Leviticus 25:25-55
Q.1. What kinds of safeguards did God build into the redemption of land and houses, in order to protect those in debt? – (Lev.25:25-34)
God built in the legitimacy of a debt being paid by a ‘kinsman- redeemer’ i.e. a close relative who would pay the redemption price, as Boaz did for Naomi in the Book of Ruth. The actual price was pre-determined by the amount of time the debtor had served his creditor. This ensured that the price was not arbitrary and could not be inflated (Lev.25:25-28). The law also included a year of grace for the money to be repaid (Lev.25:29-31). The Levites were given special consideration – the Levites have a permanent right of redemption (Lev.25:32) and their possessions reverted back during the Year of Jubilee. – But pasture fields of their cities shall not be sold, for that is their perpetual possession (Lev.25:34).
Q.2. Why was kindness to be shown to those who fell into servitude? – (Lev.25:35-46)
A fellow countryman was to be protected. Out of reverence for God, they were not to be charged interest (Lev.25:35-38). Why? Because – I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God (Lev.25:38). This realistically recognized that people would fall into debt. Therefore, the Year of Jubilee ensured – that he may return to the property of his forefathers. For they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they are not to be sold in a slave sale (Lev.25:41-42). Permanent slavery could be imposed on foreigners, but it was forbidden for an Israelite (Lev.25:46b).
Q.3. How did God protect both the rights of the creditor and the debtor within Israel? Why? – (Lev.25:47-55)
The people of Israel were not to take advantage of the poor and defenceless. God provided the Year of Jubilee in order to cancel all debts incurred during the other years. He provided the kinsman-redeemer (Lev.25:47-49). How could inflated and arbitrary prices be avoided? There was a time related equation for the redemption or redeemer – He with his purchaser shall calculate from the year when he sold himself to him up to the year of jubilee; and the price of his sale shall correspond to the number of years. It is like the days of a hired man that he shall be with him (Lev.25:50). This ensured that the rights of the creditor, the debtor, and the redeemer were honoured and protected (Lev.25:51-54). The reason for this provision was stated – for the sons of Israel are My servants; they are My servants whom I brought out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God (Lev.25:55). They were not set free to be enslaved to others.