Topical Bible: Land: Bought and Sold

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In the biblical context, the buying and selling of land is a significant aspect of economic and social life, reflecting both divine commandments and human practices. The concept of land ownership and transfer is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, particularly in the Old Testament.

Old Testament Context

The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants, is central to the narrative of the Israelites. In Genesis 23, we see one of the earliest recorded transactions involving land, where Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction is detailed with a formal negotiation and payment, emphasizing the importance of land as a tangible asset and a means of fulfilling God's promises: "So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—was deeded over to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city" (Genesis 23:17-18).

The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding land ownership and transfer. Leviticus 25 introduces the concept of the Year of Jubilee, a time when all land was to be returned to its original family owners. This law underscores the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God and that the Israelites are merely stewards: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me" (Leviticus 25:23). This principle ensured that no family would permanently lose their inheritance, maintaining social and economic balance within the community.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from the physical land of Israel to the spiritual inheritance of believers. However, the buying and selling of land still appear in the narrative. In Acts 4:34-37, members of the early church sold their land and possessions to support one another, demonstrating a communal approach to property: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need" (Acts 4:34-35).

The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 further illustrates the ethical considerations surrounding land transactions. Their deceit in withholding part of the proceeds from a land sale while claiming to donate the entire amount resulted in severe consequences, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in financial dealings.

Theological Implications

The biblical perspective on land transactions reflects broader theological themes, such as stewardship, justice, and community. The land is seen as a divine gift, entrusted to humanity for responsible use and care. The regulations and narratives surrounding land transactions serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the call to live in accordance with His will.

Throughout Scripture, the buying and selling of land are not merely economic activities but are imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people and the ethical standards expected of them.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 23:3-18
And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,
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Genesis 33:19
And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.
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Acts 4:34
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
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Acts 5:1-8
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
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Library

Several Laws.
... to its former possessors in the manner following:"When the Jubilee is come, which
name denotes liberty, he that sold the land, and he that bought it, meet ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 several laws.htm

The Rejuvenation and Restoration of Israel.
... "The land, as foretold by Jeremiah, is being bought and sold at the very gates of
Jerusalem. The Jew is already the preeminent factor in the once holy city. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/8 the rejuvenation and restoration.htm

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
... of Hyrcanus a commission was appointed to inquire throughout the land, how the ... as
"neeman," or "credited""his produce being freely bought and sold by the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 14 the fraternity of.htm

Joseph the Dreamer.
... were a band of merchants taking slaves and spices to the distant land of Egypt. ... They
did not heed his cries and tears, for they bought and sold boys and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/joseph the dreamer.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... attention seems to have been given to facility of intercourse throughout the land. ...
money and road-money, and duty on all that was bought and sold in the ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Abram the Hebrew
... But although he bought and sold with them, and fought for them and by their sides,
and acquired from them land in which to bury his dead, he was not one of them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/abram the hebrew.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... Adam sold himself and all his children to the devil by ... He bought us back again, and
the price He paid was His ... go down, Noe, wishing to know if any land was as ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... situation, the pleasant connexions he has formed, the land he has ... which married wives,
and were given in marriage, which bought and sold, planted, and ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm

The Bible
... Land is bought and sold at the gates of the city, and speculation in real estate
values is running high. There is the hum of expectation in the sacred city. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Christianity and Slavery.
... protection against adultery; they could be bought and sold ... cognation only; they could
be sold, transferred, or ... and proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all ...
/.../section 48 christianity and slavery.htm