Leviticus 25:18-34

Consideration for the Poor

Leviticus 25:18

It was good for the land to lie fallow for one year in seven; and it was a wise provision that it should not be sold in perpetuity. This enactment prevented the stamping out of the small land owners, and the accumulation of the land in the hands of a few wealthy families. Though a man might be compelled by stress of circumstances to sell his little farm to a wealthy creditor, when the fiftieth year came around it returned to his possession and there was no further claim on the part of the creditor against him and his estate.

With what joy must debtors and bondservants have heard the notes of the trumpet ring out. For us, the lesson is that our Lord has proclaimed “the acceptable year of the Lord.” All that we lost in Adam is restored to us in the redemption; that is, in Christ Jesus. Nay, we have greatly gained! Where sin abounded, grace has super abounded. For innocence, we have purity; for a garden, a city; for the evening fellowship with God, the knowledge that we are sons and heirs.