Leviticus 25

The Sabbath Year (v.1–7)

Every seventh year, the land was to rest—no sowing, pruning, or harvesting for profit.

Whatever grew naturally was for food for everyone: owners, servants, strangers, and animals.

Teaches trust in God’s provision and that the land belongs to Him (v.23).

The Year of Jubilee (v.8–22)

Celebrated every 50th year, after seven Sabbath years (7 × 7 = 49).

A ram’s horn (jubel) was blown on the Day of Atonement.

Key features:

Liberty: Slaves were freed.

Land Restoration: Property returned to original families.

Debt relief and economic reset.

Acknowledges that God owns the land and the people—Israelites are His tenants.

Redemption of Property (v.23–34)

Land could not be sold permanently.

If someone became poor, a kinsman-redeemer could buy the land back.

If the person prospered later, they could redeem it themselves.

Special rules applied to Levites’ property: their houses could be redeemed and not permanently sold.

Compassion for the Poor (v.35–46)

Israelites were commanded to support the poor among them.

Charging interest was forbidden.

If an Israelite became a servant due to poverty, they were to be treated kindly and released at Jubilee.

Foreigners could be hired as servants, but Israelites were not to be treated harshly.

Redemption of Servants (v.47–55)

If an Israelite sold themselves to a foreigner, relatives had the right to redeem them.

If not redeemed earlier, they were to be freed in the Jubilee year.

Reaffirms: “They are My servants, whom I brought out of Egypt.”

Key Themes:
God owns everything – Land, people, time, and resources.

Rest and trust – The Sabbath and Jubilee years taught dependence on God, not endless labor or greed.

Mercy and equality – The system prevented generational poverty and slavery.

Redemption – God values restoration—both materially and spiritually.

Freedom – Jubilee points forward to ultimate spiritual freedom in Christ (Luke 4:18–19).

Application for Today:
Practice rest and trust – Build Sabbath rhythms into your life.

Be generous and compassionate – God’s heart is for the poor and vulnerable.

Live with open hands – You are a steward, not an owner.

Celebrate spiritual Jubilee – Christ is our Redeemer who sets us free.