What is a…
Sabbatical year

A Sabbatical year occurred every 7th year, during which the land, according to the law of Moses, had to remain uncultivated (Leviticus 25:2-7; compare Exodus 23:10-12; Leviticus 26:34-35)

Whatever grew on its own during that year was not for the owner of the land, but for the poor and the stranger and the beasts of the field.

All debts, except those of foreigners, were to be forgiven (Deuteronomy 15:1-11).

There is little notice of the observance of this year in Biblical history. It appears to have been much sadly neglected by the Hebrews (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).

More information

• jubilee
• sabbath
• poor
• debt
• widows
• orphans
• foreigners