Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, agriculture and farming were central to the livelihood and sustenance of the people of Israel. The land was not only a source of food and economic stability but also held spiritual significance as a divine gift from God. The Bible contains specific enactments to protect the integrity of land ownership and to ensure that the fields of another were respected and not coveted.
The commandment against coveting is found in the Decalogue, where God instructs His people: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (
Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and respect for the property and possessions of others, including their fields and agricultural produce.
The prohibition against coveting is further emphasized in
Deuteronomy 5:21 , which reiterates the commandment with a focus on the heart's intentions: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This highlights the moral and ethical responsibility to guard one's heart against envy and greed, which can lead to unjust actions and societal discord.
The biblical narrative also includes specific laws to protect land ownership and prevent the exploitation of the vulnerable. For instance, the Year of Jubilee, as described in
Leviticus 25, was a time when land was to be returned to its original owners, ensuring that families could reclaim their ancestral inheritance. This law served as a safeguard against the permanent loss of land due to economic hardship, emphasizing the principle that the land ultimately belongs to God and is to be stewarded according to His commandments.
Moreover, the account of Naboth's vineyard in
1 Kings 21 illustrates the severe consequences of coveting another's land. King Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard and, upon being refused, allowed his wife Jezebel to orchestrate Naboth's unjust execution to seize the property. This act of covetousness and injustice was met with divine judgment, as the prophet Elijah pronounced God's condemnation upon Ahab and his household.
The biblical injunctions against coveting and the legal provisions for land protection reflect a broader theological understanding of justice, stewardship, and community harmony. The land was seen as a divine trust, and its equitable distribution and use were vital for maintaining social order and reflecting God's righteousness among His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 5:21Neither shall you desire your neighbor's wife, neither shall you covet your neighbor's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is your neighbor's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Who was Tammuz? | GotQuestions.orgIs Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.orgAgriculture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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