Promises for believers "practical" considerations.
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: ( Deuteronomy 28:13).
Some things in our Christian walk may seem like worldly wisdom; but when we live in a society that is decaying much like the Roman Empire did we see how God contrasts the rewards of those with a work ethic compared to those who don't. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states that if we don't work we don't eat; and amazingly enough Lenin who started Communist rule in Russia had the same ethic along with some early labor leaders in this country. The verse I have quoted could certainly apply to those who do NOT subject themselves to "usury" which God's people were told not to do or do to each other (see Nehemiah 5:7-10; Leviticus 25:36). That process; of course leads to bondage for extended payment well beyond that borrowed; and has many people in slavery in the world today.
When push comes to shove; when we ask God to provide income He will provide what is necessary in His timing if we are physically and mentally up to the work. To save money should of course be for our families and future inheritance as well as to meet our own needs; but also the principle of saving a little at a time is beneficial if we need to help those in our midst; particularly in the Body of Christ.
There are many other admonitions in scripture for husbands; wives and children to follow; as well as single people and widows.
If we call ourselves "Christian" and are lacking in any of these disciplines and we find God blessing someone who is not a believer because they are following some of these principles we should not be surprised. God is impartial and blesses those He wishes to bless; curses those likewise according to His will. (see Luke 16:9-13 as to how to use "unrighteous mammon"
These slaves become the property of the owner and can be given as an inheritance to one's children. They can be permanent slaves, but not so fellow Israelites. So, it is clear that slavery was common in these times, and God does not forbid it. These foreign persons did not possess the land by God's gift and promise like the Israelites. So, being slaves may have made it possible to live among the Israelites for generations.
Next, God speaks of a sojourner or stranger becoming rich and an Israelite selling himself to this alien as a servant. A kinsman can redeem this person from their indenturement, providing a fair price for removing this servant from this alien's service. Then this servant will become the servant of the kinsman and be released from servitude in the Jubilee year. The servant and his family are all released and can return to their family and land possession.
At the end of the chapter, God emphasizes again that the Israelites are HIS servants, because He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt.
God's statutes concerning the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths show God's concern for the poor and needy, He wants them to be able to work for their keep as servants (Israelites) or slaves (foreigners) so that they will not be destitute. God wants masters to be kind and not overbearing or harsh with those they hire or acquire as slave. They are to be willing to release these people from indebtedness in the Jubilee year, but can keep foreign slaves indefinitely.
These statutes, when followed should promote concern for the welfare of all people and also curb materialism and people setting up large holdings of land and servants. They are to possess the land allotted to them by God and release the land purchased from others in the Jubilee Year. These statutes should train the Israelites to be contented with their allotment and not covet more than what God has proscribed. Debts are completely forgiven in the Jubilee year and servants set free.
The first part of this chapter dealt with how the Israelites are to give the land "rest" every 7 years and every 50th year.
This last half of the chapter deals with how the Israelites are to deal with one another in the Sabbath years.
Verse 35 begins by requiring the Israelites to help each other when one become poor, just as they are to do for the strangers or those passing through (sojourners). Taking care of the poor is prominent in this chapter as God does not want His people to be destitute nor a great disparity between the rich and poor. Since He promised to bless them abundantly, there would be plenty for them to share with others in need, even to the point of having a poor person live with you.
God speaks about indebtedness and that one is not to charge interest or practice usury. When caring for the poor, especially if their is need for them to live with you, one is not to charge them for staying at one's house, for food, and certainly not charging interest. This practice keeps those who have wealth from exploiting the poor.
God goes on to speak of a neighbor who, due to poverty, wishes to become an indentured servant to a neighbor of means. God says that he can sell himself to you as a worker, but one cannot compel one to be a slave because they are not to own one another. This servant will be paid for his work and will be released from any monetary obligations in the Jubilee year and be freed from further service. In the Jubilee, this servant will depart the household with his family and return to his family and the family land possession.
The LORD emphasized in verse 42 that these servants are His servants who He brought out of slavery in Egypt, therefore they cannot be sold as slaves. As a master, one is not to rule over them with rigor or harsh treatment of unreasonable work demands. However, the Israelites could own slaves from the people of other nations who live among them. Adults and children can be slaves
Leviticus Chapter 25, verses 1-34 Be Fair and Honest in Land Deals
God commanded that the Israelites deal fairly and honestly when transactioning land deals. If one sold a piece of land, in the Jubliee Year he is to redeem the land back at a reasonable price. If one bought a piece of land he was to sell it back at a reasonable price. The Israelites were not allowed to sell any land permanently. God set out the statutes for the civil dealings concerning land use and sales. The Israelites were not allowed to think up and enact their own system of business dealings concerning the transfer of land. God knew they would oppress one another if they devised their own system.
If one was too poor to redeem their land that was sold, a near kinsmen can redeem it back for this person. This was the case of Ruth and Boaz. It is also the case of mankind and Jesus. We are sinners and destitute before God. We cannot redeem ourselves. But God ordained before the creation of the world to redeem for Himself a people through His Son incarnated. Jesus in related to God in the Godhead as a Son of God, and He is related to us in His incarnation in His humanity, the perfect kinsman-redeemer.
The Israelites would receive the promised blessings if they kept His statutes in this chapter.
Interestingly, those who lived in houses within walls (city dwellers/workers) could own their homes indefinitely and the Jubilee year requirement did not apply to them.
In the Old Testament the place of God's favor and blessing was to be in the land promised. In the New Testament, the place of God's favor and blessings is to be in Christ. Instead of God being present in the land of Canaan, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ is present in us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He owns us, we are His workmanship. Our hearts are the place that God plants the seed of eternal life by His word. This seed brings forth a fruitful life abiding in the vine of Christ, our Savior.
The poor were not able to store up from a harvest from the year preceding the Sabbath like those who did own land. So, God provided for them to eat of what grew up on its own in the fields. But God did promise that the year preceding the Sabbath would be exceedingly bountiful enough to supply enough food to get through the Sabbath year. The land was to "rest" from being farmed. The farmer was not to work in the fields or vineyard, which was their primary occupation. Verse 6 says the farmers, the servants, and the animals could eat of the produce of the field, but they were not to harvest the field as they would do normally. They were to gather what they could for meals, but leave the rest of the produce to the animals and poor. They were to primarily use the food stored and preserved from the preceding year as the bulk of their food source.
Every 50th year was a special Sabbath year called a Jubilee, beginning on the Day of Atonement (in September-October). The previous year's harvest would have been completed and preserved for the whole year until the next Day of Atonement. God's promise was that the preceding year would be super-abundant, providing enough food for three years time.
One of the statutes given concerning the Jubilee was that any land that was sold was to be returned to the original owner. This preserved the alottments of lands for each tribe to remain intact. It allowed for the Israelites to make a fresh start. They can remember how God had brought them into the land against all odds and enemies and gave them each a portion of the land for each tribe/family. So, in returning land to the original owner/family, they can remember how they came to possess the land. It was a gift, given by a promise from God. They should be thankful and not greedy. They should want all of their countrymen to prosper in the land. They should not be oppressive to anyone who needed to sell their land, but freely return the land
Leviticus Chapter 25, verses 1-34 The Sabbath Rest for the Land God Owns
This whole chapter addresses the Sabbath, principally the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths. These Sabbaths lasted an entire year.
Canaan was a land that God blessed to be a fruitful place for His people to farm and live. Like the Garden of Eden, Canaan was specifically created for His chosen people. God promised to dwell in the land with His people as He did with Adam and Eve in Eden. The difference is that Eden was a lush garden, easily fruitful without much toil. But Canaan existed in a very arid part of the world where it would be desert if not for God's blessing, care, providence, and activity to send rain and cause the land to bring forth a reliable, plentiful harvest each year. The Israelites needed to depend on God for this blessing. They needed to follow His commands and rules for farming the land.
They needed to acknowledge that the LORD owned the land, not them. It was theirs to abide in and control independently of other nations, but it was God who brings them into the land and will take them out of it again when they fall into grave disobedience and idolatry. Verse 23 says that the land shall not be sold permanently because it is His and the Israelites are strangers and sojourners, there only by God's decree.
Verses 1-35 speak of how the Israelites are to keep the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths concerning the land. Verse 18-19 say, "So you shall observe My statutes and keep my judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. Then the land will yield its fruits, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there safely."
In each of the two types of Sabbaths, no work is to be done in the fields, no pruning, no tilling up of the soil, no planting of seeds, no harvesting, no gleaning of that which "volunteered" through natural seeding and fruits continuing to produce on vines and trees. The poor and the livestock were free to eat in the fields. They did not own land.
We are reminded in this Psalm a type of admonition that those who see God's wrath in the Tribulation and beyond in Isaiah 33:14 where it is said with fear "who can dwell with everlasting burning?" That; no doubt will be the result of viewing what is seen in the end of Isaiah 66; as well as the state of the land which becomes everlasting pitch in Isaiah 34:9. There will also be fire at Armageddon and the world will be aware of Antichrist's and the False Prophet's judgments at the end of the Tribulation. We are reminded that the wicked will not stand at the judgment in Psalm 1:5.
We see many characteristics of the 10 commandments here in these short verses. We see loving our neighbor in verse 3 (and verse 2 surely implies an attitude of loving God in all ways as the first commandment requires). We also see how other things like vows are kept; that would be the meaning here and we must remember at least in N.T. times that we are not to communicate beyond "yea and nay" whenever purely human agreements are made. ( Matt. 5:34). Such things between God such as marriage vows; and other promises are to be kept and we can see one painful example in Judges 11:36-39. We also see in verse 4 having the fear of the Lord which of course is the beginning of wisdom and found in numerous scriptures.
Finally; we see a statement on usury (charging interest on loans). This was warned against the Jews doing this to their own people in Leviticus 25:35-38. This of course would put many banks out of business today but of course anything like this makes the poor worse off and the rich gaining more for their own selfish interests. We may not be able to help what banks do but in our own loans we can.
However there is other scripture to encourage that GOD is able to deliver: 2Peter 2:5-9, we are to be good soldiers, endure: 2Timothy 2:3, 2Timothy 4:5, 1Peter 2:19, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13,
Matthew 24, Mark 13, Jesus explains specifically it's after the great tribulation He will gather together His elect.
Revelation 6:9-11, Revelation 2:11, Hebrews 11,
GOD's WORD is called a living word by many because of it's HIS amazing ability to be relevant today, prophetic & historical
Psalms 22, for example, Psalms 41:9 King David being betrayed by Saul, yet predicting Jesus' betrayer
I see Revelation significant for today & more than simple coincidence when Philadelphia is researched online only USA references are found, being the only significant Philadelphia in our time, the the very foundation of an otherwise unmentioned World Power was founded on "in GOD We TRUST" in Philadelphia, where both our Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution were signed & US Mint prints faithfully those very words upon all currency. Revelation 3:8, The Liberty bell that has inscription about the Biblical Jubilee, Leviticus 25:10, also remains today ironically cracked._._. Philadelphia also the proposed Capital of USA, still debated today of the legitimacy of the meeting that decided a different venue. Song today trendy "The room where it happenes" Revelation 3:7-13, 2020 2nd largest Jewish population in the World is USA, Many claims of Jewish heritage in movie, banking, business, judiciary yet deny GOD's laws & justice ect.
Fake gods come from rebellion against GOD ALMIGHTY. Acts 19:26, 2Kings 19:18,
1Timothy 2:5,
The imagination of man; to ignore the obvious all around: that the earth, our very being, molecules that aren't created, only slightly manipulated by man, asks an answer beyond some comprehension.
The question itself seems to derive from rebellion. Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 29:15,16, Psalms 94:5-15, Psalms 139, Job 38:2-41, Job 40:7-13,
GOD gave some of us very deeply inquisitive minds, to invent witty things, Proverbs 8:12, some build imaginative creations, that in ourselves deep questions of consciousness & core beginnings arise at times. In these gifted minds of power & powerful thinking, faults sometimes into arrogance of belief to define The CREATOR & make a beginning. Because in limited understanding we have beginning & perceivable ending in flesh. Yet in our core perceive there is more in the supernatural, outside the flesh. 1Corinthians 1:27,
We as humans are like gods ourselves we can choose to do mighty evil or good in our days, we can cause other's to cry in distress or rejoice with gladness but in the end we will all answer to GOD ALMIGHTY the maker of heaven & earth. Psalms 82, Leviticus 25:17, Romans 14:12,
It's also amazing that a creator would care so much for what HE has created that HE would still have a plan of redemption even after rebellion: John 3:16
"The Old Testament forbade Israelites from charging interest against one another ( Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19; cf. Psalm 15:5); but interest on money loaned to Gentiles was permitted ( Deuteronomy 23:20)By New Testament times Jewish scholars had already distinguished between 'lending at interest' and 'usury' (in the modern sense)." Carson/Enduring Word2018 David Guzik
Praying this helps the discussion in CHRIST JESUS name. GOD bless everyone.
That's a big topic Jewelgh & hope you get other answers. I would first make a distinction between slavery & the slave trade. Slavery was acceptable in the Bible but trading in slaves was not ( Exodus 21:16): & punishable with death.
1. Slavery was normal amongst the Hebrews because some people needed to survive because of their circumstances. Slaves could be taken from their own people or from outsiders. Hebrews could become slaves because of committing crime ( Exodus 22:3); having a debt they couldn't pay ( Leviticus 25:39,40), but treated as a hired servant; or a father's right to sell their children to pay off money borrowed for taxes ( Nehemiah 5:4,5). Foreigners could become slaves: either they were prisoners of war or purchased from their owners ( Leviticus 25:44,45).
2. Slavery was fine because God had permitted it to happen ( Exodus 21:1-11), but under strict conditions (as shown in Leviticus chap 25). To note, that Hebrew slaves were to be treated kindly as one would a hired servant & not a slave ( Leviticus 25:39-43). What we know as slavery today (whether from the past or even happening now in some parts of the world), is both wrong & cruel, when they are treated like animals. So slavery then amongst the Hebrews, could be better understood as bondservants, as 'slavery' gives us a wrong connotation.
3. The Hebrew word for slave or bondservant is 'ebed'. So, the meaning is the same, but how they were treated was important. In the NT, we can take 1 Corinthians 7:21,22 as an example. The word 'servant' is used thrice in these verses: as a servant to man & as a servant to the Lord. In both instances, the Greek word is 'doulos', where both slave, servant, bondservant can be used. This denotes the dedicated duty to service rather than bonded into agonizing slavery.
4. As mentioned, 'slavery' has an evil connotation today & could never be a good thing when practised by ungodly men. But it can be a state of happy servitude where kindness & freedom is given.
Nehemiah 13:19, There's many more scriptures, hopefully you'll find them all helpful
Jesus observed the Sabbath & fulfilling the Sacrifice: Luke 23:17,54,55,56, John 19:31, Acts 13:27, Matthew 28:1, Mark 6:2, Mark 16:1, Matthew 8:17, Luke 4:21, Acts 13,
The book of Ruth is a wonderful book. It is the story of the Kinsman redeemer. Christ is our Kinsman redeemer! The book of Ruth models Christ redeeming us.
We lear about the Kinsman redeemer here in Leviticus 25:25-28 "If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.
And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;
Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession.
But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession."
Jesus Christ would redeem all who trust in his name from the slavery of sin and death. He had to be able and willing.
Read Revelation 5:2-10.
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?.....
Verse 9. "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"
Another interesting study is the Jubilee and Pentecost.
The words "Usury" & "leasing" mean to make money from additional fees like "interest rates" additional profit from the person "giving" usury is "unusualy high rates" Leasing also meaning lying, falsehood.
The Son of Man is a title that was used exclusively by Jesus - His disciples never addressed Him as such. Jesus used it to emphasize His humanity. The title goes back to the Book of Daniel where the Son of Man would inherit the everlasting kingdom of God. It is a designation of the Messiah. At His trial Jesus acknowledged that He indeed was the Son of Man - the one who would bring in God's everlasting kingdom. When the religious leaders heard this they accused Him of blasphemy - making Himself equal with God. The purpose of the title seems to be Jesus' own emphasis on His humanity.
By Don Stewart.
Side note:
The revelation of the Lord coming by miraculous birth was given to them as a sign by Isaiah. but I guess that didn't explain his humanity. after all Immanuel means God with us. Matthew 1:23.
Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14.
I believe Jesus humanity ties to the kinsman redeemer instituted by Moses in Leviticus 25:48-49.
And you also see it carried out in the book of Ruth.
In Revelation 5:2-5. you see John weep because no one was able to loosen the seven seals. For one you had to be worthy and second you had to be a kinsman. "John was looking for a MAN" Jesus humanity qualified him.
We see the kinsman redeemer in Leviticus 25:25. and we see it carried out in the book of Ruth chapters 1-4.
we see in Revelation 5:1-5. we see a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. and no one was able to open the book but the Lord Jesus. If you notice verse 3 it had to be a "MAN"/Human. And he had to be able. Perfect/Sinless. and he has to be willing. This could only happen by the deity of Christ in his Human form.
(His deity, He cannot sin.) (His humanity, He can take on our sin.) His humanity makes him our kinsman redeemer.
References:
Galatians 4:4-5.
Hebrews 2:9-11.
Luke 4:18:19. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. "Restitution of all things"
Acts 3:21. (I believe this is yet to come)
I believe the jubilee foreshadowed this.
study Leviticus 25:8-25.
What are we presently redeemed from? Galatians 3:13. The law condemned us and faith in Christ justified us.
Galatians 3:5-13.
However, our bodies have not been redeemed yet, If so there will be no more death.
Hello Harley. I doubt if this passage is what you're thinking of, but it's the closest that I can think of that fulfils your requirements.
Leviticus 25:10: "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile(e) unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family."
This whole chapter speaks about God's commandment to Israel concerning the Year of Jubilee. This was different to every seventh year that was a Sabbath of rest for the land - to refrain from planting & harvesting. The Year of Jubilee was seven Sabbaths of years (i.e. 49 years), at which time, on the fifteeth year, the proclamation would go out to that all slaves, those of Israel who were bonded to another as servants, matters of property sales, the state of the poor, etc., would find relief & be freed from their obligations. If the matter was about a person, they were set free to return to their homes. And all this was to remind Israel that they are bond-servants to God, were once in slavery in Egypt, but were freed from them by God's Hand & Power. Likewise, Israel ought to deal favourably with others as God dealt with them.
And 1 Kings 4:25 comes to mind: "And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon." Under King Solomon, Judah & Israel found peace so each person (family) were able to live securely in their own home (or, under his vine..under his fig tree).
However, if you're thinking of a New Testament verse, then if you could expand on the quote you gave.
In reply to " The 1st commandment is to LOVE God not fear him"
The Bible says many times to fear God. The Bible doesn't say to "not" fear God as you put it. 1 John 4:18 seems to suggest love and fear and opposites. Maybe these are mutually exclusive when it comes to how we treat others, but maybe God in an exception. The Bible clearly says to love God and clearly says to fear God. Therefore, I'm inclined to believe that it's both. Some say the fear means a high level of respect rather than a petrified fear. If anyone wants to compare the original Hebrew or Greek to see if its the same word or not, that might be helpful.
Proverbs 9:10, Ephesians 5:21, Jeremiah 32:39, Luke 12:5, Leviticus 25:17.
This introduction to the Book is given by the Apostle John, when he was exiled on the isle of Patmos. He declares that the prophetical message he is about to share with the Churches & believers in general, comes from Jesus Christ Himself, given to Him by God, & delivered to John by Jesus' messenger.
Though the statement within it, "which must shortly come to pass" has caused concern amongst some that the events of the Great Tribulation & the Anti-Christ have still not happened after all these centuries, we need to understand this Book as giving a revelation of the condition of the Church in these last days & the increasing deterioration of society leading up to this final judgement. In other words, unlike what the 'prophets of today' tell us, who give us hope that our lives are becoming better & the world is in much better shape, God's Word tells us that ever since Calvary, we have been on the decline, as the Cross has set the demarcation line separating those running to it in faith for salvation & those who violently oppose that Work. Technology & man's knowledge may have increased, giving us a more comfortable lifestyle, but his rejection of God's Love in Jesus, has marked him as very unwise & destitute of the Truth leading him to utter ruin, his judgement & the coming final closure of the age.
The Year of Jubilee for Israel, came after the completion of 49 years (i.e. on the 50th year). And during this year, people were released from their debts, slave owners had to grant freedom to their slaves, & property returned back to the owners. It was a year basically dedicated to rest - similar to the institution of the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week as a rest day for Israel. So even those with farms & crops had to desist from working - so it was a time for both the man & the land to recover (there were Sabbath years as well for the resting of the land) & maybe people would attend to the more weightier matters of life.
And for the Christian, the Year of Jubilee foreshadows Christ's future work at the Cross. Through His death & resurrection, the sinner coming in repentance & faith, is also relieved from the punishment due to us & being enslaved to sin - finding our complete & eternal rest in Christ alone.
Where in the Bible does it say that 7 years prior to the tribulation there will be a caught up to meet the Lord in the air ?
Also when they do meet the Lord in the air , where are they going ? Answer to Jerusalem, or forever in the clouds you pick . The Lord is going to reign so yes we are forever with the Lord where he is .
Chris, who teaches in here every day, will be back soon. I hope you will meet him and tell him your testimony. He's very knowledgeable about Catholicism, and what it all means. A very good person.
I do not want to be contrary, but there are scriptures that are coming to mind.
Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
God says by his prophet that he will tell his people (Israel) what is to come to pass before it happens. Things coming to pass would include both the blessings and judgement. No prophet from between Malachi and Jesus has predicted the extreme and severe and by my heart horrific events that many Jewish believers have suffered.
Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like
unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
This Prophet , Jesus, fulfilled this passage. It is from this Prophet, Jesus Christ on that will predict what is yet to come to pass before it passes for all people including all Jews and Gentiles.
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: ( Deuteronomy 28:13).
Some things in our Christian walk may seem like worldly wisdom; but when we live in a society that is decaying much like the Roman Empire did we see how God contrasts the rewards of those with a work ethic compared to those who don't. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states that if we don't work we don't eat; and amazingly enough Lenin who started Communist rule in Russia had the same ethic along with some early labor leaders in this country. The verse I have quoted could certainly apply to those who do NOT subject themselves to "usury" which God's people were told not to do or do to each other (see Nehemiah 5:7-10; Leviticus 25:36). That process; of course leads to bondage for extended payment well beyond that borrowed; and has many people in slavery in the world today.
When push comes to shove; when we ask God to provide income He will provide what is necessary in His timing if we are physically and mentally up to the work. To save money should of course be for our families and future inheritance as well as to meet our own needs; but also the principle of saving a little at a time is beneficial if we need to help those in our midst; particularly in the Body of Christ.
There are many other admonitions in scripture for husbands; wives and children to follow; as well as single people and widows.
If we call ourselves "Christian" and are lacking in any of these disciplines and we find God blessing someone who is not a believer because they are following some of these principles we should not be surprised. God is impartial and blesses those He wishes to bless; curses those likewise according to His will. (see Luke 16:9-13 as to how to use "unrighteous mammon"
These slaves become the property of the owner and can be given as an inheritance to one's children. They can be permanent slaves, but not so fellow Israelites. So, it is clear that slavery was common in these times, and God does not forbid it. These foreign persons did not possess the land by God's gift and promise like the Israelites. So, being slaves may have made it possible to live among the Israelites for generations.
Next, God speaks of a sojourner or stranger becoming rich and an Israelite selling himself to this alien as a servant. A kinsman can redeem this person from their indenturement, providing a fair price for removing this servant from this alien's service. Then this servant will become the servant of the kinsman and be released from servitude in the Jubilee year. The servant and his family are all released and can return to their family and land possession.
At the end of the chapter, God emphasizes again that the Israelites are HIS servants, because He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt.
God's statutes concerning the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths show God's concern for the poor and needy, He wants them to be able to work for their keep as servants (Israelites) or slaves (foreigners) so that they will not be destitute. God wants masters to be kind and not overbearing or harsh with those they hire or acquire as slave. They are to be willing to release these people from indebtedness in the Jubilee year, but can keep foreign slaves indefinitely.
These statutes, when followed should promote concern for the welfare of all people and also curb materialism and people setting up large holdings of land and servants. They are to possess the land allotted to them by God and release the land purchased from others in the Jubilee Year. These statutes should train the Israelites to be contented with their allotment and not covet more than what God has proscribed. Debts are completely forgiven in the Jubilee year and servants set free.
The first part of this chapter dealt with how the Israelites are to give the land "rest" every 7 years and every 50th year.
This last half of the chapter deals with how the Israelites are to deal with one another in the Sabbath years.
Verse 35 begins by requiring the Israelites to help each other when one become poor, just as they are to do for the strangers or those passing through (sojourners). Taking care of the poor is prominent in this chapter as God does not want His people to be destitute nor a great disparity between the rich and poor. Since He promised to bless them abundantly, there would be plenty for them to share with others in need, even to the point of having a poor person live with you.
God speaks about indebtedness and that one is not to charge interest or practice usury. When caring for the poor, especially if their is need for them to live with you, one is not to charge them for staying at one's house, for food, and certainly not charging interest. This practice keeps those who have wealth from exploiting the poor.
God goes on to speak of a neighbor who, due to poverty, wishes to become an indentured servant to a neighbor of means. God says that he can sell himself to you as a worker, but one cannot compel one to be a slave because they are not to own one another. This servant will be paid for his work and will be released from any monetary obligations in the Jubilee year and be freed from further service. In the Jubilee, this servant will depart the household with his family and return to his family and the family land possession.
The LORD emphasized in verse 42 that these servants are His servants who He brought out of slavery in Egypt, therefore they cannot be sold as slaves. As a master, one is not to rule over them with rigor or harsh treatment of unreasonable work demands. However, the Israelites could own slaves from the people of other nations who live among them. Adults and children can be slaves
God commanded that the Israelites deal fairly and honestly when transactioning land deals. If one sold a piece of land, in the Jubliee Year he is to redeem the land back at a reasonable price. If one bought a piece of land he was to sell it back at a reasonable price. The Israelites were not allowed to sell any land permanently. God set out the statutes for the civil dealings concerning land use and sales. The Israelites were not allowed to think up and enact their own system of business dealings concerning the transfer of land. God knew they would oppress one another if they devised their own system.
If one was too poor to redeem their land that was sold, a near kinsmen can redeem it back for this person. This was the case of Ruth and Boaz. It is also the case of mankind and Jesus. We are sinners and destitute before God. We cannot redeem ourselves. But God ordained before the creation of the world to redeem for Himself a people through His Son incarnated. Jesus in related to God in the Godhead as a Son of God, and He is related to us in His incarnation in His humanity, the perfect kinsman-redeemer.
The Israelites would receive the promised blessings if they kept His statutes in this chapter.
Interestingly, those who lived in houses within walls (city dwellers/workers) could own their homes indefinitely and the Jubilee year requirement did not apply to them.
In the Old Testament the place of God's favor and blessing was to be in the land promised. In the New Testament, the place of God's favor and blessings is to be in Christ. Instead of God being present in the land of Canaan, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ is present in us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He owns us, we are His workmanship. Our hearts are the place that God plants the seed of eternal life by His word. This seed brings forth a fruitful life abiding in the vine of Christ, our Savior.
How Great is Our God!
The poor were not able to store up from a harvest from the year preceding the Sabbath like those who did own land. So, God provided for them to eat of what grew up on its own in the fields. But God did promise that the year preceding the Sabbath would be exceedingly bountiful enough to supply enough food to get through the Sabbath year. The land was to "rest" from being farmed. The farmer was not to work in the fields or vineyard, which was their primary occupation. Verse 6 says the farmers, the servants, and the animals could eat of the produce of the field, but they were not to harvest the field as they would do normally. They were to gather what they could for meals, but leave the rest of the produce to the animals and poor. They were to primarily use the food stored and preserved from the preceding year as the bulk of their food source.
Every 50th year was a special Sabbath year called a Jubilee, beginning on the Day of Atonement (in September-October). The previous year's harvest would have been completed and preserved for the whole year until the next Day of Atonement. God's promise was that the preceding year would be super-abundant, providing enough food for three years time.
One of the statutes given concerning the Jubilee was that any land that was sold was to be returned to the original owner. This preserved the alottments of lands for each tribe to remain intact. It allowed for the Israelites to make a fresh start. They can remember how God had brought them into the land against all odds and enemies and gave them each a portion of the land for each tribe/family. So, in returning land to the original owner/family, they can remember how they came to possess the land. It was a gift, given by a promise from God. They should be thankful and not greedy. They should want all of their countrymen to prosper in the land. They should not be oppressive to anyone who needed to sell their land, but freely return the land
This whole chapter addresses the Sabbath, principally the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths. These Sabbaths lasted an entire year.
Canaan was a land that God blessed to be a fruitful place for His people to farm and live. Like the Garden of Eden, Canaan was specifically created for His chosen people. God promised to dwell in the land with His people as He did with Adam and Eve in Eden. The difference is that Eden was a lush garden, easily fruitful without much toil. But Canaan existed in a very arid part of the world where it would be desert if not for God's blessing, care, providence, and activity to send rain and cause the land to bring forth a reliable, plentiful harvest each year. The Israelites needed to depend on God for this blessing. They needed to follow His commands and rules for farming the land.
They needed to acknowledge that the LORD owned the land, not them. It was theirs to abide in and control independently of other nations, but it was God who brings them into the land and will take them out of it again when they fall into grave disobedience and idolatry. Verse 23 says that the land shall not be sold permanently because it is His and the Israelites are strangers and sojourners, there only by God's decree.
Verses 1-35 speak of how the Israelites are to keep the 7th and 50th year Sabbaths concerning the land. Verse 18-19 say, "So you shall observe My statutes and keep my judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. Then the land will yield its fruits, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there safely."
In each of the two types of Sabbaths, no work is to be done in the fields, no pruning, no tilling up of the soil, no planting of seeds, no harvesting, no gleaning of that which "volunteered" through natural seeding and fruits continuing to produce on vines and trees. The poor and the livestock were free to eat in the fields. They did not own land.
We see many characteristics of the 10 commandments here in these short verses. We see loving our neighbor in verse 3 (and verse 2 surely implies an attitude of loving God in all ways as the first commandment requires). We also see how other things like vows are kept; that would be the meaning here and we must remember at least in N.T. times that we are not to communicate beyond "yea and nay" whenever purely human agreements are made. ( Matt. 5:34). Such things between God such as marriage vows; and other promises are to be kept and we can see one painful example in Judges 11:36-39. We also see in verse 4 having the fear of the Lord which of course is the beginning of wisdom and found in numerous scriptures.
Finally; we see a statement on usury (charging interest on loans). This was warned against the Jews doing this to their own people in Leviticus 25:35-38. This of course would put many banks out of business today but of course anything like this makes the poor worse off and the rich gaining more for their own selfish interests. We may not be able to help what banks do but in our own loans we can.
Matthew 24, Mark 13, Jesus explains specifically it's after the great tribulation He will gather together His elect.
Revelation 6:9-11, Revelation 2:11, Hebrews 11,
GOD's WORD is called a living word by many because of it's HIS amazing ability to be relevant today, prophetic & historical
Psalms 22, for example, Psalms 41:9 King David being betrayed by Saul, yet predicting Jesus' betrayer
I see Revelation significant for today & more than simple coincidence when Philadelphia is researched online only USA references are found, being the only significant Philadelphia in our time, the the very foundation of an otherwise unmentioned World Power was founded on "in GOD We TRUST" in Philadelphia, where both our Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution were signed & US Mint prints faithfully those very words upon all currency. Revelation 3:8, The Liberty bell that has inscription about the Biblical Jubilee, Leviticus 25:10, also remains today ironically cracked._._. Philadelphia also the proposed Capital of USA, still debated today of the legitimacy of the meeting that decided a different venue. Song today trendy "The room where it happenes" Revelation 3:7-13, 2020 2nd largest Jewish population in the World is USA, Many claims of Jewish heritage in movie, banking, business, judiciary yet deny GOD's laws & justice ect.
Revelation Philadelphia, very interesting to me.
1Timothy 2:5,
The imagination of man; to ignore the obvious all around: that the earth, our very being, molecules that aren't created, only slightly manipulated by man, asks an answer beyond some comprehension.
The question itself seems to derive from rebellion. Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 29:15,16, Psalms 94:5-15, Psalms 139, Job 38:2-41, Job 40:7-13,
GOD gave some of us very deeply inquisitive minds, to invent witty things, Proverbs 8:12, some build imaginative creations, that in ourselves deep questions of consciousness & core beginnings arise at times. In these gifted minds of power & powerful thinking, faults sometimes into arrogance of belief to define The CREATOR & make a beginning. Because in limited understanding we have beginning & perceivable ending in flesh. Yet in our core perceive there is more in the supernatural, outside the flesh. 1Corinthians 1:27,
We as humans are like gods ourselves we can choose to do mighty evil or good in our days, we can cause other's to cry in distress or rejoice with gladness but in the end we will all answer to GOD ALMIGHTY the maker of heaven & earth. Psalms 82, Leviticus 25:17, Romans 14:12,
It's also amazing that a creator would care so much for what HE has created that HE would still have a plan of redemption even after rebellion: John 3:16
Praying this helps the discussion in CHRIST JESUS name. GOD bless everyone.
1. Slavery was normal amongst the Hebrews because some people needed to survive because of their circumstances. Slaves could be taken from their own people or from outsiders. Hebrews could become slaves because of committing crime ( Exodus 22:3); having a debt they couldn't pay ( Leviticus 25:39,40), but treated as a hired servant; or a father's right to sell their children to pay off money borrowed for taxes ( Nehemiah 5:4,5). Foreigners could become slaves: either they were prisoners of war or purchased from their owners ( Leviticus 25:44,45).
2. Slavery was fine because God had permitted it to happen ( Exodus 21:1-11), but under strict conditions (as shown in Leviticus chap 25). To note, that Hebrew slaves were to be treated kindly as one would a hired servant & not a slave ( Leviticus 25:39-43). What we know as slavery today (whether from the past or even happening now in some parts of the world), is both wrong & cruel, when they are treated like animals. So slavery then amongst the Hebrews, could be better understood as bondservants, as 'slavery' gives us a wrong connotation.
3. The Hebrew word for slave or bondservant is 'ebed'. So, the meaning is the same, but how they were treated was important. In the NT, we can take 1 Corinthians 7:21,22 as an example. The word 'servant' is used thrice in these verses: as a servant to man & as a servant to the Lord. In both instances, the Greek word is 'doulos', where both slave, servant, bondservant can be used. This denotes the dedicated duty to service rather than bonded into agonizing slavery.
4. As mentioned, 'slavery' has an evil connotation today & could never be a good thing when practised by ungodly men. But it can be a state of happy servitude where kindness & freedom is given.
Nehemiah 13:19, There's many more scriptures, hopefully you'll find them all helpful
Jesus observed the Sabbath & fulfilling the Sacrifice: Luke 23:17,54,55,56, John 19:31, Acts 13:27, Matthew 28:1, Mark 6:2, Mark 16:1, Matthew 8:17, Luke 4:21, Acts 13,
Matthew 12:8,
The book of Ruth is a wonderful book. It is the story of the Kinsman redeemer. Christ is our Kinsman redeemer! The book of Ruth models Christ redeeming us.
We lear about the Kinsman redeemer here in Leviticus 25:25-28 "If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.
And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;
Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession.
But if he be not able to restore it to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession."
Jesus Christ would redeem all who trust in his name from the slavery of sin and death. He had to be able and willing.
Read Revelation 5:2-10.
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?.....
Verse 9. "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"
Another interesting study is the Jubilee and Pentecost.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
* Leviticus 19:15, Amos 2:6-7, Amos 5:12, Amos 8:4, Habakkuk 3:14,
Scriptures about the poor: Exodus 22:25, Exodus 23:1-11, Leviticus 19:10, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:14,15,
Job 29:11-17, Job 30:25, Job 31:13-40, Job 34:19-28,
Leviticus 25:25-55, Deuteronomy 15:1-15,
1Samuel 2:7-8, Job 24, Matthew 19:21,
Psalms 9:18, Psalms 12:5, Psalms 14:6,
Galatians 2:10, Zechariah 7:10, Luke 14:12-14, may want to keep reading Luke 14,
Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20,
Hopefully these are helpful
Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-43, Deuteronomy 23:19, Ezekiel 22:12,29,
Psalms 15:5, Proverbs 28:2,
Ezekiel 18,
Hopefully these are helpful also
Exodus 20:10, Leviticus 25:6, Deuteronomy 5:14, Amos 8:4-7,
Matthew 25:31-46, James 1:27, Jeremiah 5:28-29, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Jeremiah 22:3, Malachi 3:5,
Deuteronomy 14:28-29, Deuteronomy 16:10-14, Deuteronomy 24:17-21, Deuteronomy 26:10-19, Leviticus 23,
Isaiah 56, Matthew 12,
Hopefully these are helpful in your seeking of GOD's will & your walk
Why the son of man?
Part 3 of 3.
Summary
The Son of Man is a title that was used exclusively by Jesus - His disciples never addressed Him as such. Jesus used it to emphasize His humanity. The title goes back to the Book of Daniel where the Son of Man would inherit the everlasting kingdom of God. It is a designation of the Messiah. At His trial Jesus acknowledged that He indeed was the Son of Man - the one who would bring in God's everlasting kingdom. When the religious leaders heard this they accused Him of blasphemy - making Himself equal with God. The purpose of the title seems to be Jesus' own emphasis on His humanity.
By Don Stewart.
Side note:
The revelation of the Lord coming by miraculous birth was given to them as a sign by Isaiah. but I guess that didn't explain his humanity. after all Immanuel means God with us. Matthew 1:23.
Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14.
I believe Jesus humanity ties to the kinsman redeemer instituted by Moses in Leviticus 25:48-49.
And you also see it carried out in the book of Ruth.
In Revelation 5:2-5. you see John weep because no one was able to loosen the seven seals. For one you had to be worthy and second you had to be a kinsman. "John was looking for a MAN" Jesus humanity qualified him.
I hope that helps.
God bless.
We see the kinsman redeemer in Leviticus 25:25. and we see it carried out in the book of Ruth chapters 1-4.
we see in Revelation 5:1-5. we see a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. and no one was able to open the book but the Lord Jesus. If you notice verse 3 it had to be a "MAN"/Human. And he had to be able. Perfect/Sinless. and he has to be willing. This could only happen by the deity of Christ in his Human form.
(His deity, He cannot sin.) (His humanity, He can take on our sin.) His humanity makes him our kinsman redeemer.
References:
Galatians 4:4-5.
Hebrews 2:9-11.
Luke 4:18:19. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. "Restitution of all things"
Acts 3:21. (I believe this is yet to come)
I believe the jubilee foreshadowed this.
study Leviticus 25:8-25.
What are we presently redeemed from? Galatians 3:13. The law condemned us and faith in Christ justified us.
Galatians 3:5-13.
However, our bodies have not been redeemed yet, If so there will be no more death.
Also, Romans 8:19-23.
GOD BLESS.
Isaiah 58:1-14, Exodus 20:8, Exodus 20:10-11,
Exodus 31:13,14,16, Leviticus 16:31, Leviticus 19:3, Leviticus 19:30, Leviticus 23:1-8, Leviticus 24:8, Leviticus 25:2, Leviticus 25:4, Leviticus 25:17, Jeremiah 17:19-27, Lamentations 1:1-7, Isaiah 1:11-17, Isaiah 56:1-8, Ezekiel 20:12, Ezekiel 22:26,
Amos 8:4-8, Mark 2:27,
Matthew 12:8, Matthew 12:1-27, Mark 3:1-11, Luke 6:6-11, Luke 13:11-17, Luke 14:3-6, Luke 14:12-24, Luke 23:3-56, John 5:1-16, John 7:22-24,
Colossians 2:8-17,
James 2:1-26
Leviticus 25:10: "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile(e) unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family."
This whole chapter speaks about God's commandment to Israel concerning the Year of Jubilee. This was different to every seventh year that was a Sabbath of rest for the land - to refrain from planting & harvesting. The Year of Jubilee was seven Sabbaths of years (i.e. 49 years), at which time, on the fifteeth year, the proclamation would go out to that all slaves, those of Israel who were bonded to another as servants, matters of property sales, the state of the poor, etc., would find relief & be freed from their obligations. If the matter was about a person, they were set free to return to their homes. And all this was to remind Israel that they are bond-servants to God, were once in slavery in Egypt, but were freed from them by God's Hand & Power. Likewise, Israel ought to deal favourably with others as God dealt with them.
And 1 Kings 4:25 comes to mind: "And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon." Under King Solomon, Judah & Israel found peace so each person (family) were able to live securely in their own home (or, under his vine..under his fig tree).
However, if you're thinking of a New Testament verse, then if you could expand on the quote you gave.
You quoted thatwe must keep Exodus 20:10
Do you keep:
Leviticus 25:4
Leviticus 23:11
Leviticus 23:15
Leviticus 23:16
Leviticus 23:24
Leviticus 23:32
Leviticus 23:39
Exodus 35:3
Leviticus 16:29-32
Numbers 28:10
Exodus 31:14
Numbers 28:9
These are ALL SABBATHS
The Bible says many times to fear God. The Bible doesn't say to "not" fear God as you put it. 1 John 4:18 seems to suggest love and fear and opposites. Maybe these are mutually exclusive when it comes to how we treat others, but maybe God in an exception. The Bible clearly says to love God and clearly says to fear God. Therefore, I'm inclined to believe that it's both. Some say the fear means a high level of respect rather than a petrified fear. If anyone wants to compare the original Hebrew or Greek to see if its the same word or not, that might be helpful.
Proverbs 9:10, Ephesians 5:21, Jeremiah 32:39, Luke 12:5, Leviticus 25:17.
Though the statement within it, "which must shortly come to pass" has caused concern amongst some that the events of the Great Tribulation & the Anti-Christ have still not happened after all these centuries, we need to understand this Book as giving a revelation of the condition of the Church in these last days & the increasing deterioration of society leading up to this final judgement. In other words, unlike what the 'prophets of today' tell us, who give us hope that our lives are becoming better & the world is in much better shape, God's Word tells us that ever since Calvary, we have been on the decline, as the Cross has set the demarcation line separating those running to it in faith for salvation & those who violently oppose that Work. Technology & man's knowledge may have increased, giving us a more comfortable lifestyle, but his rejection of God's Love in Jesus, has marked him as very unwise & destitute of the Truth leading him to utter ruin, his judgement & the coming final closure of the age.
And for the Christian, the Year of Jubilee foreshadows Christ's future work at the Cross. Through His death & resurrection, the sinner coming in repentance & faith, is also relieved from the punishment due to us & being enslaved to sin - finding our complete & eternal rest in Christ alone.
Also when they do meet the Lord in the air , where are they going ? Answer to Jerusalem, or forever in the clouds you pick . The Lord is going to reign so yes we are forever with the Lord where he is .
Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
God says by his prophet that he will tell his people (Israel) what is to come to pass before it happens. Things coming to pass would include both the blessings and judgement. No prophet from between Malachi and Jesus has predicted the extreme and severe and by my heart horrific events that many Jewish believers have suffered.
Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like
unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
This Prophet , Jesus, fulfilled this passage. It is from this Prophet, Jesus Christ on that will predict what is yet to come to pass before it passes for all people including all Jews and Gentiles.