To understand Lev 25:23-55, we need to know what the Year of Jubilee is, which was covered in the previous study. The Year of Jubilee is essentially a massive socio-economic, religious practice. It was a policy that shaped the people of God in a distinctive way. This fits in with the larger theme of Leviticus -- that God's presence changes God's people. Because God dwells with His people, the way His people live changes. It affects even the way they have property and employment, as this section will show us.
(A) The redemption of property: a provision secured by God (Lev 25:25-46)
This section begins by God declaring that the land shall not be sold in perpetuity (forever) because the land is His (Lev 25:23). Lev 25:2 has already established that the land that they are going to enter into belongs to the Lord. We know that all the earth belongs to God, but here, He is highlighting this land in particular. Why? What does it mean that God owns it? With God's ownership comes certain rights and privileges that are His and His alone, and because God owns it, no one else can own it the way God owns. This means that for the Israelites, their ownership of land is temporary. This is a picture of stewardship, as it teaches the Israelites to hold on to property in a way that is different from the nations around them. This is important to understand, because without recognising this, redemption won't make sense! Most of us might read this and wonder if it's unfair that the people have to give up the land every 50 years. But if we realise that this land is not theirs, but God's, this changes things.
From Lev 25:25-42, we also read of God's provision in relation to the property of the Israelites. Specific circumstances were detailed:
The poor who sells his property (Lev 25:25-34)
Redemption made possible.
Someone can redeem him immediately, or leading up to the Jubilee, or at the Jubilee (Lev 25:25-28). In this case, a nearest redeemer can redeem him (Lev 25:25). This means that this redemption is possible by a blood relation or someone in the clan. Land in the time of the Israelites has a clan-based possession. This is the system that the book of Ruth is based on.
A specific type of land ownership: A land with a house in a walled city (Lev 25:29)
Land own by the cities of the Levites (Lev 25:32-34)
We see here that different people in God's kingdom have different things, and different provisions. God also provides for and protects the Levites, who are His priests. In Lev 25:34, we also learn that their land cannot be sold even though they may lose their pastures and cities. The command not to covet (in the 10 Commandments) is also applicable here, as it also serves as a reminder that in a community with diverse provisions, we ought to trust in God's gifts. Coveting heaps scorn on God's provisions and kindness. In God's distribution of wealth, he also knows how to distribute His grace.
Poor who is unable to maintain himself (Lev 25:35-38)
The people were told to provide for their brother out of their own pocket, and not to profit from him (Lev 25:35, 37).
The poor who sells themselves as slaves (Lev 25:39-42)
Once again, it is important to remember that this is not race-based slavery. This slavery is more like an economic category for the bankrupt. This person will be hired until the Year of Jubilee, after which he gets to go free and goes back to his land.
Why are these verses important? What implications do these have? These verses challenge us to think about what we owe our brothers and sisters in Christ. What do we actually owe each other, if we are together in the church community? In the same way that God provided for His people then, God also provides for us today, and if we do not care for and provide for those in our midst in a similar fashion, we are depriving and robbing them of their rights. But, are these verses just for the Old Testament community of God? Not so. In Acts 2:42-46, we read of the New testament community. The Holy Spirit comes and changes people to make them generous and this changes the way they leave in community. What are some of the things that we owe each other? It doesn't have to be material blessings. It could be time, prayer, encouragement or our service. What is God saying to you today?
(B) The redemption of God’s people: identity founded on God (Lev 25:47- 55)
In verses 47-55, the phrase "my brother" is used repeatedly, as the text switches from talking about the redemption of land to the redemption of people. The Israelites did not always think about themselves as a nation, but would tend to think in terms of their tribes. By emphasizing "your brother", Moses wants them to think about each other as God is highlighting what they owe each other in terms of their rights also, not just land.
The passage ends with a reason for these instructions. God declares once again that the people are servants to Him. More specifically, these are the servants that He brought out of Egypt (Lev 25:55). Verses similar to this have been scattered throughout this passage -- Lev 25:36, 38, 42-43. Again and again, God reminds them of their identity. The slaves are His, and so is the land. Their identity is wrapped up in what God says about them and what God did for them. This makes all the difference in terms of how they treat their property and each other.
How can we apply this today? As we've already mentioned, we are called to think about what we owe one another, because of who we are in Christ. Leviticus has continually reminded us that God has redeemed a people for Himself. There is no Lone Ranger Christian. We are called to be part of Gods people, and God's people are His because He chose them and did a marvelous act of redemption in their lives. So it is with us today. Everyone of us has a story of sin, rebellion and disobedience, but God called us back in His kindness and grace. We owe each other so much, because we are God's. As we close this study, perhaps it is timely to pause and consider these questions personally. Lev 25 can seem like a set of archaic rules, but when we realise that these are God's words, with a timely application even for us today, we'll see the richness of these verses.
What has God given me and done for me?
Who am I today because of Jesus?
What must God's people be like because of Jesus Christ?
Do I fear God? Does my life reflect the fear of God? Does the fear of God grip my heart?
What must I never do to my brother?