Leviticus 25:2

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When ye come {H935} into the land {H776} which I give {H5414} you, then shall the land {H776} keep {H7673} a sabbath {H7676} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'When you enter the land I am giving you, the land itself is to observe a Shabbat rest for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:2 introduces the foundational divine command for the Sabbatical Year, instructing the Israelites that upon their entry into the Promised Land, the land itself was to observe a sacred sabbath rest unto the Lord every seventh year. This pivotal verse establishes God's ultimate ownership of the land, defines His people's role as stewards, and articulates the profound theological principle that even creation requires a period of cessation and renewal, fostering radical dependence on divine provision rather than human toil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 25 opens with God speaking directly to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of these laws. This chapter, which details the Sabbatical Year and the Jubilee Year, follows a significant section of laws concerning holiness, particularly regulations for priests, sacrifices, and festivals found in [Leviticus 17-24](/leviticus/17 "Leviticus 17-24 - Laws of Holiness"). It immediately precedes the blessings and curses associated with covenant obedience or disobedience in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and the concluding regulations on vows and tithes in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Vows and Tithes"). Within chapter 25 itself, verse 2 serves as the overarching introduction to the Sabbatical Year (verses 2-7) and the Jubilee Year (verses 8-55), establishing the fundamental principle of land rest before delving into the specific regulations, provisions, and profound social and economic implications of these unique agricultural and social cycles. The entire chapter underscores Israel's identity as God's redeemed people living in God's land under God's sovereign laws.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Leviticus 25:2 was given to the Israelites while they were still encamped in the wilderness, prior to their conquest and settlement of Canaan. This forward-looking instruction prepared them for life in an agrarian society, a stark contrast to their nomadic existence. The concept of "sabbath" was already deeply ingrained in Israelite consciousness through the weekly Sabbath day, a foundational command given at Sinai and reiterated in the [Decalogue](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), specifically [Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day"). This weekly rest commemorated God's creative work and His own rest on the seventh day, as detailed in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). Extending this principle of rest to the land itself was revolutionary in the ancient Near East, where land was typically exploited for maximum yield without regard for long-term sustainability. This law demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the natural cycles of the earth, and challenged the Israelites to trust in His provision rather than solely relying on their own agricultural efforts, setting them apart from surrounding cultures.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, particularly over the land, which is repeatedly emphasized as "the land which I give you" and later in [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land is Mine"). This undergirds Israel's identity as tenants, not ultimate proprietors. The theme of **Rest and Renewal** is central, extending the weekly Sabbath principle to a broader ecological and economic scope, promoting sustainability and acknowledging the inherent rhythms of creation. Furthermore, the command fosters a profound theme of **Radical Dependence on God's Provision**, demanding that Israel trust Yahweh to sustain them even without a year's harvest, as seen in the promise of abundant yield in the sixth year ([Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision")). Finally, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as this unique practice distinguished Israel from surrounding nations, reflecting their covenantal relationship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to arrange" but is figuratively used to mean "to speak." In this context, it emphasizes the divine origin of the command; God is arranging and articulating His will to Israel through Moses. It underscores the authoritative and intentional nature of the instruction, not merely a suggestion but a direct pronouncement from the sovereign Lord to His covenant people.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," this term refers to the earth at large or, more specifically here, a particular land or country. In Leviticus 25:2, it denotes the Promised Land, Canaan, which God was graciously bestowing upon Israel as an inheritance. The repeated emphasis on "the land which I give you" highlights God's ultimate ownership and Israel's status as His tenants or stewards, rather than absolute proprietors. It is not merely a geographical location but a covenantal gift, central to Israel's identity and their relationship with Yahweh.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** An intensive form of the verb "to cease" or "to rest," this noun specifically denotes "intermission" or "the Sabbath." Here, it signifies a sacred cessation of agricultural labor. This is not merely a practical farming technique for soil regeneration but a divinely commanded rest, elevating the agricultural practice to an act of worship and obedience. The phrase "keep a sabbath unto the LORD" explicitly links this land rest to Yahweh's dominion over time, creation, and human activity, serving as a tangible expression of trust in His ability to sustain His people even without their continuous toil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and specific audience for the command. It signifies a direct revelation from God, communicated through Moses, intended for the entire community of Israel. This underscores the communal and covenantal nature of the law, indicating that its observance is a matter for the whole nation, not just individuals.
* **"When ye come into the land which I give you,":** This clause sets the temporal and geographical condition for the command's implementation. It is a forward-looking instruction, anticipating Israel's entry into and settlement of Canaan. The possessive "which I give you" powerfully reiterates God's gracious provision and His sovereign ownership of the land, reminding Israel that their future possession is a gift, not an entitlement earned by their own strength or merit.
* **"then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD.":** This is the core command, articulating the essence of the Sabbatical Year. The **personification** of the land "keeping" a sabbath emphasizes its active participation in this divine ordinance. The land itself, as part of God's creation, is called to a sacred rest, mirroring the weekly human Sabbath. The phrase "unto the LORD" underscores the sacred purpose and ultimate recipient of this rest—it is an act of worship, homage, and recognition of God's supreme dominion over all creation and human endeavors, expressing profound trust in His provision.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:2 employs several key literary devices that amplify its theological weight and communicate its profound significance. **Personification** is prominently featured in the phrase "the land keep a sabbath," attributing an active, volitional quality to the land itself. This device elevates the land's role beyond mere inanimate property, integrating it into the covenantal relationship between God and Israel and highlighting its sacred participation in the divine economy. The verse also utilizes **Covenantal Language**, particularly in "the land which I give you," echoing the foundational promises made to Abraham regarding the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). This phrase seamlessly links the specific instruction to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and His enduring covenant with Israel. Furthermore, there is a clear **Echo** or **Allusion** to the weekly Sabbath command (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), extending the principle of rest from human activity and time to the very agricultural cycle of the earth. This thematic repetition reinforces the sanctity of rest and God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of life and creation, establishing a consistent divine pattern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:2 introduces the profound theological principle of God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all creation, particularly the land He graciously bestows upon His people. The Sabbatical Year was a tangible expression of Israel's radical dependence on Yahweh, challenging them to trust implicitly in His provision rather than relying solely on their own labor or the land's immediate yield. It underscored the importance of rest, not just for humans, but for the very earth, promoting sustainability, recognizing the inherent value and cycles within creation as divinely ordained, and fostering a deep sense of stewardship. This command fostered a radical faith, demanding that Israel prioritize obedience and worship over immediate economic gain, thereby cultivating a deeper relationship of trust with their faithful Provider.

* [Exodus 23:10-11](/exodus/23-10-11 "Exodus 23:10-11 - The Sabbatical Year Command")
* [Deuteronomy 15:1-11](/deuteronomy/15-1-11 "Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - The Sabbatical Year and Release of Debts")
* [2 Chronicles 36:21](/2_chronicles/36-21 "2 Chronicles 36:21 - Fulfillment of Sabbatical Years")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:2, while a specific command for ancient Israel, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, calling us to reflect deeply on our relationship with creation, our work, and our trust in God. In a world driven by relentless productivity, consumption, and the relentless pursuit of more, the concept of giving the land rest challenges us to consider sustainable practices and to recognize that we are stewards, not ultimate owners, of the resources entrusted to us. More profoundly, it invites us to cultivate a radical dependence on God's provision, rather than our own efforts and anxieties. Do we truly believe God can sustain us even when we "rest" from our striving, when we step back from the incessant demands of modern life? This verse encourages us to build rhythms of rest—personally, professionally, and even environmentally—as acts of worship and faith, trusting that God's faithfulness will always exceed our anxieties. It reminds us that true security is found not in accumulation or ceaseless toil, but in surrender to divine sovereignty and the generous hand of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the land "keeping a sabbath" challenge my modern understanding of productivity, resource management, and economic growth?**
* **In what areas of my life (financial, professional, relational, personal health) am I called to "rest" and trust God's provision, rather than striving in my own strength or succumbing to anxiety?**
* **What practical steps can I take to honor God's ownership of resources and practice better stewardship of both the physical creation and the time He has given me in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Sabbatical Year for the land?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Sabbatical Year for the land was multifaceted: to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership of the land ("the land which I give you"), to provide a period of rest and renewal for the soil, and to teach the Israelites radical dependence on God's provision. It was also intended to be a tangible act of worship, demonstrating their obedience and trust in Yahweh's ability to sustain them even without a year's harvest, as further detailed in God's promise of provision in [Leviticus 25:20-22](/leviticus/25-20-22 "Leviticus 25:20-22 - God's Promise of Provision").

**How does the Sabbatical Year relate to the weekly Sabbath?**

Answer: The Sabbatical Year extends the principle of the weekly Sabbath from personal rest and cessation of labor to the agricultural cycle of the land itself. Just as the weekly Sabbath (commanded in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) was a reminder of God's rest after creation and His provision, the Sabbatical Year applied this same concept of sacred rest and trust in divine provision to the very earth that sustained them. Both were profound expressions of worship and obedience, recognizing God's sovereignty over time, human activity, and all of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:2, with its emphasis on the land keeping a sabbath unto the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the literal observance of the Sabbatical Year was part of the Old Covenant law, its underlying principles of divine ownership, sacred rest, and radical dependence on God point forward to the Lordship of Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), signifying His ultimate authority over all forms of rest and cessation, and indeed over all creation. In Him, believers find true spiritual rest from the futile striving of human works and the heavy burden of sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The land's rest foreshadows the new creation and the ultimate, eternal rest that awaits God's people in Christ, where all things are made new and perfectly restored ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Furthermore, the Sabbatical Year's provision for the poor and the land's wild produce, freely available, finds its ultimate expression in Christ's abundant grace and His invitation to freely partake of the spiritual sustenance He offers, without human toil or merit ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the ultimate "land" that provides eternal sustenance and rest for all who trust in Him, ushering in an era where the Spirit of God brings true rest to our souls, even as we labor in His kingdom ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Leviticus 26:34

Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

Leviticus 26:35

As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Exodus 23:10

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

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Leviticus 23:32

It [shall be] unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth [day] of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

Deuteronomy 32:49

Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: