Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the sale and redemption of land are governed by a set of laws primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly within the Mosaic Law. These laws reflect the theological and social principles that underpin the relationship between the Israelites, their land, and God.Divine Ownership and Stewardship The foundational principle for the laws concerning land is the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God. Leviticus 25:23 states, "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This verse underscores the concept of divine ownership, where the Israelites are seen as stewards rather than absolute owners of the land. This theological perspective shapes the regulations regarding land transactions. The Year of Jubilee A central feature of the land laws is the Year of Jubilee, which occurs every fiftieth year. During this year, liberty is proclaimed throughout the land, and properties are to be returned to their original families. Leviticus 25:10 declares, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan." The Jubilee serves as a reset mechanism, preventing the permanent loss of family land and ensuring economic balance and social justice within the community. Redemption of Land The laws also provide for the redemption of land before the Year of Jubilee. If an individual becomes impoverished and sells part of their property, a relative, known as a kinsman-redeemer, has the right to redeem it. Leviticus 25:25 states, "If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his brother has sold." This provision ensures that family land remains within the clan and offers a means of support for those who have fallen into poverty. Sale of Houses in Walled Cities Distinct from rural land, houses in walled cities are subject to different regulations. If a house in a walled city is sold, the original owner has the right to redeem it within a year of its sale. If not redeemed within that period, the sale becomes permanent, as outlined in Leviticus 25:29-30: "If a man sells a house in a walled city, he retains the right of redemption a full year after its sale. During that time he may redeem it. But if it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descendants." Levitical Cities and Pasturelands The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, were given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands. These lands were not to be sold permanently, as they were considered a perpetual possession for the Levites. Leviticus 25:32-34 provides, "As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. So the property of the Levites is always redeemable; a house sold in a city they possess must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites." Social and Economic Implications The laws concerning the sale and redemption of land reflect a deep concern for social equity and the prevention of generational poverty. By instituting mechanisms like the Jubilee and the right of redemption, the Mosaic Law seeks to maintain familial and tribal integrity, prevent the accumulation of land by a few, and ensure that all Israelites have access to the resources necessary for their livelihood. These laws highlight the importance of community, family, and the recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty over the land. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 25:15,16,23-33According to the number of years after the jubilee you shall buy of your neighbor, and according to the number of years of the fruits he shall sell to you: Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 27:17-24 Numbers 36:4 Jeremiah 32:7-16,25,44 Ezekiel 46:18 Library On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Chaldaean Civilization Close of the Colonial Era --The German Churches --The Beginnings ... The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ... From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786 From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The General Conference of 1840 Resources Why is Israel called the Holy Land? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the land of Canaan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Land: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Continents: General Scriptures Concerning Land: Appeared on the Third Creative Day Land: Conveyance of, by Written Deeds and Other Forms Land: Original Title To, from God Land: Sale and Redemption of, Laws Concerning Land: To Rest Every Seventh Year for the Benefit of the Poor People Land: Unmarried Woman's Rights In Related Terms |
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