Leviticus 25:20

Leviticus 25:20 captures a very human question posed by the ancient Israelites regarding the observance of the Sabbatical Year, known in Hebrew as the Shemitah. After receiving the divine command to let the land lie fallow every seventh year, the people naturally wondered, "What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:" This verse encapsulates their immediate concern about practical sustenance when following a seemingly counter-intuitive divine directive.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 25, which outlines the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. God commanded Israel to observe a Sabbath rest for the land every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4). During this year, they were not to sow their fields or prune their vineyards, relying instead on what the land produced spontaneously. The question in verse 20 reveals the Israelites' anxiety about how they would survive without their usual agricultural labor. This concern highlights a tension between human logic and divine command, setting the stage for God's powerful assurance of provision.

Key Themes

• Faith and Trust in God's Provision: The underlying theme is God challenging His people to trust Him completely. Their question, "What shall we eat?", directly prompts God's promise to supernaturally provide for their needs, demonstrating His faithfulness (Leviticus 25:21-22).
• Obedience to Divine Law: The Sabbatical Year was a divine commandment, not an option. This verse underscores the potential human struggle with obedience when it seems to contradict practical necessities.
• Dependence on God, Not Self-Reliance: The law of the Sabbatical Year was designed to teach Israel that their sustenance came from God, not solely from their own efforts. It was a yearly reminder of their covenant relationship and God's sovereignty over creation.
• Cycles of Rest and Renewal: Beyond human provision, the law also ensured rest for the land, preventing exhaustion and promoting long-term fertility. It was a holistic concept of rest for both people and creation, reflecting God's own pattern of creation and rest (Genesis 2:2).

Linguistic Insights

The term "increase" (Hebrew: tevu'ah) refers to the produce or yield of the land. The directness of the question, "What shall we eat?", reflects a very practical and immediate concern. The entire concept revolves around the Shemitah, the "release" or "sabbatical" year, emphasizing a deliberate cessation of human agricultural activity in obedience to God.

Practical Application

Leviticus 25:20 resonates deeply in modern life, reminding us that God often calls us to steps of faith that defy human logic. When we face situations where obedience to God's principles seems to threaten our security or comfort, this verse prompts us to remember:

• Trust Over Anxiety: Like the Israelites, we often worry about "what we shall eat" (or how we will pay bills, find work, etc.) when called to prioritize spiritual principles or take a step of faith. This passage encourages us to surrender our anxieties to God, knowing He is our provider.
• God's Faithfulness: God's response to this concern in the subsequent verses assures us that He is faithful to those who obey Him. He promises to provide supernaturally when we follow His commands, even when it seems impossible. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek God's kingdom first.
• Rest and Renewal: In a culture that often values constant productivity, the Sabbatical Year concept challenges us to embrace cycles of rest, trusting that God will sustain us even when we "cease from our labors." It's a powerful lesson in God supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory.

Ultimately, Leviticus 25:20 serves as a timeless reminder that true security comes not from our own efforts or resources, but from unwavering faith and obedience to a faithful God who delights in providing for His people.