Topical Bible: Land: Leased

◄ Land: Leased ►

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In biblical times, the concept of land leasing was an integral part of the agrarian society in ancient Israel. The leasing of land is closely tied to the economic, social, and religious life of the Israelites, reflecting principles of stewardship, justice, and community responsibility.

Biblical Context and Practices

The leasing of land in ancient Israel was often governed by the principles laid out in the Mosaic Law. The land was considered a divine gift, with God as the ultimate owner. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This verse underscores the belief that the Israelites were stewards of the land, and any transaction, including leasing, was to be conducted with this understanding.

Sabbatical and Jubilee Years

The laws concerning the Sabbatical (seventh) year and the Jubilee (fiftieth) year had significant implications for land leasing. Every seventh year, the land was to lie fallow, and debts were to be forgiven (Exodus 23:10-11; Deuteronomy 15:1-2). During the Jubilee year, all leased land was to be returned to its original family owners (Leviticus 25:10-13). These regulations ensured that land leasing did not lead to permanent loss of family inheritance, promoting economic balance and preventing the accumulation of land by a few wealthy individuals.

Parables and Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the concept of land leasing in His parables to convey spiritual truths. The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16) describes a landowner who leases his vineyard to tenants. When the landowner sends servants to collect his share of the produce, the tenants mistreat them and ultimately kill the landowner's son. This parable illustrates themes of stewardship, accountability, and the rejection of God's messengers, ultimately pointing to the rejection of Christ Himself.

Economic and Social Implications

Leasing land provided a means for those without land to engage in agriculture and sustain their families. It also allowed landowners to benefit from their property without directly working it. However, the system required fairness and justice, as emphasized in the prophetic writings. The prophets often condemned the exploitation of the poor and the unjust accumulation of land (Isaiah 5:8; Micah 2:2).

Spiritual Lessons

The biblical principles surrounding land leasing teach important spiritual lessons about stewardship, justice, and reliance on God's provision. The temporary nature of land leases serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the eternal perspective that believers are called to maintain.

In summary, the concept of land leasing in the Bible is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's ownership of the land and the responsibility of His people to manage it justly and compassionately.

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Luke 20:9-16
Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers, and went into a far country for a long time.
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Matthew 21:33-41
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dig a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to farmers, and went into a far country:
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Library

Whether Husband and Wife Can Take a Vow Contrary to the Marriage ...
... down that the husband may take the cross without his wife's consent, even as he
might go fighting without the consent of his landlord whose land he has leased. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether husband and wife can.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... He leased the adjoining Beaufort grounds and gardens, spent ?�12,000 on the property ...
spending thousands more in the purchase and lease of building land, and in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... the houses, domestic life"The family patrimony: division of the inheritance"Lending
on usury, the rate of interest, commercial intercourse by land and sea ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Epistle Xliv. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily.
... when the Romans annexed Sicily, they found the greater part of the land subject
by ... include several farms (fundi, or pr??dia), and were let or leased to farmers ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xliv to peter subdeacon.htm

Special Efforts
... There was land to be had, money in the place, and sympathy. ... To the surprise of many,
the Baths were leased to The Army for Sunday evenings during the winter. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... every fiftieth year the Jubilee trumpet was sounded throughout the land of Judea ...
being considered a personal chattel may be sold or pledged, or leased at the ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... [Illustration: 142.jpg STRUGGLE BETWEEN A GOOD AND AN EVIL GENIUS.]. Drawn by
Faucher-Gudin, from Layard. "Gibil, renowned hero in the land,"valiant, son of ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm