Exodus 23:11
Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)
وَأَمَّا فِي ٱلسَّابِعَةِ فَتُرِيحُهَا وَتَتْرُكُهَا لِيَأْكُلَ فُقَرَاءُ شَعْبِكَ. وَفَضْلَتُهُمْ تَأْكُلُهَا وُحُوشُ ٱلْبَرِّيَّةِ. كَذَلِكَ تَفْعَلُ بِكَرْمِكَ وَزَيْتُونِكَ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Exodus instructs that every seventh year, the land should rest and not be worked, allowing the poor to eat from the natural growth, and any leftovers for wild animals. It's a command from God to care for the less fortunate and the land itself.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a garden, and every seven years, you let it take a nap. This way, the plants can grow by themselves, and the hungry people in your neighborhood can come eat from your garden. Any food left over goes to the animals. It's like sharing your snacks with friends and letting the birds have some too!
Historical Background
This part of Exodus was written by Moses around 1400-1200 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites, providing them with guidelines on how to manage their agricultural practices and resources, reflecting the cultural values of a society that respected the land and cared for the poor.
Living It Out Today
In a modern context, this verse encourages us to take breaks from work to recharge and share resources with those in need. For example, a tech company might take a break from developing new products each year to focus on giving back to the community through services or donations.
Topics
agriculturepovertyrestgenerositystewardshipdivine command
Related Verses
Leviticus 25:1-7Deuteronomy 15:1-11Isaiah 58:6-7Matthew 6:1-4Luke 14:12-14
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of letting the land rest?
The purpose is to allow the land to regenerate naturally, reflecting a balance between human cultivation and the natural cycle of the earth, and to ensure that even the poor can benefit from the land's produce.
How does this practice show care for the poor?
By allowing the poor to eat from the land without having to work for it, the practice ensures that everyone, especially those in need, can access basic sustenance.
What does this teach us about our relationship with nature?
It teaches us that nature needs periods of rest and regeneration, and that we should respect the cycles of the earth and not exploit it indefinitely.
Can this principle be applied in modern agricultural practices?
Yes, modern sustainable farming practices can include crop rotation and fallow periods, which are inspired by this principle, to maintain soil health and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.