Leviticus 25:6

And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee,

And the sabbath {H7676} of the land {H776} shall be meat {H402} for you; for thee, and for thy servant {H5650}, and for thy maid {H519}, and for thy hired servant {H7916}, and for thy stranger {H8453} that sojourneth {H1481} with thee,

But what the land produces during the year of Shabbat will be food for all of you - you, your servant, your maid, your employee, anyone living near you,

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,

And the sabbath of the land shall be for food for you; for thee, and for thy servant and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant and for thy stranger, who sojourn with thee.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 25:6

Leviticus 25:6 is part of a larger section (Leviticus 25) that details the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year (Shemitah) and the Year of Jubilee. God commanded the Israelites to let their land lie fallow every seventh year, neither sowing nor reaping. This radical command, first introduced in Exodus 23:10-11, was a test of faith and an act of worship. Verse 6 specifically addresses the practical question of how the people, their households, and even strangers would be sustained during this year of rest, assuring them that the natural produce of the land would suffice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision: The verse highlights God's unwavering promise to provide for His people, even when they cease from conventional labor. It assures them that the "sabbath of the land" will yield enough food for everyone, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who obey His commands. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle of God's care for His creation and His people.
  • Trust and Obedience: The command to let the land rest required immense faith from the Israelites, as it seemed counter-intuitive to their survival. Leviticus 25:6 serves as a reassurance, encouraging them to trust in God's ability to supernaturally provide during their obedience.
  • Social Equity and Inclusivity: A significant aspect of this verse is its emphasis on who benefits from the land's natural yield: "for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee." This demonstrates God's concern for the entire community, including the vulnerable, hired laborers, and resident aliens, ensuring that no one was left without sustenance. It reflects God's heart for justice and compassion for the marginalized.
  • Stewardship and Rest: Beyond provision, the Sabbatical Year also served as a reminder of God's ownership of the land (Leviticus 25:23) and the importance of rest, not just for people but for the earth itself. It promoted sustainable practices and prevented the exploitation of resources.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "meat" in this context (Hebrew: לְאָכְלָה, l'okhla) does not exclusively mean animal flesh, but rather "food" or "sustenance" in general. Here, it specifically refers to the natural produce that grows without cultivation during the Sabbatical year. The phrase "sabbath of the land" (שַׁבַּת הָאָרֶץ, Shabbat ha'aretz) literally means "rest of the land," emphasizing the cessation of agricultural labor and the land's time of replenishment.

Practical Application

Leviticus 25:6 offers timeless principles for contemporary life:

  • Cultivating Trust in God: In a world that often values ceaseless activity and self-reliance, this verse calls us to trust God's provision. It challenges us to step back, rest, and believe that God will sustain us even when we release control or cease striving, echoing Jesus' teaching on not worrying about daily needs in Matthew 6:25-34.
  • Generosity and Social Responsibility: The inclusive nature of the provision reminds us of our responsibility to share our resources and care for those around us, especially the vulnerable. It encourages a community-minded approach to wealth and provision, rather than purely individualistic accumulation.
  • Valuing Rest and Stewardship: The Sabbatical principle underscores the importance of rhythms of rest in our lives and for the resources we manage. It reminds us that rest is not idleness but a divinely ordained practice for renewal and a recognition that ultimate provision comes from God.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 4:34 (2 votes)

    Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

  • Acts 4:35 (2 votes)

    And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

  • Acts 4:32 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

  • Leviticus 25:20 (2 votes)

    And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase:

  • Acts 2:44 (2 votes)

    And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

  • Exodus 23:11 (2 votes)

    But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard.