Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 25:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 25:35 is part of a passage in the Old Testament that deals with God‘s laws about social justice, particularly focusing on how to treat the poor and the needy. This verse is embedded within the context of the laws regarding land, property, and the treatment of fellow Israelites in times of hardship. The verse speaks directly to how the Israelites should respond to a fellow Israelite who is struggling, urging them to provide help and not to take advantage of their vulnerability.
In this article, we will look at Leviticus 25:35 in depth, breaking down its context, meaning, and how it applies to our lives today. We will explore how this verse highlights God’s heart for justice, compassion, and caring for the less fortunate, which continues to be relevant for Christians today.
The Context of Leviticus 25:35 KJV
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 25
Leviticus 25 is a chapter that focuses on social justice, specifically addressing the welfare of the poor, the practice of land redemption, and the Year of Jubilee. The Israelites were an agrarian society, so issues regarding land ownership, the distribution of resources, and the care of those in need were critical for their survival and well-being.
The chapter lays out instructions on how to handle various situations that could arise, such as someone falling into poverty or selling their land. One of the key themes is the concept of redemption – both of property and of people. The Israelites were given the right to redeem (buy back) property that had been sold in times of hardship, and every 50 years, the Year of Jubilee would reset the economic system, returning land to its original owners and ensuring that no one would be permanently impoverished.
Leviticus 25 also contains instructions on how to treat those who are poor or in difficult circumstances, particularly with regard to lending, working relationships, and property rights. The laws are designed to maintain fairness, prevent oppression, and foster a sense of community where people care for each other.
Leviticus 25:35 in Context
Leviticus 25:35 comes within a broader discussion on how to care for those who are in poverty, with a focus on helping fellow Israelites who may be in a vulnerable position. In the preceding verses, God gives instructions about not charging interest on loans to the poor (Leviticus 25:36) and not taking advantage of those who are struggling. The focus is on kindness, compassion, and justice. The broader theme here is to help people in times of need without exploiting their hardship.
The verse specifically addresses a situation where an Israelite brother or sister has become poor. It provides a guideline for the people of Israel on how to act with mercy and fairness toward those who have fallen into poverty. God’s desire is that His people live in a community of mutual support and justice, where the vulnerable are cared for and provided for.
Leviticus 25:35 (KJV)
Leviticus 25:35 (KJV):
“And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.”
Breaking Down Leviticus 25:35
“And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee”
This part of the verse speaks about a situation where an Israelite has fallen into poverty or hardship. The phrase “waxen poor” refers to a person who has become impoverished, while “fallen in decay” speaks to their physical or financial decline. It is a description of someone who is struggling, either because of a personal misfortune, a loss of resources, or a failure in the economy.
“Then thou shalt relieve him”
In this part of the verse, God commands the people of Israel to relieve the poor person. This means that they should assist them in their time of need. The term “relieve” emphasizes the duty to provide practical help, whether it be financial assistance, food, or shelter, to those who are struggling. The Israelites were to take action to alleviate the hardship faced by their fellow countrymen.
“Yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner”
This phrase is significant because it expands the obligation to include not only fellow Israelites but also strangers or sojourners – foreigners who are living among the Israelites. The inclusion of non-Israelites in this commandment shows that God’s law of mercy and justice is not limited to a particular people group. This highlights God’s care for all people, not just the Israelites, and calls for universal compassion for those in need.
“That he may live with thee”
The final part of the verse explains the purpose of the relief – that the poor person may be able to continue living among the community. This suggests that the Israelites should not only meet the immediate needs of the poor but also help them restore their dignity and livelihood so that they can continue to live within the community without being ostracized or left in a permanent state of poverty.
Leviticus 25:35 Meaning
God’s Heart for the Poor and Needy
Leviticus 25:35 reveals God’s heart for those who are impoverished and struggling. He does not want His people to ignore the needs of others or take advantage of them. Instead, He commands His people to show mercy, provide for the less fortunate, and ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to live with dignity. The phrase “that he may live with thee” reflects God’s desire for all people to be integrated into the community, not isolated or marginalized because of their poverty.
This verse demonstrates that God is deeply concerned about social justice. His laws were designed to promote fairness, mercy, and equity among His people, ensuring that no one was permanently disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
Compassion for the Stranger
The inclusion of the stranger or sojourner in this command shows that God’s compassion extends beyond the people of Israel. This is a reminder that God’s laws are not for one specific group of people but are meant to reflect His love for all human beings. Just as the Israelites were to care for their fellow Israelites, they were also to extend that care to foreigners living among them.
This principle is echoed throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that we are to love our neighbors – and even our enemies. Leviticus 25:35 calls believers to show hospitality and kindness to all people, regardless of their background or nationality.
Restoration and Community
Leviticus 25:35 also speaks to the idea of restoration. The purpose of providing relief to those in need is not just to give them temporary help, but to restore them to a place where they can live in the community with dignity. The ultimate goal is to reintegrate the individual into society, ensuring they are not left in poverty or shame.
This concept of restoration is a key theme throughout the Bible. God does not want anyone to remain in a state of suffering or separation. He desires restoration, healing, and wholeness for His people, which is a central message in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Leviticus 25:35 Application in Life
Showing Mercy to Others
Leviticus 25:35 teaches us to show mercy to those in need. It is easy to overlook the struggles of others, especially when we are not directly affected by their hardships. However, God calls us to be compassionate and proactive in helping those who are suffering. This could involve offering financial assistance, providing food, shelter, or simply being a friend to someone who is struggling.
As Christians, we are called to follow Christ’s example of compassion and mercy. Jesus reached out to the marginalized and the poor, showing them love and offering them hope. We, too, are called to be agents of mercy in the world, showing God’s love through our actions.
Caring for the Marginalized
The inclusion of strangers and sojourners in Leviticus 25:35 is a reminder to care for those who are marginalized or vulnerable. This includes people who are not part of our immediate community, whether they are immigrants, refugees, or those from different social backgrounds. God’s command to love the stranger is a powerful reminder of the need to show kindness and hospitality to all people, regardless of their status or origin.
In today’s world, many people are displaced or marginalized due to economic hardship, war, or other crises. Leviticus 25:35 challenges us to reach out to them with compassion and support.
Promoting Justice and Equality
Leviticus 25:35 also calls us to promote justice and equality. This means advocating for systems and policies that protect the poor and the vulnerable. It involves working toward a society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. As believers, we should be advocates for justice in our communities, ensuring that the needs of the marginalized are met.
Reflecting God’s Love
Ultimately, Leviticus 25:35 calls us to reflect God’s love in practical ways. When we help others, especially the poor and needy, we are demonstrating the love of Christ. This is not just about charity; it is about creating a community where all people are valued and cared for, reflecting God’s kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
Leviticus 25:35 provides us with a profound teaching on how to treat the poor, the needy, and the marginalized. It calls us to show mercy, compassion, and justice, not just to our fellow believers, but also to strangers and sojourners. This verse reflects God’s heart for restoration, community, and the well-being of all people. As Christians, we are called to embody these values in our own lives, showing the love of Christ through our actions toward those who are suffering. Leviticus 25:35 reminds us that the command to love our neighbor is not just a suggestion – it is a divine mandate that reflects the very nature of God.
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