This verse, Leviticus 25:20, is part of the instructions for the Sabbatical Year in the Old Testament. To understand it, we need to consider the context of Leviticus 25.
Here's a breakdown:
The Sabbatical Year: God commanded the Israelites to let their land rest every seventh year. They were not to sow seeds, prune vines, or harvest crops. This was a year of rest for the land, symbolizing God's provision and trusting in Him.
The Fear and the Question: Verse 20 addresses a very practical concern. If they don't sow or harvest in the seventh year, how will they eat? "What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase." This is a natural question arising from the command, reflecting a potential fear or anxiety about food security. They are essentially asking where their food will come from during this enforced period of no agricultural activity.
In Summary:
The verse highlights the potential anxiety and practical challenges associated with following God's command for the Sabbatical Year. It sets the stage for God's response, where he promises to provide abundantly in the sixth year so they have enough to eat during the seventh and even into the eighth year until the new harvest comes in.
The core message isn't just about agriculture; it's about trust in God's provision. It's a test of faith, challenging the Israelites (and, by extension, us) to believe that God will provide for their needs even when they obey commands that seem counterintuitive or economically risky.
This verse, Leviticus 25:20, is part of the instructions for the Sabbatical Year in the Old Testament. To understand it, we need to consider the context of Leviticus 25.
Here's a breakdown:
The Sabbatical Year: God commanded the Israelites to let their land rest every seventh year. They were not to sow seeds, prune vines, or harvest crops. This was a year of rest for the land, symbolizing God's provision and trusting in Him.
The Fear and the Question: Verse 20 addresses a very practical concern. If they don't sow or harvest in the seventh year, how will they eat? "What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase." This is a natural question arising from the command, reflecting a potential fear or anxiety about food security. They are essentially asking where their food will come from during this enforced period of no agricultural activity.
In Summary:
The verse highlights the potential anxiety and practical challenges associated with following God's command for the Sabbatical Year. It sets the stage for God's response, where he promises to provide abundantly in the sixth year so they have enough to eat during the seventh and even into the eighth year until the new harvest comes in.
The core message isn't just about agriculture; it's about trust in God's provision. It's a test of faith, challenging the Israelites (and, by extension, us) to believe that God will provide for their needs even when they obey commands that seem counterintuitive or economically risky.