Now you may wonder, 'What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow or gather our produce?' Now you may wonder,This phrase introduces a common human concern about future provision. It reflects the natural tendency to worry about sustenance and survival, especially when faced with a command that seems to contradict practical experience. This concern is addressed by God, who anticipates the Israelites' questions and doubts, demonstrating His understanding of human nature. Mat 6:31-33 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’… ‘What will we eat in the seventh year The seventh year refers to the Sabbath year, a time when the Israelites were commanded to let the land rest and not sow or reap. This command is part of the larger Sabbatical cycle, which includes the weekly Sabbath and the Jubilee year. The Sabbath year is a test of faith, requiring trust in God's provision. Historically, this practice set Israel apart from surrounding nations, emphasizing reliance on God rather than human effort. Exo 16:4-5 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread… if we do not sow or gather our produce?’ Sowing and gathering are fundamental agricultural activities necessary for survival. The question highlights the tension between obedience to God's command and the practical need for food. This situation is reminiscent of the Israelites' experience in the wilderness, where they had to trust God for manna. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him for provision (Matthew 6:31-33). The Sabbath year serves as a type of Christ, who provides rest and sustenance for His people, inviting them to trust in His sufficiency. Exo 23:10-11 For six years you are to sow your land and gather… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus. 2. Israelites The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, living in the Promised Land. 3. Sabbath Year A year of rest for the land, occurring every seventh year, where the Israelites were commanded not to sow or reap. 4. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. God The divine lawgiver who provided these instructions to ensure trust and reliance on His provision. Teaching Points Trust in God's ProvisionThe command to observe the Sabbath Year challenges believers to trust in God's provision, even when it seems counterintuitive. Faith Over Fear The Israelites' question reflects a natural human concern, but God calls us to replace fear with faith in His promises. Obedience and Dependence Observing the Sabbath Year required obedience and a dependence on God, teaching us the importance of aligning our actions with His commands. Spiritual Rest The Sabbath Year is a foreshadowing of the spiritual rest we find in Christ, encouraging us to cease striving and rest in His finished work. Community and Sharing The Sabbath Year also encouraged community reliance and sharing, as the land's produce was available to all, teaching us about generosity and communal support. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the Sabbath Year challenge our modern understanding of work and rest?2. In what ways can we practice trusting God for our needs in today's world, similar to the Israelites during the Sabbath Year? 3. How does the principle of resting in God's provision apply to our spiritual lives and relationship with Christ? 4. What are some practical ways we can support and share with our community, reflecting the communal aspect of the Sabbath Year? 5. How can we overcome fear and anxiety about the future by applying the lessons from Leviticus 25:20 and related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 16The provision of manna in the wilderness demonstrates God's ability to provide for His people when they rest and trust in Him. Matthew 6 Jesus teaches about not worrying about what to eat or drink, emphasizing trust in God's provision. Hebrews 4 Discusses the concept of rest, drawing parallels between the Sabbath rest and the spiritual rest found in Christ. People Israelites, Levites, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Mount SinaiTopics Behold, Crop, Crops, Eat, Gather, Harvest, Increase, Plant, Produce, Seed, Seventh, SowDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 25:18-22Library Sojourners with God'The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.' --LEV. xxv. 23. The singular institution of the Jubilee year had more than one purpose. As a social and economical arrangement it tended to prevent the extremes of wealth and poverty. Every fiftieth year the land was to revert to its original owners, the lineal descendants of those who had 'come in with the conqueror,' Joshua. Debts were to be remitted, slaves emancipated, and so the mountains … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture God's Slaves The Kinsman Redeemer Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303. The Kinsman-Redeemer The Day of Atonement Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren. Commerce "And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn," The Eighth Commandment Baptism Leviticus Links Leviticus 25:20 NIVLeviticus 25:20 NLT Leviticus 25:20 ESV Leviticus 25:20 NASB Leviticus 25:20 KJV Leviticus 25:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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