Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the sale of houses, particularly within the land of Israel, is governed by specific laws that reflect the theological and social principles of the Israelite community. These laws are primarily found in the Pentateuch and are designed to ensure the equitable distribution of land and property, maintain family inheritance, and uphold the sanctity of the Promised Land as a divine gift to the Israelites.Leviticus 25:29-31 provides the foundational statute regarding the sale of houses in walled cities: "If a man sells a house in a walled city, he retains the right of redemption a full year after its sale. During that time, he may buy it back. But if it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descendants; it is not to be released in the Jubilee." This law underscores the temporary nature of property transactions and the importance of family heritage. The one-year redemption period allows the original owner to reclaim their property, reflecting the value placed on maintaining familial ties to specific locations. In contrast, houses in villages without walls are treated differently, as they are considered part of the open country. Leviticus 25:31 states, "But houses in villages without walls around them are to be considered as open fields. They can be redeemed, and they must be released in the Jubilee." This distinction highlights the integration of village houses with agricultural land, which is subject to the Jubilee laws. The Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, serves as a reset for economic disparities, ensuring that land and property revert to their original familial owners, thus preventing the permanent loss of inheritance. The laws also reflect a concern for the poor and vulnerable. Leviticus 25:35-37 instructs the Israelites to support their impoverished brethren, allowing them to live among them without interest or profit from their need. This principle extends to property transactions, where the community is encouraged to assist those who have fallen into poverty, ensuring they do not lose their ancestral inheritance permanently. The theological underpinning of these laws is the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God, as stated in Leviticus 25:23: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me." This divine ownership mandates that the Israelites act as stewards rather than absolute owners, fostering a sense of responsibility and community solidarity. These laws regarding the sale of houses reflect a broader biblical ethic that values justice, mercy, and the preservation of family and community integrity. They serve as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their duty to uphold His statutes in their social and economic interactions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 25:29-33And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library An Account of the General Conference of 1796 To the Rev. Andrew Brandram To the Rev. A. Brandram The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China. From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ... The Government of India. Carey's College From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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