Leviticus 25 is a profound chapter. The Jubilee law indeed “is probably the most radical social and economic idea in all the Bible.”[1. Derek Tidball, The Message of Leviticus: Free to Be Holy (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2005), 299.] And it is so because it is the most radical spiritual idea in the entire Bible—because it is rooted in redemption. Those who have been … [Read more...]
Redemptive Living (Leviticus 25:1-55)
God’s people are called to be holy, to be different—theologically, morally, spiritually (religiously), economically, etc. In a word, we are called to be different ethically. And one way in which our ethics are manifested is in how we treat others. We are called to be different relationally. We see this in Leviticus 25. Leviticus 25 reveals the sabbatical laws with reference to … [Read more...]
Debt Relief (Leviticus 25:1-55)
After some rather sobering studies on the matter of church discipline in Leviticus 24, chapter 25 comes as a sigh of relief. In it, God reveals His laws concerning the Sabbatical year as well as the Year of Jubilee, with its attendant regulations concerning debt relief. God’s purpose for this chapter was to give hope to His people concerning release from debts, slavery and … [Read more...]
Hearts to Stone (Leviticus 24:10-23)
In recent years I have become increasingly appreciative and convinced of the adage, “Getting old is not for sissies.” As I have watched some the challenges that old age brings—be they physical, emotional, relational or financial—I have learned that courage and fortitude are required as we get older; that is, if we will productively age. Likewise, as I have observed my parents, … [Read more...]
Guarding the Sacred (Leviticus 24:10-23)
Just when things seemed to be going well for Israel, there was trouble in the camp. Trouble in the camp: Perhaps that could be the title of this passage. For the second time in Leviticus—the historical record of the giving of the laws of worship and holiness—the revelation is interrupted by an ugly story. You will recall that, having received the laws regarding the … [Read more...]