Topical Encyclopedia The Year of Release, also known as the Sabbatical Year or the Shemitah, is a biblical institution found primarily in the Old Testament, specifically within the Mosaic Law. It is a year of rest and release that occurs every seventh year, as commanded by God to the Israelites. The concept is deeply rooted in the principles of rest, freedom, and trust in God's provision.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the Year of Release is found in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Leviticus. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 states: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed." Leviticus 25:3-4 further elaborates on the agricultural aspect: "For six years you may sow your fields and prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your fields or prune your vineyards." Purpose and Significance The Year of Release serves multiple purposes within the Israelite community. Economically, it provides relief to debtors, ensuring that no Israelite remains in perpetual debt. This practice underscores the importance of compassion and generosity, reflecting God's mercy and provision. Socially, it promotes equality and prevents the accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a few, thereby maintaining a balanced community. Agriculturally, the Sabbatical Year allows the land to rest, which is an early recognition of sustainable farming practices. This rest for the land is a testament to the Israelites' trust in God's provision, as they were to rely on the produce of the previous years and God's blessing for their sustenance during the seventh year. Theological Implications The Year of Release is a profound expression of faith and obedience to God's commandments. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty over the land and His role as the ultimate provider. By observing the Sabbatical Year, the Israelites acknowledged that the land belonged to God and that they were merely stewards of His creation. Moreover, the Year of Release foreshadows the ultimate release and rest found in Christ. Just as the Israelites experienced physical and economic release, believers find spiritual release from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks to this spiritual rest: "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." Historical Observance Historically, the observance of the Year of Release varied among the Israelites. While the biblical texts provide clear instructions, the extent to which these laws were followed is a subject of scholarly debate. The prophets, such as Jeremiah, often rebuked the Israelites for neglecting these commands, indicating periods of non-compliance. In post-exilic times, the observance of the Sabbatical Year became more structured, as seen in Nehemiah 10:31 : "When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. And every seventh year we will forego working the land and will cancel all debts." Contemporary Relevance While the specific legal requirements of the Year of Release are not directly applicable to Christians today, the principles behind it continue to hold spiritual and ethical significance. The call to trust in God's provision, to practice forgiveness and generosity, and to care for creation resonates with the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament. The Year of Release serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for justice, mercy, and rest for His people. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 15:9Beware that there be not a thought in your wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to the LORD against you, and it be sin to you. Nave's Topical Index Library Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. On Pentecost. Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies Thursday in Passion Week Pilate Therefore, Willing to Release ... Joy Because the Circling Year Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year Paul Having Been Sent Bound from Judea to Rome, Made his Defense ... Quotations from the Old Testament in the New. The Book of Jubilees Paul's Missionary Labors. Resources What is the Shemitah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org What is the structure of the Jewish calendar? | GotQuestions.org Year: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Year: A Thousand, With the Lord is Like One Day Year: Age Computed By of Abraham Year: Age Computed By of Jacob Year: General Scriptures Concerning Year: Land to Rest for One, in Seven Year: Redemption of Houses Sold, Limited to One Year: Satan to be Bound for a Thousand Related Terms Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) Ar-ta-xerx'es (14 Occurrences) |
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