◄ Leviticus 25:55 ►
For the Israelites are My servants. They are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Study Bible
For the Israelites
This phrase identifies the specific group of people to whom God is speaking. The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, the Israelites were chosen by God to be His people, a nation set apart to demonstrate His holiness and to be a light to the nations. The Hebrew term "Yisra'el" signifies "God prevails," reflecting the divine relationship and covenant established with them. This covenantal identity is foundational, reminding the Israelites of their unique role and responsibilities as God's chosen people.

are My servants
The word "servants" in Hebrew is "avadim," which can also mean "slaves" or "bondservants." This term emphasizes the relationship between God and the Israelites as one of ownership and devotion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a servant was someone who owed allegiance and service to their master. Here, God is asserting His authority and ownership over the Israelites, not as a harsh taskmaster, but as a benevolent and loving Lord who has redeemed them. This servitude is not burdensome but is a call to live in obedience and faithfulness to God.

They are My servants
The repetition of this phrase underscores the importance of the Israelites' identity as God's servants. It is a reminder of their purpose and calling. The emphasis on "My" highlights God's personal claim over them, reinforcing the intimate and covenantal relationship. This repetition serves to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God and their duty to serve Him alone, rejecting idolatry and the influences of surrounding nations.

whom I brought out of the land of Egypt
This phrase recalls the historical event of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Hebrew word for "brought out" is "yatsa," which conveys the idea of a powerful and purposeful act of deliverance. This act of liberation is central to Israel's identity and faith, serving as a constant reminder of God's power, faithfulness, and love. It is a call to remember God's past acts of salvation as a basis for trust and obedience in the present and future.

I am the LORD your God
This declaration is a reaffirmation of God's identity and authority. The name "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the personal and covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh." It signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "your God" personalizes this relationship, emphasizing that God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in the lives of His people. This statement serves as a foundation for the Israelites' faith and obedience, reminding them of who God is and their covenantal relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself as the one true God and the deliverer of His people.

4. Servitude
The concept of being a servant or slave, which in this context refers to the Israelites' relationship with God as His chosen people.

5. The Exodus
The pivotal event in Israel's history where God delivered them from Egyptian bondage, establishing them as His people.
Teaching Points
Identity in God
Recognize that, like the Israelites, believers today are called to be God's servants, set apart for His purposes.

Deliverance and Freedom
Understand that true freedom comes from being delivered by God, just as the Israelites were freed from Egypt.

Covenant Relationship
Embrace the covenant relationship with God, acknowledging Him as LORD and living in obedience to His commands.

Purposeful Servitude
Reflect on the purpose of being God's servant, which involves serving others and advancing His kingdom.

Gratitude for Redemption
Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the redemption and deliverance God has provided through Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the Israelites' identity as God's servants influence your view of your own identity in Christ?

2. In what ways can the account of the Exodus inspire you to trust in God's deliverance in your own life?

3. How does the concept of being a servant to God challenge or encourage you in your daily walk with Him?

4. What are some practical ways you can live out your identity as a servant of God in your community?

5. How can the themes of deliverance and servitude in Leviticus 25:55 deepen your appreciation for the redemption offered through Jesus Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:2
This verse reiterates God's role as the deliverer of Israel from Egypt, establishing the foundation for the Ten Commandments.

Deuteronomy 7:6
Highlights the Israelites as a holy people chosen by God, emphasizing their unique relationship with Him.

1 Corinthians 7:22-23
Paul speaks of believers being bought with a price, drawing a parallel to the concept of servitude to God.

Romans 6:22
Discusses being set free from sin and becoming servants to God, echoing the theme of servitude in Leviticus 25:55.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, which connects to the identity of the Israelites as God's servants.
Sermons
A Sabbath of Rest unto the LandW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 25:2-55
Deliverance from SinHoward James.Leviticus 25:2-55
Freedom Through ChristT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 25:2-55
Jubilee GladnessJ. Cairns.Leviticus 25:2-55
Land Laws Among Other NationsM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Land TenureT. T. Munger.Leviticus 25:2-55
Laws of Trade-WagesHom. ReviewLeviticus 25:2-55
Lessons from the Sabbatical YearF. W. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
Liberty Through ChristRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Man Need not Despair of -ProvidenceBp. Babington.Leviticus 25:2-55
Practical Reliance Upon GodIndian Witness.Leviticus 25:2-55
Released from DebtChristian AgeLeviticus 25:2-55
Results of Jubilee YearT. Guthrie, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
Sojourners with GodHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The Hebrew System of Land TenureR. Reid.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Joyful SoundC. S. Robinson, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeHomilistLeviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee a Type of the GospelWm. Sleigh.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Jubilee Year: its Fourfold SignificanceW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Oppressor Rebuked and the Oppression RemovedC. F. S. Money, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Purpose of the Sabbatical YearM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Resemblance Between the Year of Jubilee and the GospelT. B. Baker.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbath of the FieldsH. Macmillan, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sabbatic Year and JubileeJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Sinner's Chains are Self ForgedPreacher's Lantern.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeA. G. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeA. H. Currier.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeWalter Roberts, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year of JubileeT. Binney.Leviticus 25:2-55
The Year SabbathDr. Ide.Leviticus 25:2-55
What Shall We Eat the Seventh Year?A. G. Brown.Leviticus 25:2-55
The JubileeR.M. Edgar Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of JubileeW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Ii. the World's RedemptionW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Year of Jubilee: Iii. the Blessed KingdomW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:8-55
Justice and MercyJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 25:35-55
The Law of Personal ServitudeR.A. Redford Leviticus 25:35-55
SlaveryLeviticus 25:39-55
People
Israelites, Levites, Moses
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Belong, Egypt, Forth, Servants, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 25:55

     6659   freedom, acts in OT
     7160   servants of the Lord
     8402   claims

Leviticus 25:39-55

     5378   law, OT
     7447   slavery, in OT
     8343   servanthood, in society

Leviticus 25:47-55

     5504   rights
     6714   ransom

Leviticus 25:54-55

     5909   motives, importance

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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