Leviticus 25:50-55 ~ Triple R ~ Reckoning~Redemption~Reminder!

Good morning, my friends and fellow sojourners on this earth.  During our last visit we supped together on Leviticus 25:47-49: click here to review.  We learned of our God's awesome provision for the Israelites, when they fell upon tough times.  The law of Kinsman Redeemer was introduced. 

Lord willing, we will finish up Leviticus 25 today.  This morning's measure of manna is spiced with God's Triple R seasoning: Reckoning, Reminder, and Redemption.  Please join us, as we share a delicious portion of God's Word. 

LEVITICUS 25:50-55

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.  If there yet be many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for.  And if their remains but a few years until the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years shall he give him again the price of his Redemption.  And as a yearly hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in your sight.  And if he be not redeemed in these years, then he shall go out in the year of jubile, both he, and his children with him. (Reminder) For unto Me the children of Israel are servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. 

:50 ~ 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. 


"Is God instituting slavery in these laws regarding the price of a slave's redemption? prior to the Year of Jubilee?" asks Jon Courson in his Application Commentary on the Old Testament.  "No, He's regulating what was already taking place.  Why didn't God forbid slavery?  Because God's way is to change people.  Changed people, in turn--like England's abolitionist William Wilberforce, an outspoken believer, will then change politics."

What do you think of that statement?  Of course, no argument, God is definitely in the business of changing people and using them to effect change in the world!  It makes me think ... regulation versus prohibition ... would, or does, it work for today's governments?

You can listen (for free) to Pastor Jon's Bible teachings: by Book, Verse by Verse, or In-Depth Topical and Expositional Teachings.  Many excellent resources there, including a Daily Devotional.  Guaranteed blessings.

Also, speaking of reckoning ... shall there not be a Reckoning (settling of accounts) when we meet our LORD at the Throne of Judgement???   For Scriptures regarding the "day of judgment" in Biblos: click here. 

Jesus does give us the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-34.  This Scripture follows the whole set up, back here in Leviticus.  The forgiveness of debt ... of course, Jesus died to pay our debts, once and for all.  But, I also notice that, in this text from Matthew, the Lord spoke of settling of accounts with His servants ... not everyone.

Photo credit and thanks to: The Bible a Book of Truth

Then, there is the 'day of reckoning' described in Matthew 25 which includes His servants (His sheep) and the 'others' (goats). I adore the above photo.  While it does not depict the final separation; it does beautifully portray the ongoing enmity between the sheep and the goats.

I know that I have left out other relevant Scriptures, including: Revelation 20:11-12 which describes the reckoning at the Great White Throne ... this would be another whole study:  please add your comments!

Hebrew law limited the service of the Israelite servant to 6 years, unless he offered a voluntary service after that period ... Exodus 21:1-6

:51 ~ If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again the price of his Redemption out of the money that he was bought for. 

If he was only in service a short time, the Israelite servant must have been expected to still have the money he was originally given when he sold himself into his master's service.  And could buy back (redeem) his debt or contract.

:52 ~ And if there remain but few years unto the year of jubile, then he shall count with him, and according unto his years shall he give him again  the price of his Redemption.

On the other hand, if he had served most of his term of service; he was soon to be set free at Jubilee anyway; he had to reckon with his master for the Redemption price of an early release from his contract or to pay off his debt early.

53 ~ And as a yearly  hired servant shall he be with him: and the other shall not rule with rigour over him in your sight.

There were stringent rules about how a stranger or sojourner was to treat an Israelite in his service.  He was to be treated fairly and with respect.  I believe that the same rules still hold true today ... between us and our employers.  The employers of God's servants are held to a higher accountability for how they treat their employees.  We discussed that more in depth in our last study.

:54 ~ And if he be not redeemed in these years, then he shall go out in the year of jubile, both he, and his children with him.

Year of Jubile (Jubilee) ~ The 50th year, which followed seven Sabbath years, was to proclaim liberty to those who were servants because of debt, and to return lands to their former owners.  (Leviticus 25:8-55, 27:17-24; Ezekiel 46:17)  As Christians, is this not me and you, as well???  Jesus (our Kinsman Redeemer) said that He came to proclaim liberty!!!  Are we not His servants?!  Bless Him, for paying the debt, that we could never pay!  Hallelujah!!!

This also brings up a question: what children is he to take with him?  Scripture states that if a servant meets a female servant while in the employ of the master and she bears his children, that the woman and the children are the property of the owner and are to stay there.

Aha!  There is a very different situation here ... don't you just LOVE hunting for treasure in the Bible???  According to John Gill's Exposition on the Bible: "his wife too, if he had any, was comprehended in himself, and whom, both wife and children, his master was obliged to maintain during his servitude."

So, it was quite a commitment for a master to take on an Israelite slave!  Beside the rules of fair treatment; he was also responsible for the well-being of this man's immediate family.  I would think that it would take a more compassionate and responsible man, than most, to hire a Jewish servant. He would have more mouths to feed, but probably more hands to work, as well!

Hmmm ... I feel like there is more to this!  Anyone?  Can you contribute to this point about the children?
  
John Calvin said in his Commentary:  "The object of the law was, that none of those whom God had adopted, should be alienated from their race, and thus should depart from the true worship of God Himself. The whole of this is comprehended in the last verse, where God declares that the children of Abraham were His property, inasmuch as He had led them forth from the land of Egypt, and, on the other hand, that He is their peculiar God. For, whilst it was just that they should enjoy His blessing, so also it behooved that they should be kept sound in His pure and undivided worship..."

Now, the LORD concludes with a very clear Reminder!

:55 ~ For unto Me the children of Israel are servants; they are My servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I AM the LORD your God.

This Reminder is comforting to His sheep and foreboding to the goats!

I do believe that it will not go well to anyone who mistreats one of God's servants!  There is no room, for "interpretation" here.  This last verse is the bottom line!
To us, this Reminder is a blessed assurance; at the same time, it is also a strict warning...lest we ever forget from Whom comes our freedom, our joy, our very life and breath!  And to Whom belongs our everlasting thanks, worship and praise!

Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name! ~ Psalms 103:1 

Until we meet again, Tot ons weer ontmoet (Afrikaans)

I am blessed every day

with some new revelation of God's Word.

I will be sharing my measure of manna

with all who come to my "tent."

Please, let me know if you have been blessed

by the way it was prepared for you this day.

 ~Shalom~

 

LEVITICUS 25:29-31 ~ Short Sales in the Cities!

Welcome, fellow sojourners of the narrow way.  We have recently been camping at Leviticus 25.  The law of this chapter concerns the lands and estates of the Israelites in Canaan.  We last visited: Leviticus 25:25-28, where the LORD made merciful provisions for a person who became too poor to redeem his land.  You may review our last get together by clicking here: Redeem the Country!

Make yourself comfortable.  We have wonderful fresh manna this morning to share.  His Living Word is always delicious to our lips and nutritious to our souls.  How sweet are your words to my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ~ Psalms 119:103

LEVITICUS 25:29-31 ~ And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it. And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established for ever to him that bought it throughout his generations: it shall not go out in the Jubilee. But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the Jubilee.

Property within a walled city could be redeemed only during the first year.

:29 ~ And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year may he redeem it.

OK, so if I sell my house in the city and decide that I want it back. Then, from that day on, within the first year, either I or a close relative of mine can buy it back.  The very next day after the year was up, I would lose my rights to the property forever.  The buyer would be able to keep the property as his own, permanently.  Jewish law even made provisos, in case the buyer hid on the last day of the year to avoid getting his place redeemed.  Tricky little humans ...

City dwellers had only one year to redeem property inside the city walls.  Evidently, city property had to be settled much quicker.  Hmmm, let's look into why …

Jon Courson says, in his Application Commentary on the Old Testament: “The rabbis teach that, in this, God is encouraging people not to live in the cities.  Whether or not such be the case, the fact remains that with a higher density of people comes greater opportunity to sin. (Good point, Jon)  A higher density of believers in any given area can result in a greater degree of lethargy. (wow) That is why, as salt and light, we are most effective when we are spread out.”

Bible expositor, John Gill,  however, has a little different view.  He states that "this law was made to encourage persons to settle in walled towns, to make and keep them populous, and to make owners of them careful not to sell them...

Matthew Henry, in his Commentary on the Whole Bible, seems to agree to some degree: "This provision was made to encourage strangers and proselytes to come and settle among them. Though they could not purchase land in Canaan to them and their heirs, yet they might purchase houses in walled cities, which would be most convenient for those who were supposed to live by trade."

NOTE: Biblos is a wonderful resource for Bible study ... compare commentaries here.

In whichever case, today's cities are dense and crowded.  They often have higher crime rates and immorality is accepted, even encouraged, in many of them.  Around every corner, are temptations, traps and lures, and food to feed the lust of the eyes, the pride of life and the flesh.  It makes good sense that God would encourage shorter stays in the cities.  Everything is  concentrated into a very small area … there are dark alleys and crowds of people, large corporations and even, yes ... huge churches in which to hide.

I have always felt that way about cities … but until now, I never realized that the LORD might actually have discouraged city living for His children, unless they were to live by trade.
Awesome!!!

:30 ~ And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established for ever to him that bought it throughout his generations: it shall not go out in the Jubilee.

So, if the seller was to change his mind about the sale, he had to act quickly. If he, or his near kin, did not redeem it by the last day of the year following the sale; then the dwelling became the real and permanent property of the buyer and his descendants.  It would not be returned in the Year of Jubilee.  This is the first exception to automatic redemption at Jubilee that is mentioned.  The dwelling would not be returned after the 365th day.

I imagine that profit could also be made from the houses in the city.  It would be difficult for someone to buy a city dwelling, perhaps establish a business there … and then have the building repossessed by the original owner.  And obviously God intended some to stay in the cities … for He provided opportunities to gain permanent title to the houses.

Note: fruit was planted, grown and harvested only in the fields.  Probably much more treasure to be found here!

Calvin's commentary is here: Aha!  Calvin believed, as I had noted, that houses yield no fruit.  It was "more tolerable" to live without a house in the city than without fruit from the field.  He also discusses the provision for business in the city.

John Gill in his Exposition of the Bible says: "for houses were not like lands, the gift of God, and held under Him, but were built by men, and were their absolute property, and therefore they could dispose of them."


Matthew Henry, in his Commentary, agrees: "A difference was made between houses in walled cities, and lands in the country, or houses in country villages.  Houses in walled cities were more the fruits of their own industry than land in the country, which was the immediate gift of God’s bounty..."

He also stated:  "This provision was made to encourage strangers and proselytes to come and settle among them. Though they could not purchase land in Canaan to them and their heirs, yet they might purchase houses in walled cities, which would be most convenient for those who were supposed to live by trade. But country houses could be disposed of no otherwise than as lands might."

:31 ~ But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the Jubilee.

The houses in the “suburbs” were treated like the fields in the country. Ahh yes, the reason everyone still flocks to the suburbs … a better quality of life!  Open spaces, clear skies, fresh air, peace, quiet, beautiful views, slower pace, less traffic, less distractions, safe environment.  And most importantly, the LORD had blessed the land in the country, and commanded it to yield the crops and fruits vital for health and life!

Something to consider: What about “gated” communities of our day?  These communities are usually designed to be more secure with less of usual city drawbacks.  But, would God still have considered them as “walled villages”???

Something to consider:  The city dwellings were, a more secure investment for business men, were they not?  Houses and property outside of the city were redeemable for 49 years after you bought it.  So you could never really be settled on a permanent basis, unless you were the original owner.  In the city, there was a chance to receive permanent title by default.

The LORD provided land for every one of the Israelites.  Your rightful inheritance would be the land that could not ever be taken permanently from you.  Even if you couldn’t afford to keep it up, you could lease it out and get it back every for free, every 50 years!  Of course, then, what do you do, when your property is leased out?  Go live in the city and pay rent?  Or perhaps take a road trip, by camel, to other village or cities?  *smile* … many possibilities, I guess.

Matthew Henry states: "This provision was made to encourage strangers and proselytes to come and settle among them. Though they could not purchase land in Canaan to them and their heirs, yet they might purchase houses in walled cities, which would be most convenient for those who were supposed to live by trade. But country houses could be disposed of no otherwise than as lands might."

One thing is sure ... the LORD, as always, made perfect provision for every person and every little detail of their lives.  For the city folk and the country folk alike ... for trade and for agriculture.  What love our Creator has for his creation!  What perfect plans He has for us!

This lesson also reminds us that our only truly permanent residence is in heaven, which is our Rightful Inheritance.

It turned out to be an exciting adventure gathering the manna today.  I had to consult both contemporary and historical sources to gain a better understanding of these three little Scriptures.  But, what a rich and delectable meal came forth!  There are still many "side dishes" that could be explored.  Plus, along the way ... I also discovered more uses for the fantastic Biblical Research Library ~ Biblos!

Don't we so often find extra treasures "along the way?"  What a beautiful day today!  This is the day that the LORD has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it! ~ Psalm 118:24

Until we meet again, Zàijiàn -  再见

I am blessed every day

with some new revelation of God's Word.

I will be sharing my measure of manna

with all who come to my "tent."

Please, let me know if you have been blessed

by the way it was prepared for you this day.

 ~Shalom~