Exodus 23:10

KJV

¶ And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And six {H8337} years {H8141} thou shalt sow {H2232} thy land {H776}, and shalt gather {H622} in the fruits {H8393} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

"For six years, you are to sow your land with seed and gather in its harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce,

American Standard Version

And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the increase thereof:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:10 introduces the foundational agricultural rhythm for ancient Israel, commanding six years of diligent sowing and gathering of crops from their land. This seemingly simple instruction establishes the human responsibility in cultivation while simultaneously setting the stage for the divine principle of rest and provision embodied in the subsequent Sabbatical year, fostering a profound reliance on God's faithfulness rather than solely on human effort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a detailed collection of divine laws given to Moses at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Revelation at Mount Sinai") immediately following the Ten Commandments. These statutes provided the foundational legal and ethical framework for Israel as they transitioned from a nomadic, enslaved people to a settled nation governed directly by God. The laws in [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Mercy"), in particular, emphasize principles of justice, compassion, and ethical conduct towards neighbors, the vulnerable, and even animals, demonstrating God's holistic concern for a righteous society. The command to sow for six years is the precursor to the explicit instruction for the land to lie fallow in the seventh year (Exodus 23:11), highlighting a divinely ordained rhythm that mirrors the weekly Sabbath and extends it to the very land itself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society, where land was the primary source of sustenance, wealth, and identity. Their very survival depended on successful harvests. Unlike the surrounding pagan cultures that often exploited the land without regard for its long-term health, this law introduced a radical concept of sustainable agriculture rooted in divine command. The idea of a seven-year cycle, while having some parallels in ancient Near Eastern thought regarding periods of plenty and famine, was uniquely applied by Yahweh to enforce a spiritual principle of trust and stewardship. Having recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt, where they were forced laborers, these laws provided a new societal structure based on covenant relationship with God, where even their agricultural practices were to reflect their dependence on Him. This law implicitly challenged their reliance on their own strength and foresight, directing their faith towards the ultimate Provider, particularly as they prepared to enter and settle the [Promised Land](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:10 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the Book of the Covenant and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating that God, as the ultimate owner of the land and source of all sustenance, dictates the terms of its use. This naturally leads to the theme of **Human Stewardship**, highlighting Israel's responsibility to diligently work the land entrusted to them, but always within God's prescribed boundaries. Furthermore, it introduces the foundational principle of **Sabbath and Rest**, extending the rhythm of six days of labor followed by one day of rest (as seen in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) to an annual agricultural cycle, thus emphasizing the importance of cessation from labor and reliance on God's sustaining power. This also touches on **Social Justice**, as the subsequent verse (Exodus 23:11) reveals that the produce of the Sabbatical year was for the poor and wild animals, ensuring provision for all.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of scattering seed or planting. In the context of Exodus 23:10, it emphasizes the human effort, labor, and intentionality involved in cultivating the land. It speaks to the active engagement required to prepare the ground and deposit the seeds that will yield future sustenance, establishing a period of diligent productivity.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** Derived from a root likely meaning "to be firm," this term refers to the earth at large, or more specifically, a particular country or territory. Here, "thy land" refers to the specific territory God was granting to Israel. Its inclusion highlights the physical domain upon which the agricultural commands were to be exercised, underscoring the intimate connection between the people, their livelihood, and the divinely allocated inheritance.
* **gather (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This primitive root means to collect, harvest, or bring in for any purpose. In this verse, it refers to the culmination of the agricultural cycle – the ingathering of the produce. It signifies the expected outcome of the sowing, representing the blessing and provision that God grants through human labor. The phrase "gather in the fruits thereof" underscores the abundance and sustenance that would be enjoyed during the six years of active cultivation, providing a tangible reward for their diligent obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And six years thou shalt sow thy land":** This clause establishes a clear, divinely mandated duration for active agricultural work. It dictates a cycle of human labor and cultivation, emphasizing the responsibility of the Israelites to engage diligently with the land God had given them. The specificity of "six years" immediately sets up an expectation for a seventh, contrasting period, introducing a rhythmic pattern that would govern their agricultural life and foreshadowing the Sabbatical year.
* **"and shalt gather in the fruits thereof":** This part of the verse outlines the natural and expected outcome of the sowing – a successful harvest. It signifies the period of reaping the benefits of their labor, collecting the produce that sustains life. This phrase implies God's blessing upon their efforts, ensuring that their diligent work would yield sustenance, thereby reinforcing the covenantal promise of provision tied to obedience within this six-year cycle.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:10 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Numerical Symbolism**, specifically the use of "six years" which immediately evokes the pervasive seven-day week structure established in creation and the weekly Sabbath. This sets up an expectation for a contrasting "seventh" period, creating **Anticipation** for the Sabbatical year described in the very next verse (Exodus 23:11). The language is direct and declarative, characteristic of **Legal Language** found throughout the Book of the Covenant, underscoring the divine authority and mandatory nature of the command. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition**, as the active verbs "sow" and "gather" for six years inherently contrast with the implied rest and non-cultivation of the seventh, highlighting the rhythm of work and rest that God intends for His people and His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:10, though simple in its phrasing, lays the groundwork for profound theological principles concerning God's sovereignty, human stewardship, and the nature of divine provision. It establishes a rhythm of work and rest that extends the Sabbath principle beyond individuals to the very land itself, demonstrating God's concern for the well-being of creation and the spiritual discipline of His people. The command to sow for six years and gather the fruit implies a trust in God's blessing on their labor, while simultaneously preparing them for the radical act of faith required to let the land lie fallow in the seventh year, relying entirely on God for their sustenance. This law fundamentally teaches that the land is not Israel's absolute possession but God's, and they are merely stewards, called to manage it according to His divine wisdom and purposes.

* [Leviticus 25:3-4](/leviticus/25-3-4 "Leviticus 25:3-4 - The Command for the Sabbatical Year")
* [Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision During the Sabbatical Year")
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command to sow for six years and gather the fruits thereof, while rooted in an agrarian context, offers timeless principles for contemporary life. It first affirms the value of diligent labor and responsible engagement with the resources God has given us. We are called to be productive, to work hard, and to wisely manage our time, talents, and material possessions. However, this verse also implicitly sets the stage for the crucial principle of rest and reliance on God. Just as the land needed a Sabbath, so do our lives, our careers, and our pursuits. It challenges us to consider whether we are so consumed by continuous "sowing and gathering" that we neglect the necessary rhythms of rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal that God intends. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's provision, recognizing that our ultimate sustenance comes not solely from our own efforts, but from His abundant grace and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of working diligently for "six years" apply to your current work, studies, or responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of your life are you challenged to trust God's provision, particularly when you feel called to "rest" or step back from constant effort?**
* **How does this ancient law inform your understanding of responsible stewardship over the resources (time, finances, environment) God has entrusted to you today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Sabbatical year" or "Shemitah" mentioned in relation to this verse?**

Answer: The "Sabbatical year," known in Hebrew as *Shemitah* (שמיטה), meaning "release," is the seventh year in a seven-year agricultural cycle commanded by God to ancient Israel. While Exodus 23:10 commands six years of sowing and gathering, the very next verse, [Exodus 23:11](/exodus/23-11 "Exodus 23:11 - The Sabbatical Year for the Poor"), explicitly states that in the seventh year, the land was to lie fallow, uncultivated. This meant no sowing or pruning, and whatever grew of its own accord was to be left for the poor, the sojourner, and the wild animals. [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1-7 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year") provides more detailed instructions for its observance, emphasizing land rest, trust in God's provision, and social justice.

**Why was this law important for ancient Israel?**

Answer: This law was crucial for several reasons. Theologically, it reinforced God's ultimate ownership of the land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land")), reminding Israel that they were stewards, not absolute proprietors. Spiritually, it cultivated profound trust in God's provision, as they had to believe He would provide enough in the sixth year to sustain them through the seventh ([Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision During the Sabbatical Year")). Agriculturally, it promoted sustainable farming practices, allowing the soil to rest and regenerate, preventing depletion. Socially, it provided for the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that even in the year of fallow, there was food available for those who could not cultivate their own land ([Exodus 23:11](/exodus/23-11 "Exodus 23:11 - The Sabbatical Year for the Poor")).

**Is this law still relevant today, given modern agricultural practices?**

Answer: While the literal observance of the Sabbatical year as an agricultural law may not be directly applicable to all modern contexts, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. The law teaches the importance of **rest** (for land, for people, for systems), challenging the relentless pursuit of productivity. It underscores the necessity of **trust in God's provision** over human effort alone, encouraging us to release control and depend on Him in all areas of life (finances, career, personal well-being). Furthermore, it highlights the call to **responsible stewardship** of creation and resources, reminding us that we are caretakers of God's world, not its owners, and should manage it sustainably and for the benefit of all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:10, with its emphasis on a rhythm of work and rest culminating in divine provision, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Sabbatical principle, introduced here for the land, points to a deeper spiritual rest that only Christ can provide. He is the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find [rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"), a rest far surpassing any physical cessation from labor. Just as the land's rest in the seventh year demonstrated God's ability to provide supernaturally, Jesus continually demonstrated His power to provide abundantly, whether it was [feeding the five thousand](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand") or offering Himself as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies all spiritual hunger. He is the true and ultimate "harvest" from God, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing eternal sustenance. In Christ, the old covenant's shadows concerning land, rest, and provision give way to the glorious reality of a new covenant where believers are united with Him, the true vine, enabling them to [bear much fruit](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine") for God's glory, not through their own striving, but through abiding in Him. He is the Lord of the Sabbath, the one in whom all creation finds its purpose and its ultimate rest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 25:3

Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;

Leviticus 25:4

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.