“but the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.”
Exodus 23:11 is part of the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This verse specifically addresses the practice of allowing the land to rest every seventh year, which is known as the Sabbath year or the Year of Jubilee. Let’s explore the key themes and lessons we can derive from this verse:
Sabbath Rest: The verse emphasizes the importance of giving the land a year of rest every seventh year. Just as God commanded the Israelites to observe a Sabbath day of rest every week, He also required them to honor the Sabbath year for the land. This principle of rest acknowledges the sovereignty of God over creation and serves as a reminder that everything ultimately belongs to Him.
Consideration for the Poor: The Sabbath year had a social aspect as well. By letting the land lie fallow, the poor among the Israelites would have the opportunity to gather food and sustenance from the land. This provision demonstrates God’s concern for the disadvantaged members of society and His command to the Israelites to act justly and compassionately.
Stewardship: The verse also highlights the responsibility of the Israelites as stewards of the land. By resting the land, they acknowledged their dependence on God’s provision and practiced sustainable agriculture. This principle of stewardship reminds us of our role as caretakers of the resources entrusted to us by God and encourages us to use them wisely and responsibly.
Application to Vineyards and Oliveyards: In addition to the agricultural fields, the verse extends the requirement of rest to vineyards and olive groves. This principle underscores the comprehensive nature of God’s commandments. It teaches us that the principles of rest and provision apply not only to our main sources of sustenance but also to all areas of our lives and resources.
Overall, Exodus 23:11 teaches us important lessons about rest, compassion for the poor, stewardship, and the holistic application of God’s principles to various aspects of our lives. It reminds us of God’s desire for justice, care for His creation, and our role as faithful stewards in His kingdom.
