BibleProject | Redemption in the Biblical Storyഉദാഹരണം

Redemption and Rest

God redeemed Israel from slavery, but this only started a journey into real and lasting freedom. Today’s readings from Leviticus 25 show God’s redeemed people learning to redeem one another and the land God had given them (Lev. 25:19-28).

At times, circumstances forced impoverished people to sell their land or even themselves as slaves. God’s instruction allows relatives to “redeem” these people for a price (Lev. 25:47-55). Authors use the same word to describe God “redeeming” the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, but here, God calls the Israelites to redeem each other.

However, not everyone in this situation could afford to redeem their relatives, so God gives instructions for observing a year of Jubilee, which happens once every 50 years. During this time all debts are cancelled, and all Israelite debt-slaves are set free, no matter what (Lev. 25:8-12). The idea is that nobody in their world should be held in a state of endless oppression (see Lev. 25:17).

These laws depend on the principle that human beings and all creation belong to God. God created people to live within the land in a loving way that leads to flourishing and Sabbath rest—real and lasting shalom.

By calling Israel to embrace a redeeming way of life toward others and the land, God is calling Israel to live like he does as one who consistently acts in a redeeming way.

Reflection Exercises:

• Why do you think God wanted Israel to provide Sabbath rest for the land and animals? What does this suggest about God’s relationship not only with humanity but also with all of creation?
• How does the last part of the video describe the kind of redemption Jesus brings as he leads people into Sabbath rest?