Rebatements, in a biblical context, refer to the reduction or remission of a debt, obligation, or penalty. This concept is closely related to themes of forgiveness, mercy, and grace, which are prevalent throughout the Scriptures. While the term "rebate" itself is not explicitly found in the Bible, the principles underlying rebatements are deeply embedded in biblical teachings and narratives.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of rebatements can be seen in the laws concerning debt and servitude. The Mosaic Law provided mechanisms for the alleviation of financial burdens, reflecting God's concern for justice and compassion. For instance, the Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, mandated the release of debts and the return of property to original owners every fifty years. This practice ensured that economic disparities did not become permanent and that families had the opportunity to start anew. Leviticus 25:10 states, "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."

Additionally, the Sabbatical Year, observed every seven years, required the cancellation of debts among the Israelites. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 instructs, "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 for canceling debts has been proclaimed."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of rebatements is most prominently illustrated through the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of forgiveness. Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others as a reflection of God's forgiveness toward humanity. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 highlights the expectation that those who have received mercy should extend the same to others. In this parable, a servant who is forgiven a massive debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt, resulting in the master's anger and the servant's punishment. This account underscores the principle that divine forgiveness should inspire human forgiveness.

Furthermore, the Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:12 , includes the petition, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This prayer links the forgiveness of sins with the forgiveness of financial and moral obligations, suggesting a broader application of rebatements in the spiritual life of believers.

Theological Implications

Theologically, rebatements in the Bible are a manifestation of God's grace and mercy. They serve as a reminder of the divine character, which is both just and compassionate. The provision for debt relief in the Old Testament and the call for forgiveness in the New Testament reflect God's desire for His people to live in harmony, free from the burdens of unpayable debts and unresolved conflicts.

The concept of rebatements also points to the ultimate act of forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ. The remission of sins through Christ's sacrificial death is the greatest rebate offered to humanity, canceling the debt of sin and reconciling believers to God. As Colossians 2:13-14 states, "When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross."

In summary, while the specific term "rebatements" may not appear in the biblical text, the principles it embodies are integral to the biblical narrative, illustrating God's justice, mercy, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... 7, as it is said: "The nethermost chamber was 5 cubits broad, and the middle 6 cubits
broad, and the third 7 cubits broad, for he made rebatements in the house ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Rebatements (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rebatements (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 6:6 The
nethermost story was five cubits broad, and the middle was ...
/r/rebatements.htm - 6k

Rebecca (28 Occurrences)

/r/rebecca.htm - 14k

Reba (2 Occurrences)

/r/reba.htm - 7k

Temple (614 Occurrences)
... This is explained by the fact that the chambers were not to be built into the wall
of the Temple, but were to rest on ledges or rebatements in the wall, each ...
/t/temple.htm - 101k

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