The Shemitah – What is it?

TL;DR:

The Shemitah was a comprehensive practice that integrated agricultural, economic, social, and spiritual dimensions into the life of ancient Israel. The Shemitah emphasizes God's concern for justice, provision, and covenant fidelity.

what does the bible say?

The Shemitah, observed every seventh year as outlined in the Old Testament, mandates a Sabbath rest for the land and forgiveness of debts, reflecting God's pattern of rest and provision. While the Shemitah is not mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus also taught principles of trust in God's care and emphasized justice, mercy, and stewardship. Reflecting on the Shemitah prompts us to trust in God's provision, steward resources faithfully, and advocate for justice and mercy in our communities. It encourages gratitude and obedience to God's commands, fostering a community marked by care for others and reliance on God's faithfulness.

from the old testament

The Shemitah is the seventh year in a seven-year cycle described in the Old Testament. This final year of the cycle is set aside for debt forgiveness and refrain from direct cultivation of the land. Sometimes spelled Shemittah or Shmita, this special year is described in Exodus 21:2, 23:10–11, Leviticus 25:1–7, Deuteronomy 15:1–11, and 31:10–13. It is patterned after God's day of rest at the conclusion of His creation—the seventh day.
The Shemitah included a Sabbath rest for the land (Leviticus 25:1–7). The Israelites were commanded not to sow their fields or prune their vineyards during this year. This practice allowed the land to rest and rejuvenate.
During the Shemitah, debts were to be forgiven and Hebrew slaves were to be released (Deuteronomy 15:1–11). It was a time of providing a fresh start for those who were burdened with debt or servitude.

from the new testament

The Shemitah is not mentioned in the New Testament, but Jesus often spoke about the Father's care and provision, encouraging His followers to trust in God's faithfulness (Matthew 6:25–34).

implications for today

The Shemitah law for ancient Israel, with its requirement to abstain from agricultural work every seventh year and to free those in debt or living as slaves, points us to truths about God's character. It encourages us to trust in God and to care about justice and mercy. Just as the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God's provision by resting the land and trusting in the abundance of the previous harvest, we can trust God's faithfulness in our own lives. The Shemitah year for ancient Israel reminds us today that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are called to be faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities He has entrusted to us. That God gave the Shemitah year to His people encourages us to reflect on God's provision, mercy, and justice, causing in us an attitude of gratitude and a desire to be obedient to His commands for us. As we consider how the Shemitah fostered a community focused on care for one another and trust in God to provide, we are reminded of our responsibility to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8; James 1:27; 1 John 4:11), reflecting God's love in tangible ways.

understand

The Shemitah is the seventh year in a cycle of rest described in the Old Testament.
In the Shemitah year, the land rested from cultivation.
The Shemitah includes debt forgiveness and release of Hebrew slaves.

reflect

How does the concept of the Shemitah challenge your trust in God's provision and sovereignty over your life and resources?
In what ways can you apply principles of rest and renewal from the Shemitah in your own rhythms of work, rest, and spiritual reflection?
Reflect on instances in your life where forgiveness and release—similar to the Shemitah's debt forgiveness and slave release—have brought about healing and new beginnings.

engage

There is little evidence that Shemitah has ever been widely practiced by the Hebrews, Jews, or Israelites. However, in present-day Israel, there is a prohibition on specific kinds of food exports for crops grown within Israel's boundaries every seven years. Hebrew scholars and religious leaders have created interpretation and religious laws that narrow the Shemitah. One example is defining the debt forgiveness as only applying to private debts and then making all private debts a matter of public record to nullify them from Shemitah. Another example allows Jews to have their land cultivated by non-Jews during the seventh year to escape Shemitah.
The Shemitah seven-year cycle has gained recent interest through a book and teaching by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn. The Mystery of the Shemitah outlines Cahn's belief that all nations, not just Jews, should be following Shemitah and that those who do not will face God's judgment. He writes that a seven-year cycle of judgment can be seen in tragic events, especially in America. For example, he shows that the World Trade Center was conceived in 1945, broke ground for construction in 1966, opened in 1973, was bombed in 1993, and was destroyed in 2001—all Shemitah years. The replacement Freedom Tower opened in 2014, another Shemitah year. Cahn is careful to say his observations and predictions are not prophesy and should not be counted upon. His claim that nations like the United States would have a similar covenantal agreement with God and should follow the Shemitah law God gave to Israel is questionable. However, Cahn's call to repent and seek salvation in Christ is certainly biblical.
How does the Shemitah's emphasis on social justice and economic equity challenge our views on wealth, debt, and societal responsibilities today?