Leviticus 26:35, taken within the context of the entire chapter, is a warning about the consequences of disobeying God's commandments, specifically those related to the land and the Sabbath. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"As long as it lies desolate...": This refers to the land of Israel becoming uninhabited and unproductive, a direct result of the people being exiled due to their disobedience. The land is left barren and empty.
"...it shall have rest, even the rest which it didn’t have in your Sabbaths, when you lived on it.": This is the crucial part. It means that while the Israelites lived on the land, they failed to observe the Sabbatical years (every seventh year) and the Jubilee year (every fiftieth year). During these years, the land was supposed to be left uncultivated to recover and rest.
The verse implies that by neglecting the Sabbath years, the Israelites deprived the land of its necessary rest. As a result, when they are exiled, the land will finally get the rest it was owed. The desolation of the land serves as a way for it to recoup and fulfill the Sabbath years that were missed.
In essence, the verse is saying:
"Because you didn't let the land rest when you were supposed to (during the Sabbatical years), it will now rest during your exile. The land's desolation is, in a way, a forced fulfillment of the Sabbatical obligations you ignored."
Theological Significance:
God's Justice: The verse highlights God's justice. Disobedience has consequences, and in this case, it leads to exile and the desolation of the land.
Land's Importance: It underscores the importance of treating the land with respect and allowing it to recover. The land is not just a resource to be exploited but a part of God's creation that needs to be cared for.
Sabbath Principle: It emphasizes the Sabbath principle, not just for people but also for the land. Rest is essential for renewal and restoration.
Fulfillment of Covenant: It shows how the land itself is tied to the covenant between God and the Israelites. Blessing and curses are linked to their obedience or disobedience in relation to the land.
Leviticus 26:35, taken within the context of the entire chapter, is a warning about the consequences of disobeying God's commandments, specifically those related to the land and the Sabbath. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"As long as it lies desolate...": This refers to the land of Israel becoming uninhabited and unproductive, a direct result of the people being exiled due to their disobedience. The land is left barren and empty.
"...it shall have rest, even the rest which it didn’t have in your Sabbaths, when you lived on it.": This is the crucial part. It means that while the Israelites lived on the land, they failed to observe the Sabbatical years (every seventh year) and the Jubilee year (every fiftieth year). During these years, the land was supposed to be left uncultivated to recover and rest.
The verse implies that by neglecting the Sabbath years, the Israelites deprived the land of its necessary rest. As a result, when they are exiled, the land will finally get the rest it was owed. The desolation of the land serves as a way for it to recoup and fulfill the Sabbath years that were missed.
In essence, the verse is saying:
"Because you didn't let the land rest when you were supposed to (during the Sabbatical years), it will now rest during your exile. The land's desolation is, in a way, a forced fulfillment of the Sabbatical obligations you ignored."
Theological Significance:
God's Justice: The verse highlights God's justice. Disobedience has consequences, and in this case, it leads to exile and the desolation of the land.
Land's Importance: It underscores the importance of treating the land with respect and allowing it to recover. The land is not just a resource to be exploited but a part of God's creation that needs to be cared for.
Sabbath Principle: It emphasizes the Sabbath principle, not just for people but also for the land. Rest is essential for renewal and restoration.
Fulfillment of Covenant: It shows how the land itself is tied to the covenant between God and the Israelites. Blessing and curses are linked to their obedience or disobedience in relation to the land.