Jeremiah 34:14

Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.

Study Bible

Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you.
This command refers to the Sabbatical Year, a principle established in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12). It reflects God's concern for social justice and economic balance within the Israelite community. The seventh year was a time of release, not only for the land (Leviticus 25:4) but also for Hebrew servants. This practice ensured that no Israelite would remain in perpetual servitude, emphasizing the value of freedom and the dignity of every individual. It also served as a reminder of Israel's own deliverance from slavery in Egypt, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for God.

He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free.
The six-year period of service was a form of indentured servitude, often entered into voluntarily due to economic hardship. This arrangement was not meant to be oppressive but rather a means of survival and eventual restoration. The release in the seventh year symbolized a new beginning and was an act of mercy and obedience to God's law. This cycle of service and release can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He frees believers from the bondage of sin, offering a new life in Him.

But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.
This phrase highlights the historical disobedience of the Israelites, who repeatedly ignored God's commands. The failure to observe the Sabbatical Year and release Hebrew servants was symptomatic of a broader pattern of rebellion against God's covenant. This disobedience led to social injustice and contributed to the moral and spiritual decline of the nation. The prophets, including Jeremiah, often called the people to repentance, warning of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. This failure to listen and obey is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the need for a heart responsive to God's word and the importance of aligning one's actions with His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Hebrews
The people of Israel, specifically those who were in servitude and were to be released in the seventh year.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied, and where the people were not following God's command regarding the release of Hebrew servants.

4. The Seventh Year
A sabbatical year, as commanded by God, for the release of Hebrew servants, reflecting God's provision and mercy.

5. The Ancestors
The forefathers of the people of Judah who failed to obey God's command regarding the release of servants.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The importance of adhering to God's laws, as they are designed for justice and mercy.

The Principle of Rest and Release
Understanding the sabbatical year as a time of rest and liberation, reflecting God's character and care for His people.

Historical Context and Relevance
Recognizing the historical disobedience of the Israelites and applying the lessons learned to our own lives.

Spiritual Freedom
Drawing parallels between physical release from servitude and spiritual freedom in Christ.

Community Responsibility
Emphasizing the role of the community in ensuring justice and mercy are practiced, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to release Hebrew servants every seventh year reflect God's character and His intentions for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of the sabbatical year in our modern context, both personally and communally?

3. What are some areas in our lives where we might be failing to "listen or incline our ear" to God's commands, similar to the ancestors mentioned in Jeremiah 34:14?

4. How does the concept of spiritual freedom in Christ relate to the physical release of servants in the Old Testament?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that we are practicing justice and mercy in our interactions with others, especially those who are vulnerable or oppressed?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:2
This verse provides the original commandment regarding the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, establishing the foundation for Jeremiah 34:14.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
Expands on the law of releasing servants, emphasizing the importance of remembering their own deliverance from Egypt as a motivation for obedience.

Leviticus 25:39-41
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, a time of liberation and restoration, which parallels the release of servants every seventh year.

Nehemiah 5:1-13
Illustrates a later instance where the people of Israel were reminded to release their fellow Hebrews from servitude, showing the ongoing struggle to obey this command.