Topical Bible: The Feast of Jubilee: Value of Devoted Property Calculated From

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Feast of Jubilee, also known simply as the 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 to the Israelites. The Jubilee is described in Leviticus 25, where it is established as a year of release and freedom, marked by the sounding of a trumpet on the Day of Atonement.

Biblical Foundation

The Jubilee year is a time when slaves are freed, debts are forgiven, and land is returned to its original owners. This practice underscores the principles of justice, mercy, and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership of the land. 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."

Value of Devoted Property

The calculation of the value of devoted property during the Jubilee is a critical aspect of this observance. The laws concerning the valuation of property are detailed in Leviticus 27. When property is devoted to the Lord, its value is assessed based on the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee. This ensures that the valuation reflects the time the property can be used before it reverts to its original owner.

Leviticus 27:16-18 provides guidance on this matter: "If a man consecrates to the LORD a part of his field, its value shall be calculated in proportion to the seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver for every homer of barley seed. If he consecrates his field during the Year of Jubilee, the price will stand. But if he consecrates his field after the Jubilee, the priest shall calculate the price according to the number of years remaining until the next Year of Jubilee, and its set value shall be reduced."

Theological Significance

The valuation of devoted property during the Jubilee reflects the broader theological themes of redemption and restoration. It emphasizes the temporary stewardship of earthly possessions and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation. The Jubilee serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God's provision and the importance of maintaining social and economic balance within the community.

Practical Implications

In practice, the Jubilee year required careful record-keeping and adherence to the laws of valuation. The priests played a crucial role in assessing the value of property and ensuring that the principles of the Jubilee were upheld. This system of valuation ensured fairness and prevented exploitation, as the price of land was adjusted based on its potential use before the next Jubilee.

The Jubilee, with its regulations on the value of devoted property, highlights the biblical call to justice and equity. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for His people to live in harmony, with a focus on restoration and the acknowledgment of His ultimate authority over all things.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 27:14-23
And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy to the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Memoir of John Bunyan
... As soon as his strength enabled him, he devoted his whole soul and ... It is well calculated
to excite the profoundest investigation of the Christian philosopher. ...
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