Leviticus 25
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD. 3 For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. 4 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. 5 You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. The land must have a year of complete rest. 6 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, 7 and for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. All its growth may serve as food. 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. 9 Then you are to sound the horn far and wide on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement. You shall sound it throughout your land. 10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan. 11 The fiftieth year will be a Jubilee for you; you are not to sow the land or reap its aftergrowth or harvest the untended vines. 12 For it is a Jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You may eat only the crops taken directly from the field. 13 In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his own property. 14 If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of each other. 15 You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee; he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining. 16 You shall increase the price in proportion to a greater number of years, or decrease it in proportion to a lesser number of years; for he is selling you a given number of harvests. 17 Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. 18 You are to keep My statutes and carefully observe My judgments, so that you may dwell securely in the land. 19 Then the land will yield its fruit, so that you can eat your fill and dwell in safety in the land. 20 Now you may wonder, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow or gather our produce?’ 21 But I will send My blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that the land will yield a crop sufficient for three years. 22 While you are sowing in the eighth year, you will be eating from the previous harvest, until the ninth year’s harvest comes in. 23 The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me. 24 Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land. 25 If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold. 26 Or if a man has no one to redeem it for him, but he prospers and acquires enough to redeem his land, 27 he shall calculate the years since its sale, repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and return to his property. 28 But if he cannot obtain enough to repay him, what he sold will remain in possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. In the Jubilee, however, it is to be released, so that he may return to his property. 29 If a man sells a house in a walled city, he retains his right of redemption until a full year after its sale; during that year it may be redeemed. 30 If it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city is permanently transferred to its buyer and his descendants. It is not to be released in the Jubilee. 31 But houses in villages with no walls around them are to be considered as open fields. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee. 32 As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. 33 So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. 34 But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. 35 Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. 37 You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. 38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. 39 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. 40 Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. 42 Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves. 43 You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God. 44 Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. 45 You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. 46 You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. 47 If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, 48 he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: 49 either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. 50 He and his purchaser will then count the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale will be determined by the number of years, based on the daily wages of a hired hand. 51 If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price. 52 If only a few years remain until the Year of Jubilee, he is to calculate and pay his redemption according to his remaining years. 53 He shall be treated like a man hired from year to year, but a foreign owner must not rule over him harshly in your sight. 54 Even if he is not redeemed in any of these ways, he and his children shall be released in the Year of Jubilee. 55 For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Leviticus 25
- Themes from Leviticus 25
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Leviticus 25
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Leviticus 25 outlines the rules for the Sabbath year (Leviticus 25:1-7) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55), which were to be observed every seven years and every fifty years, respectively. The Sabbath year required the Israelites to let their land rest, trusting God for provision, while the Year of Jubilee involved the release of slaves, the return of property to its original owners, and a general resetting of societal and economic norms. These regulations aimed to prevent the accumulation of wealth and power, promote social justice, and remind the Israelites of their status as sojourners in the land, which ultimately belonged to God (Leviticus 25:23). The chapter also addresses the sale and redemption of property (Leviticus 25:23-28) and the treatment of poor Israelites (Leviticus 25:35-38), emphasizing the importance of caring for the vulnerable and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
Context for the Chapter
Leviticus 25 is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the priestly instructions for the Israelites. The chapter follows the regulations for the tabernacle and the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and rhythms. The themes of redemption and restoration in Leviticus 25 are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the creation account in Genesis 1-2, where God establishes the rhythms of work and rest, and the prophetic visions of a future redemption and restoration, where God will ultimately restore all things to their original state.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to live in accordance with God's rhythms and commands, trusting in His sovereignty and care for us. We are to prioritize our dependence on Him, care for the vulnerable, and uphold the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God. The regulations in Leviticus 25 serve as a reminder of the importance of living in community, prioritizing justice and mercy, and seeking to restore and redeem all things to God's original intent.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Leviticus 25 teaches us about God's sovereignty over time, property, and people. The Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee remind us to trust in God's provision and care for the poor. We are to live in accordance with God's rhythms and commands, prioritizing our dependence on Him and upholding the dignity of all people. As believers, we are called to live in community, prioritizing justice and mercy, and seeking to restore and redeem all things to God's original intent, as seen in Leviticus 25:23 and Leviticus 25:10.
Voices from the Church
“The Year of Jubilee is a beautiful picture of the gospel, where Jesus Christ proclaims release to the captives and restores all things to their original state.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee remind us of our dependence on God and our responsibility to live as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Sabbath Year (Leviticus 25:1-7) — The Israelites are commanded to let the land rest every seven years, trusting in God's provision and care for the poor.
- Introduction to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-24) — The Year of Jubilee is announced, where slaves are freed, property is returned to its original owners, and societal and economic norms are reset, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy.
- Regulations for the Sale and Redemption of Property (Leviticus 25:23-28) — The Israelites are instructed on how to buy and sell property, with an emphasis on the possibility of redemption and the importance of caring for the poor.
- Treatment of Poor Israelites (Leviticus 25:35-38) — The Israelites are commanded to care for the poor and the vulnerable, lending to them without interest and avoiding exploitation.
- Conclusion and Final Instructions (Leviticus 25:39-55) — The chapter concludes with a series of regulations and instructions, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and rhythms, and trusting in His sovereignty and care for His people.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- Leviticus 25 teaches us about God's sovereignty over time, property, and people, emphasizing His ownership of the land and His care for the poor.
- Redemption
- The chapter highlights the concept of redemption, where God buys back or restores something to its original state, reflecting His desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.
- Stewardship
- The regulations in Leviticus 25 emphasize the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, highlighting our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources.
- Social Justice
- The chapter demonstrates a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
Lessons from Leviticus 25
- Lesson 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty — Leviticus 25 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over time, property, and people, emphasizing His care for the poor and the vulnerable.
- Lesson 2: Living as Stewards — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, highlighting our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources.
- Lesson 3: Caring for the Poor — The regulations in Leviticus 25 demonstrate a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
- Lesson 4: Redemption and Restoration — The chapter highlights the concept of redemption, where God buys back or restores something to its original state, reflecting His desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.
- Lesson 5: Living in Community — Leviticus 25 teaches us about the importance of living in community, prioritizing justice and mercy, and seeking to restore and redeem all things to God's original intent.
Themes from Leviticus 25
- Theme 1: God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over time, property, and people, highlighting His care for the poor and the vulnerable.
- Theme 2: Redemption and Restoration — The regulations in Leviticus 25 highlight the concept of redemption, where God buys back or restores something to its original state, reflecting His desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.
- Theme 3: Stewardship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, highlighting our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources.
- Theme 4: Social Justice — The regulations in Leviticus 25 demonstrate a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
- Theme 5: Community — The chapter teaches us about the importance of living in community, prioritizing justice and mercy, and seeking to restore and redeem all things to God's original intent.
Questions for Meditation
- How does the concept of the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee challenge your understanding of time, work, and rest?
- What does the emphasis on caring for the poor and the vulnerable in Leviticus 25 teach us about God's heart for justice and mercy?
- How can you apply the principles of stewardship and redemption in your own life, trusting in God's sovereignty and care for you?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of community and living in accordance with God's rhythms and commands?
- How does the Year of Jubilee foreshadow the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of the gospel?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Sabbath Year (Leviticus 25:1-7)
| 25:1 | The Israelites are commanded to let the land rest every seven years, trusting in God's provision and care for the poor. |
| 25:2 | The Sabbath year is a time for the land to rest, and for the Israelites to trust in God's care for them. |
2. Introduction to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-24)
| 25:8 | The Year of Jubilee is announced, where slaves are freed, property is returned to its original owners, and societal and economic norms are reset, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy. |
| 25:10 | The Year of Jubilee is a time of release and restoration, where all things are returned to their original state, reflecting God's desire to restore His people to a right relationship with Him. |
3. Regulations for the Sale and Redemption of Property (Leviticus 25:23-28)
| 25:23 | The Israelites are instructed on how to buy and sell property, with an emphasis on the possibility of redemption and the importance of caring for the poor. |
| 25:24 | The regulations emphasize the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, highlighting our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. |
4. Treatment of Poor Israelites (Leviticus 25:35-38)
| 25:35 | The Israelites are commanded to care for the poor and the vulnerable, lending to them without interest and avoiding exploitation. |
| 25:36 | The regulations demonstrate a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God. |
5. Conclusion and Final Instructions (Leviticus 25:39-55)
| 25:39 | The chapter concludes with a series of regulations and instructions, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's commands and rhythms, and trusting in His sovereignty and care for His people. |
| 25:40 | The final instructions emphasize the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, highlighting our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee?
The Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee remind us to trust in God's provision and care for the poor, and to live in accordance with God's rhythms and commands, as seen in Leviticus 25:1-7 and Leviticus 25:8-24.
How does the concept of redemption in Leviticus 25 relate to the gospel?
The concept of redemption in Leviticus 25 foreshadows the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus Christ, where He releases humanity from the bondage of sin and restores people to a right relationship with God, as seen in Luke 4:18-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What does the chapter teach us about social justice?
The regulations in Leviticus 25 demonstrate a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God, as seen in Leviticus 25:35-38.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:1 → Exodus 23:10-11 | The concept of the Sabbath year is also mentioned in Exodus 23:10-11, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care for the poor. |
| 2 | Leviticus 25:8 → Isaiah 61:1-2 | The Year of Jubilee is also mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2, where it is connected to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the gospel. |
| 3 | Leviticus 25:10 → Luke 4:18-21 | The Year of Jubilee is also mentioned in Luke 4:18-21, where Jesus announces that He has come to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, a reference to the Year of Jubilee. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:23 → Psalm 24:1 | The concept of God's ownership of the land is also mentioned in Psalm 24:1, highlighting the importance of living as stewards of the earth and its resources. |
| 5 | Leviticus 25:35 → Deuteronomy 15:7-8 | The importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable is also emphasized in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, highlighting the need for social justice and compassion. |
| 6 | Leviticus 25:39 → Jeremiah 34:8-22 | The concept of release and restoration is also mentioned in Jeremiah 34:8-22, where it is connected to the theme of social justice and the need for repentance. |
| 7 | Leviticus 25:40 → Matthew 20:1-16 | The parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 also emphasizes the theme of social justice and the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable. |
| 8 | Leviticus 25:42 → Romans 8:14-17 | The concept of adoption and sonship is also mentioned in Romans 8:14-17, highlighting the importance of living as children of God and heirs of His kingdom. |
| 9 | Leviticus 25:50 → 1 Timothy 6:1-2 | The importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable is also emphasized in 1 Timothy 6:1-2, highlighting the need for social justice and compassion. |
| 10 | Leviticus 25:55 → Hebrews 12:22-24 | The concept of the heavenly Jerusalem and the city of God is also mentioned in Hebrews 12:22-24, highlighting the importance of living as citizens of heaven and ambassadors of God's kingdom. |
Sermons on Leviticus 25
| Sermon | Description | |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 3 by Keith Green | In the video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing plants and nature. He mentions that living in mansions and exceeding regular limits is not allowed, and encoura |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |
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3 Characteristics of God's House by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's Word as the foundation of the church, the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in believers' lives, and the need to reach out to others wi |
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The Divine Anointing - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the background of Jesus' first sermon and the significance of the year of Jubilee in Israel. He emphasizes that Jesus came to proclaim the go |
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An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T |
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(The Book of Ruth) 2. Boaz - the Kinsman by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus to redeem and forgive our failures. They emphasize that Jesus' power goes beyond just dealing with our guilt, but also ex |
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(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 2. Rebuildling the House of the Lord by Roy Hession | The video shown in the sermon was a documentary made by a television network in America, showcasing testimonies of people who had been reached by Jesus. The speaker was deeply move |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Redemption by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of bondage and freedom in the context of the grace of God. He references Galatians chapter 4 and Titus 2 verse 11 to emphasize t |
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Jubilee - Part 1 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on personal testimonies or experiences, but rather on the wonders of God. He highlights the need for a |
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Jubilee - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting back to the basics of faith and learning about God. He encourages the church to look forward, look up, and see God |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 25
In Leviticus 25, we find a beautiful picture of the gospel, where God proclaims release to the captives and restores all things to their original state. The Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee remind us to trust in God's provision and care for the poor, and to live in accordance with His rhythms and commands. The regulations in this chapter demonstrate a strong concern for social justice, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and the vulnerable, and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of living as stewards of the land, rather than as permanent owners, and of the need to trust in God's sovereignty and care for us. Ultimately, the Year of Jubilee foreshadows the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus Christ, where He releases humanity from the bondage of sin and restores people to a right relationship with God, as seen in Luke 4:18-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Sevens
The chapter is structured around the pattern of sevens, with the Sabbath year occurring every seven years and the Year of Jubilee every fifty years, highlighting the significance of this number in biblical theology and its connection to completion, perfection, and rest.
Emphasis on the Poor
The regulations in Leviticus 25 demonstrate a strong concern for the well-being of the poor and the vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of caring for those in need and upholding the dignity of all people as image-bearers of God.
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty over the land, the people, and the economy is emphasized, reminding the Israelites of their dependence on Him and their responsibility to live in accordance with His commands and rhythms.