What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:23? The land must not be sold permanently “ ‘The land must not be sold permanently…’ ” (Leviticus 25:23a) • God is setting a clear boundary: every real-estate transaction in Israel was to be temporary, tied to the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10–13). • This protected families from losing their inheritance forever (Numbers 36:7-9). • It curbed greed and ensured economic resets, echoing God’s heart for justice (Deuteronomy 15:1-11). • By refusing perpetual sales, the covenant community acknowledged that human ownership is always provisional. because it is Mine “ ‘…because it is Mine…’ ” (Leviticus 25:23b) • Ultimate ownership belongs to the Lord alone (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12). • Israel’s soil was holy ground, pledged to God through His covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). • This truth reorients priorities: stewardship replaces possession (Matthew 25:14-30). • Recognizing God’s title deed counters idolatry of land, wealth, and power (Luke 12:15-21). and you are but foreigners and residents with Me “ ‘…and you are but foreigners and residents with Me.’ ” (Leviticus 25:23c) • Israel’s identity: sojourners living alongside the Lord on His property (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). • Even the promised land pointed beyond itself to a better country—God’s eternal kingdom (Hebrews 11:16). • Calling the people “foreigners” cultivates humility and dependence (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • It also shapes compassion for actual aliens and strangers among them (Leviticus 19:33-34), reflecting God’s own hospitality. summary Leviticus 25:23 teaches that land can never be our ultimate possession. God alone owns the earth, He graciously entrusts resources to His people, and He reminds them—and us—that we are temporary stewards journeying with Him. Living by this truth guards against greed, fosters generosity, and lifts our eyes to a kingdom that will never pass away. |
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