Leviticus 25:27 Study Bible: then let him reckon the years since its sale, and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property.

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◄ Leviticus 25:27 ►

he shall calculate the years since its sale, repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and return to his property.

Study Bible

he shall calculate the years since its sale
This phrase refers to the practice of the Jubilee, a unique institution in ancient Israel where every 50th year, land that had been sold was to be returned to its original family owner. The calculation of years since the sale was crucial to determine the redemption price. This reflects the importance of land in Israelite society, as it was tied to family inheritance and God's covenant with Israel. The concept of Jubilee emphasizes God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for economic reset and social justice. It also foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who restores what is lost.

repay the balance to the man to whom he sold it
This repayment represents the redemption price, calculated based on the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee. The balance ensures fairness in transactions, reflecting God's justice and mercy. This principle of redemption is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ pays the ultimate price for humanity's redemption. The act of repaying the balance underscores the value of integrity and responsibility in financial dealings, aligning with biblical teachings on stewardship and honesty.

and return to his property
The return to one's property signifies restoration and the re-establishment of familial and tribal inheritance. This return is not just a physical reclaiming of land but also a spiritual renewal, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His promises. The Jubilee year serves as a reminder of God's provision and the hope of restoration, paralleling the eschatological hope of believers in the New Testament. The concept of returning to one's property can be seen as a type of the ultimate rest and restoration found in Christ, who promises an eternal inheritance to His followers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelite Seller
An individual who has sold his property due to financial hardship and is seeking to redeem it.

2. The Buyer
The person who purchased the property and is holding it until the original owner can redeem it.

3. The Year of Jubilee
A significant event in Israelite society occurring every 50 years, where properties are returned to their original families, and debts are forgiven.

4. The Land of Israel
The geographical and spiritual setting where these laws are applied, emphasizing the land's divine ownership.

5. Moses
The prophet through whom God delivered the laws of Leviticus to the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Redemption
The concept of redemption in Leviticus 25:27 highlights God's desire for restoration and the return to one's rightful place. It reflects God's grace and mercy, offering a second chance to those who have fallen into hardship.

God's Ownership of the Land
The law underscores that the land ultimately belongs to God, and the Israelites are merely stewards. This teaches us about stewardship and the temporary nature of earthly possessions.

Social Justice and Compassion
The provision for property redemption ensures that families are not permanently dispossessed, promoting social justice and compassion within the community. It encourages us to support those in need and work towards equitable solutions.

The Importance of Family and Heritage
The return of property to the original family emphasizes the importance of family heritage and continuity. It reminds us to value and preserve our spiritual and familial legacies.

Trust in God's Provision
The law of redemption requires trust in God's provision and timing, especially in the context of the Jubilee. It challenges us to rely on God's faithfulness rather than our own understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of redemption in Leviticus 25:27 reflect God's character and His relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can the principle of land stewardship in ancient Israel apply to our lives today, particularly in how we manage our resources?

3. How does the Year of Jubilee, as described in Leviticus 25, connect to the message of liberation and restoration in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can support those in financial hardship in our communities, reflecting the spirit of Leviticus 25:27?

5. How can we ensure that our family and spiritual heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations, in light of the teachings in Leviticus 25?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25:10
This verse introduces the concept of the Year of Jubilee, which is the broader context for the redemption of property.

Ruth 4:4-6
The account of Boaz redeeming land for Naomi illustrates the practice of redemption and the importance of family inheritance.

Jeremiah 32:7-15
Jeremiah's purchase of a field during the Babylonian siege demonstrates faith in God's promise of restoration and the importance of land redemption.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus' proclamation of the "year of the Lord's favor" connects to the Jubilee theme of liberation and restoration.

Sermons

A Sabbath of Rest unto the Land	W. H. Jellie.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Deliverance from Sin	Howard James.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Freedom Through Christ	T. De Witt Talmage.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Jubilee Gladness	J. Cairns.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Land Laws Among Other Nations	M. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Land Tenure	T. T. Munger.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Laws of Trade-Wages	Hom. Review	Leviticus 25:2-55
Lessons from the Sabbatical Year	F. W. Brown.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Liberty Through Christ	Richard Newton, D. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Man Need not Despair of -Providence	Bp. Babington.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Practical Reliance Upon God	Indian Witness.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Released from Debt	Christian Age	Leviticus 25:2-55
Results of Jubilee Year	T. Guthrie, D. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
Sojourners with God	Homilist	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Hebrew System of Land Tenure	R. Reid.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Joyful Sound	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee	Homilist	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee	Homilist	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee a Type of the Gospel	Wm. Sleigh.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee Year: its Fourfold Significance	W. H. Jellie.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Oppressor Rebuked and the Oppression Removed	C. F. S. Money, M. A.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Purpose of the Sabbatical Year	M. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Resemblance Between the Year of Jubilee and the Gospel	T. B. Baker.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbath of the Fields	H. Macmillan, D. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbatic Year and Jubilee	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sinner's Chains are Self Forged	Preacher's Lantern.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	A. G. Brown.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	A. H. Currier.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	Walter Roberts, M. A.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	D. C. Hughes, M. A.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	T. Binney.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year Sabbath	Dr. Ide.	Leviticus 25:2-55
What Shall We Eat the Seventh Year?	A. G. Brown.	Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of Jubilee	R.A. Redford	Leviticus 25:8-34
The Jubilee	R.M. Edgar	Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Ii. the World's Redemption	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Iii. the Blessed Kingdom	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 25:8-55
Redemption	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 25:23-34

People

Israelites, Levites, Moses

Places

Canaan, Egypt, Mount Sinai

Topics

Account, Balance, Calculate, Count, Loss, Overpayment, Overplus, Pay, Possession, Property, Reckon, Reckoned, Refund, Rest, Restore, Return, Returned, Sale, Sold, Surplus, Thereof, Value

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Leviticus 25:18-27

4464 harvest

Leviticus 25:20-28

7482 Year of Jubilee

Leviticus 25:23-28

5477 property, land

Leviticus 25:23-43

5504 rights

Leviticus 25:24-28

6721 redemption, in life

Leviticus 25:25-28

5681 family, nature of

Library

Sojourners with God
'The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.' --LEV. xxv. 23. The singular institution of the Jubilee year had more than one purpose. As a social and economical arrangement it tended to prevent the extremes of wealth and poverty. Every fiftieth year the land was to revert to its original owners, the lineal descendants of those who had 'come in with the conqueror,' Joshua. Debts were to be remitted, slaves emancipated, and so the mountains …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God's Slaves
'For they are My servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bondmen.' --LEV. xxv. 42. This is the basis of the Mosaic legislation as to slavery. It did not suppress but regulated that accursed system. Certainly Hebrew slavery was a very different thing from that of other nations. In the first place, no Jew was to be a slave. To that broad principle there were exceptions, such as the case of the man who voluntarily gave himself up to his creditor. But even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
PART I In Celestine's place was chosen Benedict Gaetani, who, although even older than the worn-out and doting late pope, was still full of strength, both in body and in mind. Benedict (who took the name of Boniface VIII) is said to have been very learned, especially in matters at law; but his pride and ambition led him into attempts which ended in his own ruin, and did serious harm to the papacy. In the year 1300 Boniface set on foot what was called the Jubilee. You will remember the Jubilee which …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren.
(Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 15-35. ^a 15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [Having warned against giving offense, Jesus now shows how to act when offense is received. The fault is to be pointed out to the offender, but for the purpose of gaining him--not from a desire to humiliate him. The offended is to seek the offender, and the offender is likewise to seek the offended (Matt. xv. 23, 24), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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