“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound [or, sound of the trumpet].” Psalm 89:15.
Leviticus 25:35-55
AS WE READ through this chapter we are made to feel that those who are in view here had once seen better days, but now they are reduced to poverty. It is the old story of privilege and failure, of wealth and blessing once enjoyed, but of an inheritance now forfeited. Such is the history of man, and it is the history of Israel. The palmy days of King David and Solomon have long passed away; Israel, unfaithful and impoverished, have lost their land with all its privileges.
But above these scenes of shame and sadness shines the grace of God, and the year of jubilee tells of “the times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21). For though Israel has proved unfaithful, yet God has not given up His thoughts of love toward them, and love will have its way in the end. God will have the last word and Israel shall be restored and blessed in their land again. Their latter end will find them in the midst of such joys and glories as were never known before.
How touching the grace the Lord would have shown to the brother grown poor in the cases that follow. In verses 35-37 he who had fallen “into decay” was not to be taken advantage of, but rather he was to be treated kindly and cared for.
Then in verses 39-43 he who “waxed poor” and was “sold unto thee” was not to be treated as a bondservant, but as a hired servant. In the jubilee he was free to return with his children to his family and possession.
Finally in verses 47-54 we have the case of one sold unto a wealthy stranger. There was still “the right of redemption,” and he could be redeemed before the jubilee if one of his kin had the means, or if he had the means himself.
The Lord reminds His people that once they themselves were in bondage in Egypt, but He had redeemed them and set them free. Now He says of these that had been reduced to poverty and had sold themselves that they were His servants. He would have His people to be kind and considerate of them for they belonged to Him.
We also should have a tender care for one another. There are some who have grown poor spiritually and they do not enjoy many of their Christian privileges and blessings. Even though it may be their own fault, still we should have a care for them and show them kindness; for them Christ died, and they are dear to God.
ML-12/03/1972