The right of redemption of land sold continued always alive, and might be exercised by the original owner or his kinsman. If not exercised, the owner returned into his possession at any rate in the jubilee year. If a man had to sell his laud, he was bound to offer it to his nearest kinsman first (see Jeremiah 32:7 , Jeremiah 32:8 ). read more
If thy brother be waxen poor - The Israelites never parted with their land except under the pressure of poverty. Compare the answer of Naboth, 1 Kings 21:3. read more
Leviticus 25:24-25. A redemption A right of redemption, in the time and manner following. If any of his kin come Or, If the redeemer come, being near akin to him, who, in this, was an eminent type of Christ, who was made near akin to us by taking our flesh, that he might perform the work of redemption for us. read more
Sabbatical and jubilee years (25:1-34)When the Israelites conquered Canaan and divided it among their tribes and families, they were not to be selfish or greedy in their use of the land. Just as people and their working animals were to rest one day in seven, so the land was to rest one year in seven. The lack of cultivation during this seventh or sabbatical year gave people the opportunity to recognize in a special way that God was the rightful owner of the land. At the same time it gave the... read more
If. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "And if". waxen poor = brought low. any of his kin = his goel, or redeemer, next of kin. See note on Exodus 6:6 . redeem = Hebrew. g'aal, buy back. See note on Exodus 6:6 . read more
Leviticus 25:25. If any of his kin come to redeem it— The word גאל goel, a redeemer, signifies also a near kinsman; to whom the right of redeeming lands, houses, or persons, and also the avenging of blood, belongs: which kinsman, in this work of redeeming, was often a figure of Christ, who being near to us, and allied in the flesh, in that he took part of the same flesh and blood with us, (Hebrews 2:14.) is called our גאל goel; our Redeemer, or Deliverer; (Isaiah 59:20. Romans 11:26.) who hath... read more
F. Sanctification of the possession of land by the sabbatical and jubilee years ch. 25Chapter 25 concludes the laws God gave the Israelites on Mt. Sinai. It contains the only legislation on the subject of land ownership in the Pentateuch. These laws regarding the Promised Land correspond to the laws Moses previously gave regarding the people of Israel. God owned both the Israelites and the land He was giving them."The central theme of this last set of instructions is that of restoration.... read more
2. The year of jubilee 25:8-55"The Jubilee legislation found in Leviticus 25 presents a vision of social and economic reform unsurpassed in the ancient Near East." [Note: Robert Gnuse, "Jubilee Legislation in Leviticus: Israel’s Vision of Social Reform," Biblical Theology Bulletin 15:2 (April 1985):43.] The word "jubilee" probably comes from the Hebrew yabal, meaning "to bring [forth]," as in the bringing forth of produce. [Note: See Robert North, Sociology of the Biblical Jubilee, pp. 96-97.]... read more
The effects of the year on the possession of property 25:13-34The people were to buy and sell property in view of the upcoming year of jubilee since in that year all property would revert to its original tribal leasees. This special year reminded the Israelites that they did not really own the land but were tenants of God, the true owner (Leviticus 25:23)."The relationship of land and people under God is of fundamental importance for understanding the Old Testament and the Jewish people. . . .... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 25:23-34
Redemption. This subject is intimately connected with that of the jubilee; and the redemption of the Law prefigured that of the gospel, which also stands intimately related to the glorious jubilee of the great future. In this light we have to consider— I. THE NATURE OF THE REDEMPTION . This we may view: 1 . In respect to the possession. 2 . In respect to the person. II. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE REDEEMER . 1 . A slave might redeem himself. 2... read more