Tag: Leviticus 25

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Jubilee Prophets and Writings Sabbatical Year Torah

Is modern debt a new kind of slavery? Bible laws that break today’s shackles (Leviticus 25:39–26:2; Isaiah 24; John 13)

Created with ChatGPT, this palette-knife oil digital painting shows a young adult walking through a cityscape built from giant credit cards, loan agreements, bills and collection notices, with heavy chains wrapped around the ankles. Ahead, a radiant shofar on the horizon sends out golden light that breaks the chains, symbolizing release from financial bondage. Text overlay: “Is modern debt a new kind of slavery? Bible laws that break today’s shackles (Leviticus 25:39–26:2; Isaiah 24; John 13).” Hallel.info watermark.

We rightfully cringe at the bondage described in Leviticus 25:39–26:2. But are the chains of debt on us today somewhat similar? In this study, we look at the Jubilee and Shemitah laws against today’s student loans, consumer debt and collapsing social trust. Parallel passage Isaiah 24 exposes what happens when nations cross God’s economic and moral boundaries, while John 13 reveals a radically different Master who uses authority to serve. Discover how biblical freedom resets identity, land, wealth and power in a world trapped by debt and chronic anxiety.

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Discussions Jubilee Prophets and Writings Sabbatical Year Torah

Debt, poverty and the Bible: How Shemitah and Jubilee break the cycle (Leviticus 25; Deuteronomy 15; Jeremiah 11)

A thick oil palette-knife painting of a Mark Twain-like 19th-century traveler overlooking a barren, decayed Jerusalem beneath an overcast sky. Text overlay: “Debt, poverty and the Bible: How Shemitah and Jubilee break the cycle (Leviticus 25; Deuteronomy 15; Jeremiah 11).” Hallel.info watermark. (Created by ChatGPT)

How are the Bible’s weekly Sabbath, sabbatical years and the 50-year Jubilee actually linked? And what do they reveal about debt, poverty, land use and Israel’s modern history? In this deep-dive study of Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Jeremiah, we connect Torah cycles to Mark Twain’s haunting visit to Jerusalem, modern agriculture and God’s long memory. Discover why ignoring divine rest laws reshapes economies, communities and even empires — and why generous release of debts may still change our future in ways we rarely expect.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Atonement Discussions Jubilee Prophets and Writings Sabbatical Year Torah

Cancel debts, free slaves: Radical teachings of Jubilee and Sabbatical Year for modern life (Leviticus 25; Isaiah 58; Matthew 6 and 18)

"Cancel debts, free slaves: Radical teachings of Jubilee and Sabbatical Year for modern life (Leviticus 25; Isaiah 58; Matthew 6 and 18). Adobe Firefly AI artwork of a hand reaching up toward a sunset-toned cloudy sky while a chain extends from each side of the scene and wraps around the wrist.

The Torah reading בְּהַר Behar (“on mount [Sinai],” Leviticus 25:1–26:2) teaches that debts are released after seven-year cycles (Shemitah, sabbatical year) and 49-year cycles (Yobel/Jubilee) to memorialize God’s forgiveness. This pattern is seen in Messiah Yeshua’s (Christ Jesus) teachings on forgiveness in Matthew 18 and manifest in his role as suffering servant who takes our debts (Isaiah 53). By forgiving others as we’ve been forgiven (Matthew 6:12), we reflect the Heavenly economy of releasing debts, underscored via receiving God’s mercy on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement; Leviticus 16; Isaiah 58:1–12).

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Torah readings

Torah reading Behar (בהר): Leviticus 25:1–26:2 

Studies in Torah

A common catchphrase for believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) is “walk by faith and not by sight” (2Cor. 5:7). Key memorials from God’s calendar that help with practicing the faith that is preached are the Shevi’it or Shemitah (“seventh” 2026 and “release,” respectively, i.e., sabbatical year) and the Yobel (Jubilee). They are the focus of the Torah reading this week, Behar, covering Leviticus 25:1-26:2.

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Announcements Apostolic Writings Jubilee Prophets and Writings Sabbatical Year Torah

‘Proclaim liberty through the land’: Israel’s model for freedom in America

Liberty Bell with copper words "Proclaim liberty through the land" written on it, superimposed over the U.S. flag with the Declaration of Independence shown on the flag.

Ancient Israel’s Torah was a forerunner for freedom the U.S. Declaration of Independence started bringing to the wider world roughly 3,500 years later. While the U.S. effort to free captives had fits and starts, Israel’s declaration of freedom brought with it the power of Heaven’s Messiah. And that power eventually flowed through all nations that listen to His voice.

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Torah readings

Parashot Behar (בהר) & Bechukotai (בחקותי): Leviticus 25–27

Studies in Torah

We’ve all had days when we are so physically or mentally exhausted that we long to go home and relax, or better yet, nap. The LORD gave our forefathers in faith memorials and reminders in time to nudge us to seek Him Who can truly bring us rest from guilt, fear, loneliness, etc. That’s the lesson in the combined Torah readings בְּהַר  Behar (“on mount” Sinai) and בְּחֻקֹּתַי Bechukotai (“in My statutes”) that wraps up the book of Leviticus.

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Discussions Jubilee Pentecost/Shavuot Tabernacles Tithe & Finances Torah

How to be a dependable part of Heaven’s rescue mission to Earth (Leviticus 25)

How to be a dependable part of Heaven's rescue mission to Earth (Leviticus 25). Shown is a mountain climber helping another climber to get to the top.

The Torah reading בְּהַר Behar (“on mount” [Sinai]; Leviticus 25) teaches us how to be a kinsman-redeemer. It’s a beautiful ancient role for a family member with the character to step up and bail out a relative who has fallen on hard times.

The Bible book of Ruth provides an example of such a redeemer in action, and the Messiah is foretold to be the ultimate one for the world.

In the greater family of God on Earth, the lessons of the annual festivals of Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) plus the multiyear cycles of Shemitah (sabbatical year) and Yobel (Jubilee) instruct us in how to be of service to the less fortunate within our sphere of influence.

A successful kinsman-redeemer helps others with the blessing of means that God has provided. We are not called to go into debt to help others, we are not compelled by God to drown ourselves to save someone else. 

From these cyclical memorials of God in action past, present and future, we also can learn how God is building up His Kingdom. It starts with the call of individuals then nations into His Kingdom to live as citizens in His presence.