What does Leviticus 25:34 mean?
"But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession." - Leviticus 25:34
Leviticus 25:34 - "But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession."
Leviticus 25:34 (King James Version) states, "But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession." This verse is part of the laws and regulations laid out in the book of Leviticus, which is the third book of the Old Testament. In this verse, the Lord is addressing the Israelites and giving them instructions regarding the ownership and sale of land.
The verse begins by declaring that the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold. This indicates that there are limitations on the sale of land within the boundaries of the cities. The phrase "suburbs of their cities" refers to the surrounding land or the open country that is adjacent to the populated areas. This restriction is further explained by the statement "for it is their perpetual possession." This means that the land in the suburbs of their cities is to remain the eternal and undisturbed possession of the Israelites.
The significance of this commandment can be understood in the broader context of the Old Testament and the covenant between God and the people of Israel. The concept of land ownership was of great importance in ancient societies, including the Israelites. Land was not only a source of sustenance and livelihood but also held spiritual and ancestral significance. In the Israelite society, land was often passed down from generation to generation, and it was considered a symbol of God's promise and blessing.
By prohibiting the sale of the land in the suburbs of their cities, God was ensuring that the Israelites maintained a sense of stability, security, and continuity in their possession of the land. The perpetuity of their possession signified God's faithfulness to his covenant and his commitment to provide for his people. This commandment also promoted a sense of community and interconnectedness among the Israelites, as the land was not to be fragmented or alienated.
Furthermore, this verse reflects the importance of stewardship and responsibility in the management of resources. The Israelites were entrusted with the land as a gift from God, and they were expected to care for it and preserve its integrity for future generations. By forbidding the sale of the land in the suburbs of their cities, God was emphasizing the sacred nature of the land and the need to protect it from exploitation and misuse.
In a broader theological sense, the prohibition on selling the land in the suburbs of their cities can be seen as a reflection of God's sovereignty and ownership of the land. The land ultimately belonged to God, and the Israelites were merely temporary occupants and caretakers. This commandment served as a reminder that the Israelites were accountable to God for their use of the land and that they were called to honor and respect the boundaries set by Him.
Symbolically, the land in the suburbs of their cities can be seen as representing the spiritual inheritance and promises of God. Just as the Israelites were commanded to preserve their possession of the land, Christians are called to safeguard and uphold the spiritual blessings and truths bestowed upon them by God. The verse serves as a reminder that these blessings and promises are to be cherished and safeguarded, and they are not to be traded or relinquished for temporary gain or convenience.
In conclusion, Leviticus 25:34 carries profound theological, ethical, and symbolic implications. It serves as a reflection of God's faithfulness, the importance of stewardship, and the sacredness of the land. This verse continues to provide valuable insights and lessons for believers today, emphasizing the significance of honoring God's gifts and preserving His promises for future generations.
Leviticus 25:34 Artwork
Leviticus 25:34 - "But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession."
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Leviticus 27:34 - "These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai."
Leviticus 25:26 - "And if the man have none to redeem it, and himself be able to redeem it;"
Leviticus 25:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,"
Job 34:25 - "Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed."
Exodus 25:34 - "And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers."
Leviticus 8:34 - "As he hath done this day, so the LORD hath commanded to do, to make an atonement for you."
Leviticus 16:25 - "And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar."
Leviticus 25:24 - "And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land."
Leviticus 25:13 - "In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession."
Leviticus 25:23 - "¶ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me."
Leviticus 25:7 - "And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat."
Leviticus 25:43 - "Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God."
Leviticus 25:32 - "Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time."
Leviticus 27:25 - "And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel."
Exodus 34:25 - "Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning."
Leviticus 23:34 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD."
Leviticus 25:12 - "For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field."
Leviticus 25:40 - "But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:"
Leviticus 25:25 - "¶ 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."
Leviticus 25:42 - "For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen."
Leviticus 11:25 - "And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even."
Leviticus 11:34 - "Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean."
Leviticus 14:34 - "When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;"
Leviticus 25:48 - "After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him:"
Ezekiel 34:25 - "And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods."
Leviticus 25:19 - "And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety."
Leviticus 25:36 - "Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee."
Leviticus 16:34 - "And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses."