The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Remission of Debts
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The Sabbatical Year, also known as the Shemitah, is a biblically mandated year of rest observed every seventh year by the Israelites. This year is marked by several significant enactments, one of which is the remission of debts. The concept of debt remission during the Sabbatical Year is rooted in the Mosaic Law and reflects the principles of mercy, social justice, and reliance on God's provision.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the remission of debts during the Sabbatical Year is found in the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 states: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed."

This commandment underscores the importance of compassion and generosity within the community of Israel. It serves as a reminder that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and His people are stewards of His resources.

Purpose and Significance

The remission of debts during the Sabbatical Year serves several purposes:

1. Economic Reset: By canceling debts, the Sabbatical Year provides an economic reset for individuals and families who may have fallen into financial hardship. It prevents the accumulation of insurmountable debt and the potential for generational poverty.

2. Social Equality: This practice promotes social equality by ensuring that wealth does not become concentrated in the hands of a few. It allows for a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities within the community.

3. Spiritual Dependence: The remission of debts is a tangible expression of faith in God's provision. It requires both creditors and debtors to trust in God's ability to meet their needs, reinforcing the spiritual principle that God is the ultimate provider.

4. Community Solidarity: By alleviating financial burdens, the Sabbatical Year fosters a sense of community solidarity and mutual support. It encourages Israelites to care for one another and to prioritize relationships over material wealth.

Practical Implications

The enactment of debt remission during the Sabbatical Year had practical implications for the Israelites:

· Creditor's Responsibility: Creditors were required to release their fellow Israelites from the obligation of repayment. This act of forgiveness was a demonstration of obedience to God's command and a reflection of His mercy.

· Debtor's Relief: Debtors experienced relief from financial pressure, allowing them to start anew without the burden of past debts. This provision was particularly beneficial for those who had experienced economic misfortune.

· Cultural Impact: The practice of debt remission influenced the cultural and economic landscape of ancient Israel. It reinforced the values of compassion, justice, and reliance on divine providence.

Theological Reflections

The remission of debts during the Sabbatical Year is a profound illustration of God's character and His desire for His people to embody His attributes. It points to the greater spiritual reality of forgiveness and redemption, themes that are central to the Christian faith. The practice foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, who cancels the debt of sin for all who believe in Him.

In summary, the enactment of debt remission during the Sabbatical Year is a testament to God's justice, mercy, and provision. It serves as a powerful reminder of the call to live in accordance with His principles, fostering a community marked by generosity, equality, and faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 15:1-3
At the end of every seven years you shall make a release.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 10:31
And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Resources
What is the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths / Sukkot? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Feast of Dedication? | GotQuestions.org

Feast: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Feast

Feast of The Dedication

Feast Of Trumpets

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Began Fourteenth of Twelfth Month

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Confirmed by Royal Authority

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Instituted by Mordecai

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Lasted Two Days

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Mode of Celebrating

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: The Jews Bound Themselves to Keep

Lots, Feast of Purim: The: To Commemorate the Defeat of Haman's Wicked Design

Mardi Gras

The Feast of Dedication: Held in the Winter Month, Chisleu

The Feast of Dedication: To Commemorate the Cleansing of the Temple After Its

The Feast of Jubilee was Specially Holy

The Feast of Jubilee: Began Upon the Day of Atonement

The Feast of Jubilee: Called The: Acceptable Year

The Feast of Jubilee: Called The: Year of Liberty

The Feast of Jubilee: Called The: Year of the Redeemed

The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Cessation of all Field Labour

The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Redemption of Sold Property

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

The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: Restoration of all Inheritances

The Feast of Jubilee: Enactments Respecting: The Fruits of the Earth to be Common Property

The Feast of Jubilee: Held Every Fiftieth Year

The Feast of Jubilee: Houses in Walled Cities not Redeemed Within a Year, Exempted

The Feast of Jubilee: Illustrative of the Gospel

The Feast of Jubilee: Proclaimed by Trumpets

The Feast of Jubilee: Sale of Property Calculated From

The Feast of Jubilee: Value of Devoted Property Calculated From

The Feast of Pentecost: A Holy Convocation

The Feast of Pentecost: A Time of Holy Rejoicing

The Feast of Pentecost: All Males to Attend

The Feast of Pentecost: Called The: Day of Pentecost

The Feast of Pentecost: Called The: Day of the First Fruits

The Feast of Pentecost: Called The: Feast of Harvest

The Feast of Pentecost: Called The: Feast of Weeks

The Feast of Pentecost: Held Fiftieth Day After offering First Sheaf of Barley

The Feast of Pentecost: Observed by the Church

The Feast of Pentecost: Sacrifices At

The Feast of Pentecost: The First Fruits of Bread Presented At

The Feast of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Given to Apostles At

The Feast of Pentecost: The Law Given from Mount Sinai Upon

The Feast of Pentecost: To be Perpetually Observed

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: A Sabbath for the Land

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Cessation of all Field Labour

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: No Release to Strangers During

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Public Reading of the Law at Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Release of all Hebrew Servants

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Remission of Debts

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: The Fruits of the Earth to be Common Property

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Jews Threatened for Neglecting

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Kept Every Seventh Year

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Release of, not to Hinder the Exercise of Benevolence

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Restored After the Captivity

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Surplus of Sixth Year to Provide For

The Feast of Sabbatical Year: The Seventy Years Captivity a Punishment for Neglecting

The Feast of Tabernacles: All Males Obliged to Appear At

The Feast of Tabernacles: Began Fifteenth of Seventh Month

The Feast of Tabernacles: Called the Feast of Ingathering

The Feast of Tabernacles: Customs Observed At: Bearing Branches of Palms

The Feast of Tabernacles: Customs Observed At: Drawing Water from the Pool of Siloam

The Feast of Tabernacles: Customs Observed At: Singing Hosannas

The Feast of Tabernacles: First and Last Days of, Holy Convocations

The Feast of Tabernacles: Held After Harvest and Vintage

The Feast of Tabernacles: Lasted Seven Days

The Feast of Tabernacles: Remarkable Celebrations of After the Captivity

The Feast of Tabernacles: Remarkable Celebrations of At the Dedication of Solomon's Temple

The Feast of Tabernacles: Sacrifices During

The Feast of Tabernacles: The Law Publicly Read Every Seventh Year At

The Feast of Tabernacles: The People Dwelt in Booths During

The Feast of Tabernacles: To be Observed with Rejoicing

The Feast of Tabernacles: To be Observed: Perpetually

The Feast of Tabernacles: To Commemorate the Sojourn of Israel in the Desert

The Feast of the New Moon: A Season For: Entertainments

The Feast of the New Moon: A Season For: Inquiring of God's Messengers

The Feast of the New Moon: A Season For: Worship in God's House

The Feast of the New Moon: Celebrated With Blowing of Trumpets

The Feast of the New Moon: Disliked by the Ungodly

The Feast of the New Moon: Held First Day of the Month

The Feast of the New Moon: Mere Outward Observance of, Hateful to God

The Feast of the New Moon: Observance of, by Christians, Condemned

The Feast of the New Moon: Observed With Great Solemnity

The Feast of the New Moon: Restored After Captivity

The Feast of the New Moon: Sacrifices At

The Feast of the New Moon: The Jews Deprived of, for Sin

The Feast of the Passover: All Males to Appear At

The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Days of Unleavened Bread

The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Feast of Unleavened Bread

The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Jew's Passover

The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Lord's Passover

The Feast of the Passover: Called The: Passover

The Feast of the Passover: Children to be Taught the Nature and Design of

The Feast of the Passover: Christ Always Observed

The Feast of the Passover: Commenced the Fourteenth of the First Month at Even

The Feast of the Passover: Custom of Releasing a Prisoner At

The Feast of the Passover: First and Last Days of, Holy Convocations

The Feast of the Passover: Illustrative of Redemption Through Christ

The Feast of the Passover: Improper Keeping of, Punished

The Feast of the Passover: Lasted Seven Days

The Feast of the Passover: Leaven: Not to be in Any of Their Quarters

The Feast of the Passover: Leaven: Not to be in Their Houses During

The Feast of the Passover: Leaven: Nothing With, to be Eaten

The Feast of the Passover: Leaven: Punishment for Eating

The Feast of the Passover: Might be Kept in the Second Month by Those Who Were Unclean

The Feast of the Passover: Moses Kept Through Faith

The Feast of the Passover: Neglect of, Punished With Death

The Feast of the Passover: No Uncircumcised Person to Keep

The Feast of the Passover: Ordained by God

The Feast of the Passover: Paschal Lamb Eaten First Day of

The Feast of the Passover: Purification Necessary to the Due Observance of

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of After the Captivity

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of Before the Death of Christ

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of in Hezekiah's Reign

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of in Josiah's Reign

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of in the Wilderness of Sinai

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of On Entering the Land of Promise

The Feast of the Passover: Remarkable Celebrations of On Leaving Egypt

The Feast of the Passover: Sacrifices During

The Feast of the Passover: Strangers and Servants when Circumcised Might Keep

The Feast of the Passover: The Day Before the Sabbath In, Called the Preparation

The Feast of the Passover: The First Sheaf of Barley Harvest offered the Day After The

The Feast of the Passover: The Lord's Supper Instituted At

The Feast of the Passover: The People of Jerusalem Lent Their Rooms to Strangers For

The Feast of the Passover: The Sabbath In, a High Day

The Feast of the Passover: To be Perpetually Observed During the Mosaic Age

The Feast of the Passover: To Commemorate The: Deliverance of Israel from Bondage of Egypt

The Feast of the Passover: To Commemorate The: Passing Over the First-Born

The Feast of the Passover: Unleavened Bread Eaten At

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Visiting (10 Occurrences)

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The Feast of Sabbatical Year: Enactments Respecting: Release of all Hebrew Servants
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