Leviticus 25:21

But I will send My blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that the land will yield a crop sufficient for three years.

Study Bible

But I will send My blessing upon you
This phrase emphasizes God's direct intervention and provision for His people. In the context of Leviticus, God is speaking to the Israelites about the sabbatical year, a time when the land was to rest every seventh year. This divine promise reassures the Israelites that their obedience to God's command to let the land lie fallow will not lead to scarcity. The concept of blessing is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience results in divine favor. This promise reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to provide abundantly, echoing the blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28 for obedience.

in the sixth year
The sixth year is significant because it precedes the sabbatical year when the Israelites were commanded not to sow or reap. This timing underscores the miraculous nature of God's provision. Historically, agricultural societies depended heavily on consistent crop yields, and the idea of not planting for a year would naturally cause concern. The sixth year, therefore, becomes a test of faith and trust in God's provision. This concept of divine timing is seen throughout Scripture, where God provides at the exact moment of need, such as the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

so that the land will yield a crop
The promise of a bountiful crop is a tangible sign of God's blessing. In an agrarian society, the land's productivity was directly linked to survival and prosperity. The land yielding a crop is a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, where the land of Canaan is described as a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). This phrase also highlights the principle of stewardship, where the land is seen as a gift from God, and the Israelites are its caretakers, responsible for following God's commands regarding its use.

sufficient for three years
This phrase underscores the abundance of God's provision, ensuring that the Israelites would have enough food not only for the sabbatical year but also for the year following it, when they would plant but not yet harvest. This three-year provision is a testament to God's ability to provide beyond immediate needs, ensuring security and stability. It reflects the principle of God's provision seen in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about God's care for His people, encouraging them not to worry about their needs (Matthew 6:25-34). This abundance can also be seen as a type of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and rest for His people, fulfilling their deepest needs.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The primary audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions for the Sabbath year and Jubilee.

2. Moses
The mediator through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, where the Israelites were to observe these laws.

4. Sabbath Year
Every seventh year, the land was to rest, and no sowing or reaping was to occur.

5. Jubilee Year
Every fiftieth year, following seven cycles of Sabbath years, was a year of liberation and restoration.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Provision
The promise of a three-year yield in the sixth year teaches us to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Obedience to God's Commands
Observing the Sabbath year required obedience and faith. Similarly, we are called to obey God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

Rest and Renewal
The Sabbath year was a time for the land to rest and renew. We, too, need regular times of rest and spiritual renewal to remain fruitful.

Generosity and Community Care
The provisions of the Sabbath year ensured care for the community, including the poor. We are encouraged to be generous and mindful of others' needs.

Faith Over Fear
The Israelites had to overcome fear of scarcity by trusting in God's promise. We are called to live by faith, not fear, in all areas of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of provision in Leviticus 25:21 challenge you to trust God in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you practice obedience to God's commands, even when it requires faith and patience?

3. How can you incorporate regular times of rest and renewal into your life, following the principle of the Sabbath year?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate generosity and care for your community, inspired by the provisions of the Sabbath year?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose faith over fear. How did God's provision manifest in that situation, and how can it encourage you today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:10-11
This passage also discusses the Sabbath year, emphasizing rest for the land and provision for the poor and animals.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Relates to the release of debts during the Sabbath year, highlighting God's provision and mercy.

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches about trusting God for provision, echoing the trust required during the Sabbath year.

2 Corinthians 9:8
Paul speaks of God's ability to provide abundantly, similar to the promise of provision in Leviticus 25:21.