Leviticus 25:20 – “You may ask, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 25:20 addresses a practical concern of the Israelites about the Sabbath year, a time when they were commanded not to plant or harvest their fields. The people were naturally worried about how they would provide for themselves during this year of rest. This verse captures their question: if they didn’t work the land, how would they have enough to eat?
This question highlights a very human response—worry about the future and provision. It shows that the command to let the land rest required significant trust in God. The people’s concern wasn’t just about a temporary inconvenience; it was about their daily survival. This verse sets the stage for God’s reassuring promise that He would provide for them even when they were not working the land, reminding them that He is their true provider.
Historical Context
The Sabbath year was an important part of God’s law given to the Israelites while they were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Every seventh year, the land was to rest—no sowing, no reaping, no usual agricultural work. This practice was designed to remind the people of their dependence on God and to give the land a chance to replenish naturally.
For an agrarian society, this command was a test of faith. Their livelihood depended on the crops they grew, and not working the land for a year seemed risky and counterintuitive. This fear is what Leviticus 25:20 addresses directly, acknowledging the natural concern of the people. God’s command was not just about obedience but also about teaching His people to trust Him as their ultimate source of provision.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 25:20 reveals the human tendency to worry about provision and control. The question reflects the broader challenge of trusting God, especially when His commands seem to go against our natural instincts to work and provide for ourselves. The verse sets up an important theological truth: God’s provision does not depend on our efforts alone but on His faithfulness.
This verse reminds us that God’s commands are often designed to stretch our faith. Obeying God, especially when it involves surrendering control, teaches us to rely on Him in deeper ways. It also underscores that God cares about our needs and is fully aware of our fears and concerns. He invites us to bring those worries to Him, trusting that He is able and willing to provide.
Literary Analysis
The literary style of Leviticus 25:20 is conversational, capturing the voice of the Israelites’ fear and uncertainty. By phrasing it as a question, the verse reflects a common human experience—worrying about what will happen when we are not in control. This approach makes the text relatable and real, showing that even God’s people struggled with doubt.
The question, “What will we eat?” emphasizes the basic, everyday concern of survival. It humanizes the Israelites, reminding us that their obedience was not without real challenges. This question sets the stage for God’s reassuring answer in the following verses, making His promise of provision even more powerful and comforting.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 16:19-20: The Israelites worried about having enough food in the wilderness, showing a similar struggle to trust God’s provision with the manna.
- Matthew 6:31-32: Jesus teaches, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
- Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” reinforcing God’s promise to provide for His people.
- Psalm 37:25: David writes, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread,” highlighting God’s faithfulness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 25:20 is a powerful reminder that trusting God often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Just as the Israelites were called to rely on God’s provision during the Sabbath year, we are called to trust God in our own seasons of uncertainty. This verse challenges us to release our grip on control and to have faith that God knows our needs.
It also speaks to the everyday worries we all face about provision, finances, and the future. Jesus Himself echoed the same command not to worry about what we will eat or drink, teaching us that God is fully aware of our needs. Leviticus 25:20 encourages us to bring our concerns to God, knowing that He is both aware and capable of providing for us in ways that go beyond our understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 25:20 shows that God understands our fears and doesn’t dismiss our concerns. By including this question in Scripture, God acknowledges the real challenges His people faced and addresses them directly. This reflects His loving nature—He doesn’t just give commands without considering the human side; He provides reassurance and promises to meet the needs of His people.
God’s response to the Israelites’ question about provision was a loving reminder that He is their provider, not their work or their land. This shows that God’s love goes beyond spiritual care; it extends to the practical, everyday needs of His people. His commands are always coupled with His presence and His promise to provide.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God’s provision. Just as God promised to provide for the Israelites during the Sabbath year, Jesus reassures us of God’s care and provision in our lives. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us not to worry about what we will eat or drink, pointing us to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field as examples of God’s care for His creation.
Jesus Himself lived a life fully dependent on God, often teaching His disciples to trust God’s provision even when it seemed impossible. When He fed the 5,000 with just a few loaves and fish, Jesus demonstrated God’s power to provide abundantly. Through Christ, we are reminded that God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances—He is always able to meet our needs.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the question in Leviticus 25:20 reflect your own struggles with trusting God’s provision?
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to worry instead of trusting that God will provide?
- How can you apply the principle of relying on God’s provision, especially when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain?
- What steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and His promises to meet your needs?
- How does understanding Jesus’ teachings on God’s provision encourage you in your daily walk with Him?
Leviticus 25:20 challenges us to trust God in the midst of uncertainty, reminding us that He is aware of our needs and fully capable of providing. Through Christ, we learn to rely on God’s provision, knowing that He is faithful and that His promises never fail.