* The sabbath of rest for the land in the seventh year. (1-7) The
jubilee of the fiftieth year, Oppression forbidden. (8-22) Redemption
of the land and houses. (23-34) Compassion towards the poor. (35-38)
Laws respecting bondmen, Oppression forbidden. (39-55)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-7 All labour was to cease in the seventh year, as much as daily
labour on the seventh day. These statues tell us to beware of
covetousness, for a man's life consists not in the abundance of his
possessions. We are to exercise willing dependence on God's providence
for our support; to consider ours... [ Continue Reading ]
8-22 The word "jubilee" signifies a peculiarly animated sound of the
silver trumpets. This sound was to be made on the evening of the great
day of atonement; for the proclamation of gospel liberty and salvation
results from the sacrifice of the Redeemer. It was provided that the
lands should not be... [ Continue Reading ]
23-34 If the land were not redeemed before the year of jubilee, it
then returned to him that sold or mortgaged it. This was a figure of
the free grace of God in Christ; by which, and not by any price or
merit of our own, we are restored to the favour of God. Houses in
walled cities were more the fru... [ Continue Reading ]
35-38 Poverty and decay are great grievances, and very common; the
poor ye have always with you. Thou shalt relieve him; by sympathy,
pitying the poor; by service, doing for them; and by supply, giving to
them according to their necessity, and thine ability. Poor debtors
must not be oppressed. Obser... [ Continue Reading ]
39-55 A native Israelite, if sold for debt, or for a crime, was to
serve but six years, and to go out the seventh. If he sold himself,
through poverty, both his work and his usage must be such as were
fitting for a son of Abraham. Masters are required to give to their
servants that which is just and... [ Continue Reading ]