“And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he was sold to him unto the year of jubile: and the price of his sale shall be according unto the number of years, according to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him.”
Context: Leviticus 25 deals with the laws of the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee. These were provisions given by God to the Israelites to ensure social justice, prevent the accumulation of wealth in a few hands, and provide opportunities for economic restoration.
Redemption of Slaves: In verse 50, the focus is on the redemption of Hebrew slaves. If a fellow Israelite sold himself into slavery to another Israelite, either due to poverty or debt, the passage outlines how the redemption process should take place.
Reckoning and Pricing: The verse states that the person who bought the slave was to reckon or calculate the price of redemption. This calculation was to be based on the number of years from the time of sale until the Year of Jubilee. The price was to be determined according to the time that would be equivalent to that of a hired servant or worker.
Year of Jubilee: The Year of Jubilee was a special year that occurred every 50th year. During this year, debts were canceled, land was returned to its original owner, and slaves were set free. It was a time of restoration and release for the Israelites.
Fairness and Justice: This verse reflects the principles of fairness and justice in the context of slavery. It acknowledges that a slave’s time and labor had value, and the redemption price was to be determined accordingly. This prevented the exploitation of slaves and emphasized their worth as individuals.
Spiritual Significance: While the primary focus of this verse is on the practical aspects of redeeming Hebrew slaves, we can also draw spiritual lessons from it. It reminds us that God cares about justice, fairness, and the well-being of individuals. It shows His concern for those who are oppressed or in difficult circumstances.
Christ’s Redemption: As Christians, we can see a parallel between the redemption of Hebrew slaves in the Old Testament and the redemption we have through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus paid the price for our freedom from the bondage of sin and death, setting us free to live in a restored relationship with God.
In conclusion, Leviticus 25:50 highlights the principles of fairness, justice, and redemption within the context of Hebrew slavery. It reflects God’s concern for individuals and serves as a reminder of His ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.
