Topical Encyclopedia Sabbath-produce refers to the agricultural yield that is harvested during the Sabbath year, also known as the Sabbatical year or the Shemitah. This concept is rooted in the biblical commandment given to the Israelites to observe a year of rest for the land every seventh year. The practice is primarily outlined in the Torah, specifically in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.Biblical Foundation The commandment for the Sabbath year is first introduced in Exodus 23:10-11: "For six years you are to sow your land and gather its produce, but in the seventh year you must let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor among your people may eat; and the wild animals may consume what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and olive grove." This passage emphasizes the dual purpose of the Sabbath year: to allow the land to rest and to provide for the needy and the wildlife. Leviticus 25:1-7 provides further details on the observance of the Sabbath year: "The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 'Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land I am giving you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD. For six years you may sow your field and prune your vineyard and gather its crops. But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard. You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of complete rest. Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your manservant and maidservant, the hired hand or foreigner who stays with you, and for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. All its growth may serve as food.'" Theological Significance The Sabbath year is a profound expression of trust in God's provision. By refraining from agricultural work, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God to provide for their needs. The Sabbath-produce, therefore, is seen as a divine gift, a testament to God's faithfulness and care for His people and creation. The Sabbath year also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God and their responsibility to care for the land and the less fortunate. It underscores the principle of stewardship, where the land is not owned outright by individuals but is entrusted to them by God, who is the ultimate owner of all creation. Practical Observance During the Sabbath year, the Israelites were instructed not to engage in regular farming activities. However, they were permitted to consume what the land naturally produced. This produce was not to be hoarded or sold for profit but was to be shared among the community, including servants, foreigners, and even animals. The observance of the Sabbath year required careful planning and faith. In Leviticus 25:20-22, God addresses the concern of what the people would eat during the seventh year: "You may ask, 'What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow or gather our produce?' But I will send My blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that the land will yield a crop sufficient for three years. While you are sowing in the eighth year, you will be eating from the previous harvest, until the ninth year’s harvest comes in." Historical Context and Modern Application Historically, the observance of the Sabbath year was a unique feature of Israelite society, setting them apart from surrounding nations. It was a radical departure from the continuous agricultural cycles practiced by other cultures, reflecting a distinct theological and ethical worldview. In modern times, the principles of the Sabbath year continue to inspire discussions on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and social justice. While the literal observance of the Sabbath year is not commonly practiced outside of traditional Jewish communities, its underlying values resonate with contemporary concerns about ecological balance and economic equity. The concept of Sabbath-produce invites believers to reflect on their relationship with creation, their trust in God's provision, and their commitment to justice and mercy in their communities. Concordance Sabbath-produce (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 25:6 Thesaurus Sabbath-produce (1 Occurrence)Sabbath-produce. Sabbath-keeping, Sabbath-produce. Sabbath-rest . Multi-Version Concordance Sabbath-produce (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sabbath-produce.htm - 6k Products (9 Occurrences) Sabbath-keeping (1 Occurrence) Sabbath-rest (1 Occurrence) Maidservant (73 Occurrences) Provide (74 Occurrences) Resources What is the Swoon Theory? Did Jesus survive the crucifixion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the National Baptist Convention USA? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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