The passage we are examining today introduces the Law of the Sabbath Year, as described in Leviticus 25:4.
“Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow so that the poor of your people may eat, and what they leave the wild animals may eat.
You shall do the same with your vineyard and with your olive orchard” (Exodus 23:10-11).
This law mandates that every seventh year be observed as a year of rest dedicated to the Lord, during which the land must remain uncultivated.
Verse 11 explains the rationale behind this legislation: it is intended to benefit both the poor and wild animals.
In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, there is an account of a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. When some individuals suggested that the money from the perfume should have been given to the poor, Jesus responded:
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me” (Matthew 26:11).
Some people have taken this verse out of its biblical context and used it to justify apathy towards the poor. However, in doing so, they misunderstand Jesus’ true meaning.
His statement, “The poor you will always have with you,” is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 15:11.
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land'” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Rudy Ross provides a clear explanation in today’s YouTube video of how the Sabbath year functioned in Israel’s history. By observing the Sabbatical year, they demonstrated their trust in God to provide for both themselves and the poor of the land.
The Sabbath
Observing the Sabbath provides rest from our labors and demonstrates our trust in God.
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest so that your ox and your donkey may have relief and your homeborn slave and the resident alien may be refreshed.
Be attentive to all that I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips” (Exodus 23:12-13).
On the Sabbath, not only do we rest, but those who labor for us are also given a time of rest. The Sabbath cultivates a sense of trust, as we believe God will provide for us even when we don’t work on the seventh day of the week.
Interestingly, the Sabbath also addresses modern forms of idolatry. In today’s world, our work can often become an idol. Observing the Sabbath declares that we will not idolize our work or the acquisition of more possessions through it.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 