of complete rest for the land. Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year shall be food for you—for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, the hired hand or foreigner who stays with you, and for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. All its growth may serve as food." Theological Significance The Sabbatical Year underscores the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God, and humans are merely stewards of His creation. By resting the land, the Israelites acknowledged God's sovereignty and provision. This practice served as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God, reinforcing their faith and trust in His providence. Social and Economic Implications The Sabbatical Year had profound social implications, particularly for the poor and marginalized. By allowing the land to rest and leaving its produce for the needy, the law provided a safety net for those who were economically disadvantaged. This practice fostered a sense of community and responsibility among the Israelites, encouraging them to care for one another and ensuring that no one was left without sustenance. Historical Observance While the observance of the Sabbatical Year was mandated in the Mosaic Law, historical adherence varied. The prophets often rebuked Israel for neglecting this command, linking the failure to observe the Sabbatical Year with divine judgment and exile. For instance, 2 Chronicles 36:21 notes that the land enjoyed its Sabbaths during the Babylonian exile, fulfilling the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. Contemporary Relevance In modern times, the principle of the Sabbatical Year continues to hold relevance, particularly in discussions about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and social justice. The biblical mandate to rest the land and provide for the poor serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of caring for creation and ensuring the well-being of all members of society. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 23:11But the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie still; that the poor of your people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner you shall deal with your vineyard, and with your olive grove. Nave's Topical Index Library The Land and the People. Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ... The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude A Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin. A Discourse of Mercifulness From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ... Jesus at Bethesda. From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ... Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ... Resources What is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Why was Israel called the land of milk and honey? | GotQuestions.org Land: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Continents: General Scriptures Concerning Land: Appeared on the Third Creative Day Land: Conveyance of, by Written Deeds and Other Forms Land: Original Title To, from God Land: Sale and Redemption of, Laws Concerning Land: To Rest Every Seventh Year for the Benefit of the Poor People Land: Unmarried Woman's Rights In Related Terms |
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