Leviticus 25:15

You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee; he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining.

Study Bible

You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee;
This phrase refers to the economic and social system established by God for the Israelites, where land transactions were regulated by the Jubilee cycle. The Jubilee occurred every 50 years, as outlined in Leviticus 25:8-12, and was a time when land was to be returned to its original family owners. This ensured that no family would permanently lose their inheritance. The concept of Jubilee reflects God's concern for social justice and economic equality, preventing the accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a few. It also emphasizes the idea that the land ultimately belongs to God (Leviticus 25:23). The Jubilee year is a type of the ultimate redemption and restoration found in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed the "year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19), symbolizing spiritual freedom and restoration.

he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining.
The value of the land was determined by the number of harvests remaining until the next Jubilee. This system ensured fairness in transactions, as the price would decrease as the Jubilee approached. The focus on harvest years highlights the agrarian nature of Israelite society, where the land's productivity was central to economic life. This principle underscores the importance of stewardship and the recognition that the land's ultimate purpose was to provide sustenance. The concept of harvest also carries spiritual significance, as it is often used in Scripture to symbolize the gathering of believers (Matthew 9:37-38) and the final judgment (Revelation 14:15). The regulation of land sales in this manner reflects God's desire for equitable treatment and the prevention of exploitation among His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, specifically addressing their economic and social practices.

3. Jubilee Year
A significant event occurring every 50 years in Israel, where land was returned to original owners, and debts were forgiven, symbolizing freedom and restoration.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Jubilee
The Jubilee year was a time of economic reset, reflecting God's desire for justice and equality among His people. It reminds us of the importance of fairness and compassion in our financial dealings.

Economic Justice
The instruction to buy and sell based on the number of years since the Jubilee teaches us to consider fairness and integrity in our transactions. It challenges us to think about how we can practice economic justice in our own lives.

Trust in God's Provision
The Jubilee system required faith in God's provision, as it involved letting the land rest and trusting that God would provide. This encourages us to trust God in our financial decisions and to prioritize His principles over worldly gain.

Restoration and Forgiveness
The Jubilee symbolizes restoration and forgiveness, pointing us to the ultimate restoration found in Christ. It encourages us to seek reconciliation and to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Jubilee challenge our modern understanding of property and ownership?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of fairness and justice from Leviticus 25:15 in our daily financial transactions?

3. How does the Jubilee year reflect God's character and His desires for His people?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's provision in our financial decisions today?

5. How can the themes of restoration and forgiveness in the Jubilee inform our relationships with others, especially in areas of conflict or debt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25:10
This verse introduces the concept of the Jubilee, emphasizing liberty and restoration, which is foundational to understanding verse 15.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Discusses the release of debts every seven years, which parallels the economic reset seen in the Jubilee.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus references the Jubilee in His mission statement, highlighting themes of liberation and restoration.