Topical Bible: The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Release of Hebrew Servants

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Feast of Jubilee, also known as the Year of Jubilee, is a significant event in the biblical calendar, occurring every fiftieth year. It is a time of liberation and restoration, deeply rooted in the laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses. One of the key enactments of the Jubilee is the release of Hebrew servants, a practice that underscores the themes of freedom and redemption central to the Jubilee year.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical text concerning the Jubilee is found in Leviticus 25. The Jubilee year is proclaimed with the sounding of a trumpet on the Day of Atonement, signaling the commencement of a year dedicated to rest and restoration. Leviticus 25:10 states, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan."

Release of Hebrew Servants

One of the most profound aspects of the Jubilee is the release of Hebrew servants. According to the Mosaic Law, Hebrew individuals who had sold themselves into servitude due to debt or poverty were to be set free during the Jubilee year. This enactment is detailed in Leviticus 25:39-41 : "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers."

This provision ensured that servitude among the Israelites was not perpetual and that individuals had the opportunity to regain their freedom and familial ties. The release of Hebrew servants during the Jubilee year served as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, reinforcing the principle that the Israelites were ultimately servants of God alone.

Theological Significance

The release of Hebrew servants during the Jubilee year reflects the broader theological themes of redemption and restoration found throughout Scripture. It emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, created in the image of God, and the importance of social justice and compassion within the community of God's people. The Jubilee year serves as a tangible expression of God's mercy and grace, offering a foretaste of the ultimate liberation and restoration that believers anticipate in the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom.

Practical Implications

The enactment of releasing Hebrew servants during the Jubilee year had significant social and economic implications for ancient Israel. It prevented the accumulation of generational poverty and ensured that families could reclaim their ancestral lands and livelihoods. This practice fostered a sense of community and mutual responsibility, as the Israelites were reminded of their shared identity as God's chosen people.

In summary, the release of Hebrew servants during the Feast of Jubilee is a profound enactment that highlights the biblical principles of freedom, justice, and restoration. It serves as a testament to God's desire for His people to live in harmony and equity, reflecting His character and purposes in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:40,41,54
But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with you, and shall serve you to the year of jubilee.
Torrey's Topical Textbook