How does Leviticus 25:28 emphasize the importance of property redemption in God's law? The Verse in Focus “ ‘But if he cannot restore the property to himself, what was sold will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee; then in the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property.’ ” (Leviticus 25:28) Redemption Defined • “Redeem” (Hebrew gaʾal) means “buy back, reclaim, restore.” • Property redemption arrives when: – A kinsman pays the outstanding price (Leviticus 25:25). – Or the Year of Jubilee automatically resets ownership (Leviticus 25:10). • God’s law builds mercy into economics—debts are not forever. God’s Ownership Principle • Leviticus 25:23 anchors the whole chapter: “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine.” • By allowing only temporary sales, the Lord: – Reminds Israel that He alone is permanent owner (Psalm 24:1). – Prevents a few families from accumulating all territory, protecting tribal inheritances promised to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:8). Safeguard Against Poverty’s Grip • Verse 28 insists the original family “shall return to his property.” The phrase highlights: – Personal dignity: A destitute Israelite is not defined by his loss. – Social stability: Families retain roots in the covenant land. • Deuteronomy 15:7–11 echoes this compassion—openhanded generosity is commanded. The Year of Jubilee: Hope on the Horizon • No matter how desperate a situation, every fiftieth year liberation is guaranteed (Leviticus 25:10). • This built-in clock: – Prevents hopelessness. – Illustrates God’s heart to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1). Foreshadowing Christ’s Redemption • Property redemption points to a greater redemption of people: – “In Him we have redemption through His blood” (Ephesians 1:7). – We “were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • What land is to an Israelite, life itself is to us—restored by our Kinsman-Redeemer (Hebrews 2:11-15). Takeaways for Today • God values restoration over permanent loss. • Possessions are held in trust; stewardship matters more than ownership. • The Lord weaves mercy into His laws—an invitation to reflect that mercy in our dealings. • Christ fulfills the Jubilee, securing an eternal return to our “inheritance that can never perish” (1 Peter 1:4). |
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