Leviticus 25 Explained

Leviticus 25: The Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee

Leviticus 25 establishes laws regarding the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee, both of which emphasize rest, redemption, and God’s provision. These laws were meant to remind Israel that the land and the people ultimately belonged to the Lord. The chapter also addresses economic justice, slavery, and the redemption of property.

The Sabbath Year (Leviticus 25:1–7)

God commands that every seventh year, the land must be given rest—no sowing, reaping, or pruning was allowed. Whatever grew naturally could be eaten, but it was not to be harvested for profit. This law reminded Israel that the land belonged to God and that they were stewards of it.

The Sabbath Year pointed to God’s provision and Israel’s dependence on Him. It also foreshadowed the greater rest found in Christ, who provides eternal rest for His people (Hebrews 4:9–10).

The Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8–17)

Every fiftieth year, after seven cycles of Sabbath Years (7 × 7 = 49), Israel was to celebrate the Year of Jubilee. This year was marked by:

• Freedom: Slaves and indentured servants were to be released.
• Land Restoration: All land that had been sold was to return to its original family.
• Debt Cancellation: The economic burden of debts was lifted.

The Jubilee ensured that wealth and power did not become permanently concentrated in a few hands. It was a reset for the economy and society, preventing extreme poverty and oppression.

The ultimate fulfillment of the Jubilee is found in Christ. He proclaimed “the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19), signifying that in Him, true liberation from sin and bondage is found. Christ is our Jubilee, bringing freedom and restoration to His people.

Redemption of Property and Economic Justice (Leviticus 25:18–34)

Since land was ultimately God’s possession, it could not be permanently sold. Instead, it was leased until the next Jubilee. If a family fell into poverty and had to sell their land, their nearest relative (a kinsman-redeemer) could buy it back.

This principle foreshadows Christ as our Redeemer, who rescues His people from spiritual debt and bondage. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi’s land (Ruth 4), Christ redeems His people, securing their eternal inheritance.

Protection of the Poor (Leviticus 25:35–55)

God commands that Israelites who become poor must be treated with compassion. They should be helped rather than exploited. Israelites were forbidden from charging interest on loans to their brethren.

If an Israelite became so poor that they had to sell themselves into servitude, they were to be treated as hired workers, not slaves, and were to be released at the Jubilee. Foreigners, however, could be permanently enslaved.

This section points to the reality that sin makes us spiritually impoverished. Yet, Christ—our greater Kinsman-Redeemer—pays our debt and grants us freedom. Through Him, we are no longer slaves to sin but belong to God.

Christ in Leviticus 25

• The Sabbath Year → Christ is our ultimate rest and provider.
• The Jubilee → Christ sets captives free and restores what was lost in sin.
• The Kinsman-Redeemer → Christ redeems His people, paying their debt in full.
• The Release of Servants → In Christ, we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God (Galatians 4:7).

Leviticus 25 teaches that God is the ultimate owner of all things. It points to the redemption found in Christ, who brings true rest, restoration, and freedom to His people.