Leviticus 25:1–7

Bible Studies for Life 
Chair and Armstrong Professor of Religion, Samford University

Our Work with Creation 

Leviticus 25:1–7

The first biblical creation story reaches its zenith, not with the creation of human beings who find their fulfillment in work, but in Sabbath time that is “the climax of living, not an interlude” (Rabbi Akeiba). Sabbath speaks of rest, reflection and renewal. It is the weekly act to resist the consumerist attitude of our contemporary society of 24/7 multitasking in order to achieve, accomplish and perform without taking time to ponder our spirituality pilgrimage or to enjoy God’s creation in play. To observe Sabbath not in legalistic rules and regulations but as an act of resistance against consumerism is also to put the needs of others before our own.

Call to Stewardship (1–3)

The stewardship of Sabbath is extended in this chapter to the wider concept of jubilee. Jubilee occurred every six years when the land was to remain untilled, and every 50 years when the ownership of land that may have been sold or mortgaged to pay off debts would be returned to the original owner. The main purpose of these laws appears to be preservation of land and people who were struggling financially. If left unchecked, the process could lead to social division as a rich class of landowners exploited the needs of the poor. Isaiah once denounced those who “join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no room” (Isa. 5:8). If the jubilee principle had been observed, then such exploitation of the earth and unbridled oppression of the poor would never have happened.

Sabbatical Life in God’s World (4–5)

Just as we are called to stop working after six days and reflect on God and commit ourselves to the needs of others in “acts of mercy” so the land was to be tilled for six years and on the seventh take its rest, and ownership of the land was to be restored after a maximum of 49 years of temporary ownership. Wealth in Israel was never meant to be accumulated by a few. Monopolies that came from unfettered consumerism or absolute communism were outlawed. 

Neither the state nor the multi-billionaire were meant to possess everything to the detriment of the rest of society. These laws of jubilee were intended to extend the principle of Sabbath rest to every area of community life. Love and mercy for the needs of others were at the heart of these laws, and Israel was reminded that they were once “aliens” in the land of Israel. In the same way, Christians are reminded in the New Testament that we are strangers and pilgrims in this world, that this “world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”

Sharing the Resources of God’s Goodness (6–7)

John Wesley used to say, “Earn all you can, give all you can, save all you can.” God calls us to use our resources, never to claim that they belong exclusively to us but in serving the needs of others. Sometimes we use what we possess to diminish others, to make them feel like they need us. God doesn’t give in that kind of way. God’s gifts establish us and come with a message that we are loved and we matter to Him. In the same way God gives us all that we have to promote the welfare of others.

God gives to make us into generous givers. This means being willing to be an instrument and a steward of the grace of God to others. This generosity is never meant to be drawn out of us reluctantly. We are called to be cheerful participants in God’s mission of outgoing love for the sake of the world. 

Ultimately the stewardship of our lives, our time, our gifts and our possessions becomes an aspect of the life of our triune God as we share in His mission by receiving His grace and sharing His love with others.