Leviticus 25:48 - after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him;
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What does "Leviticus 25:48" mean?
Leviticus 25 deals with the laws of redemption, particularly concerning land and people who have fallen into poverty and sold themselves into servitude. Verse 48 specifically addresses the situation where an Israelite has sold himself to a resident alien or foreigner living among them. Let's break down what it means:
"After he is sold...": This refers to an Israelite who has become so impoverished that he has sold himself into service to a foreigner or a foreign family residing in Israel. This wasn't seen as permanent slavery in the same way as other forms of slavery, but rather a way to pay off debts and survive.
"...he may be redeemed.": This is the key concept. "Redeem" means to buy back or recover something that has been lost or sold. In this context, it means that the Israelite who has sold himself into service has the right to be bought back out of that service.
"One of his brothers may redeem him.": This specifies who is allowed to redeem him. "Brothers" is often used in the Bible to mean close relatives, not necessarily just siblings. This indicates that a close male relative has the right and the responsibility to buy him out of his service.
In essence, the verse establishes a right of redemption for an Israelite who has sold himself into servitude to a foreigner. This right belongs to the individual himself, but is primarily exercised by a close male relative. The aim of this law was to prevent Israelites from falling into permanent servitude to foreigners and to maintain the integrity of the Israelite community.
Important Context and Implications:
Kinship Obligation: The law highlights the importance of kinship obligations within Israelite society. The responsibility of redeeming a family member demonstrates the communal support system.
Limiting Foreign Influence: By allowing family members to redeem those who have sold themselves to foreigners, the law sought to limit the influence and control that foreign residents could exert over Israelites.
Year of Jubilee: Even if no relative could redeem the person, they would be automatically freed in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:54), which occurred every 50 years. This ensured that no Israelite would be permanently held in servitude.
Price of Redemption: The price of redemption was calculated based on the number of years remaining until the next Year of Jubilee, allowing the redeemer to pay a fair price for the remaining term of service.
In summary, Leviticus 25:48 is a provision within the laws of redemption, ensuring that Israelites who have fallen into servitude to foreigners have the right to be bought back by their relatives and eventually released in the Year of Jubilee, maintaining their freedom and place within the Israelite community.
Leviticus 25:48 - after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him;
What does "Leviticus 25:48" mean?
Leviticus 25 deals with the laws of redemption, particularly concerning land and people who have fallen into poverty and sold themselves into servitude. Verse 48 specifically addresses the situation where an Israelite has sold himself to a resident alien or foreigner living among them. Let's break down what it means:
"After he is sold...": This refers to an Israelite who has become so impoverished that he has sold himself into service to a foreigner or a foreign family residing in Israel. This wasn't seen as permanent slavery in the same way as other forms of slavery, but rather a way to pay off debts and survive.
"...he may be redeemed.": This is the key concept. "Redeem" means to buy back or recover something that has been lost or sold. In this context, it means that the Israelite who has sold himself into service has the right to be bought back out of that service.
"One of his brothers may redeem him.": This specifies who is allowed to redeem him. "Brothers" is often used in the Bible to mean close relatives, not necessarily just siblings. This indicates that a close male relative has the right and the responsibility to buy him out of his service.
In essence, the verse establishes a right of redemption for an Israelite who has sold himself into servitude to a foreigner. This right belongs to the individual himself, but is primarily exercised by a close male relative. The aim of this law was to prevent Israelites from falling into permanent servitude to foreigners and to maintain the integrity of the Israelite community.
Important Context and Implications:
Kinship Obligation: The law highlights the importance of kinship obligations within Israelite society. The responsibility of redeeming a family member demonstrates the communal support system.
Limiting Foreign Influence: By allowing family members to redeem those who have sold themselves to foreigners, the law sought to limit the influence and control that foreign residents could exert over Israelites.
Year of Jubilee: Even if no relative could redeem the person, they would be automatically freed in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:54), which occurred every 50 years. This ensured that no Israelite would be permanently held in servitude.
Price of Redemption: The price of redemption was calculated based on the number of years remaining until the next Year of Jubilee, allowing the redeemer to pay a fair price for the remaining term of service.
In summary, Leviticus 25:48 is a provision within the laws of redemption, ensuring that Israelites who have fallen into servitude to foreigners have the right to be bought back by their relatives and eventually released in the Year of Jubilee, maintaining their freedom and place within the Israelite community.