Leviticus 25:5
That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.
Leviticus 25:5
This verse explains the specifics of the land’s resting year: what grows wild should not be harvested, and the grapes left undressed should not be gathered. It clarifies that even incidental produce belongs to a year of rest. The instruction protects the land’s ability to replenish and reinforces that the Sabbath year is a divine ordinance, not merely a suggestion. In a subsistence economy, this rule would force people to depend on God’s grace and to trust that not everything must be controlled for survival.
The prohibition against reaping and gleaning during the sabbath year is a countercultural statement about abundance and trust. It asserts God’s sovereignty over the land and the people’s dependence on divine timing. It also creates space for the vulnerable to collect food, underscoring justice and mercy as intrinsic to the covenant community.
Today, this translates into practices of restraint and generosity. It could mean intentional limits on personal consumption, leaving room for others to access resources, or supporting programs that redistribute food and wealth during lean periods. Gardeners can practice “rest years” by allowing some crops to return naturally, letting soil recover, and sharing surplus with neighbors. Churches or community groups can run food banks or community gardens that operate on a schedule of rest, recognizing that abundance requires sustainable cycles and social mercy.
Cross-References: Leviticus 25:4; Leviticus 25:6; Deuteronomy 15:1–6; Exodus 23:11; Proverbs 11:24–25