What is the meaning of Leviticus 25:51? If many years remain Leviticus 25:51 states, “If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price.” • The verse sits in the Jubilee regulations (Leviticus 25:8-55), where every fiftieth year debts are canceled and land is returned (Leviticus 25:10-13). • “Many years remain” points to a long stretch of time until the next Jubilee. The longer the period, the higher the remaining value of the servant’s labor. • Scripture consistently ties time to value: a Hebrew servant served six years, with freedom in the seventh (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12). The closer to that release point, the lower the price. • God’s law guards both parties: – The owner is not cheated out of years of service he lawfully purchased. – The servant is assured he will never be exploited beyond the actual worth of those years (Leviticus 25:14-16). He must pay for his redemption • Redemption is possible before Jubilee. The servant, or a near relative, can initiate it (Leviticus 25:47-49). • Personal responsibility is emphasized—he “must pay.” The freedom God provides still carries a cost that must be met, echoing the kinsman-redeemer principle later illustrated in Ruth 2:20 and perfected by Christ’s payment for believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Redemption underscores dignity: even in servitude, an Israelite is seen as having the right—and duty—to regain his liberty (Leviticus 25:42). • Practical outworking: – A family might pool resources to cover the amount (Leviticus 25:49). – The transaction is public and recorded at the city gate (Ruth 4:1-11 models this process). In proportion to his purchase price • The price is prorated: remaining years ÷ total years × original purchase price. This guarantees a just rate (Leviticus 25:15-16). • God demands honest scales (Deuteronomy 25:15). By tying redemption to a clear formula, He removes arbitrary bargaining. • An example: – Original term: 20 years of work for 20 shekels. – Years left: 15. – Redemption price = 15 ÷ 20 × 20 shekels = 15 shekels. • The valuation system in Leviticus 27:2-8 shows a similar sliding scale, proving God’s concern for equity in financial dealings. • Spiritually, the proportional payment foreshadows the precise, sufficient ransom Christ paid—“the Son of Man… to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28), satisfying every requirement in full (1 Corinthians 6:20). summary Leviticus 25:51 teaches that when plenty of time remains until Jubilee, an Israelite servant (or his family) must calculate a fair redemption price based on the years left and pay it. The clause protects both servant and master, reflects God’s justice, and previews the exact, costly redemption later fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ. |
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