Leviticus 25 extends the cycle of rest in relation to Sabbath, to the land of Israel. The ordinary Sabbath occurred at the end of every seven days (Lev 23:3). Leviticus 25 introduces the Sabbatical Year at the end of every seven years (vv. 1-7) and the Year of Jubilee at the end of seven times seven years (vv. 8-55). The focus of all the Sabbath events is rest.

 Like the ordinary Sabbath (23:3) and the Day of Atonement (23:32), the Sabbatical Year is designated a shabbat shabbaton (sabbath of complete rest). Since the Year of Jubilee began on the Day of Atonement (25:9), it too begins on a day designated a shabbat shabbaton (sabbath of complete rest). In the case of the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee, rest occurred particularly for the land of Israel. Nevertheless, the cessation of plowing, sowing, pruning, reaping, and gathering would certainly add opportunity for rest for the people during those years.

The “rest” associated with the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee served to teach ancient Israel to trust, and depend on, the Lord, as well as develop a strong sense of community and sharing. The people had to depend on what God caused to grow naturally from the earth during the Sabbatical Year in which no sowing or reaping took place (25:6). This was amplified in the Year of Jubilee (25:11). The Year of Jubilee was to take place every 50^th year (25:10; the year following seven times seven years). That means it followed a Sabbatical Year (the 49^th year; a multiple of seven).

As a result, there would be two years in a row in which no reaping or sowing took place. The people would not have a harvest until the crop planted at the end of the second year could be reaped in the third year. The Lord promised to bless the crop of the 6^th year so that there would be enough to last for three years (25:20-22). During this time of dependence on God, the people would have to share what the Lord provided and enrich their community life.

The instructions for the Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee provide us with important reflections for the Lenten season. As we rest from our normal hectic routines, let us awaken our dependence on God and consider ways to enrich our community life.

Author: Dr. Thomas J. King

Other Lenten readings for today:

• Psalm 53
• Revelation 19:9-10