The word BEHAR means “on the mount”, the first words of Leviticus 25:1.
The word BEHUKOTAI means “in my statutes” from Leviticus 26:3.
God continues to speak with Moses on Mt. Sinai, and in this portion, He speaks to him about the “Sabbatical Year”, or 7th Year. Just as God rested from creation on the 7th day, He is
requiring of His people, that all toil or labor by man on the land or in the field, would cease.
And just as He provided manna in the wilderness, God promised to provide an abundance of crop in the 6th year to carry His children through. Whatever the land produced on its own kin the 7th year would be free for the taking by man or beast.
After seven cycles of the 7th Year, a Jubilee Year would be celebrated. During this Jubilee Year all slaves would be set free if they desired, and all land, which had been sold, would be returned to the original owners. God promises if His people will keep His commands, they will greatly prosper. But if NOT, God will cause destruction to come upon them. Our portion
Concludes with rules for making vows to God and the blessing of tithing.
As we read and meditate on these Scriptures assigned for the week, and as we seek the Lord for a deeper understanding, we can find many life lessons for today.
First and foremost, God is speaking to Moses on Mt. Sinai. What is your perception of Mt. Sinai? Mine has always been a grand, majestic, mysterious mountain reaching to the heavens. However, I have come to understand that Mt. Sinai was the SMALLEST mountain
within the range! Yes, it was still a mountain. It was still majestic. It was still mysterious….
but the SMALLEST. God chose the LEAST to bring His BEST. A message to us that we can be strong but we must remain humble in our strength so pride does not sneak in. God uses the humble to accomplish His purposes here on earth.
The 7th Year with no labor in the field speaks of trusting God…a reaffirmation of our FAITH, our BELIEF in His promise to provide. Regardless of what is going on around us; regardless of what the world may say; regardless of what we think… HE IS IN CONTROL….TRUST HIM!
And then the Jubilee – the 50 year “Reset”. Why? REMEMBER: EVERYTHING belongs to God.
Nothing is truly ours. This fact should help to keep us humble. Also, the Jubilee Year gives us the sense of “light at the end of the tunnel” for the slaves, for the landowners and for us today. This keeps us persevering …working towards the future….eternal life.
A Final Thought: Strive to be like Mt. Sinai…. strong and powerful in Him, yet humble,
realizing your value, purpose and potential is in your “higher calling” which comes from God.
Read Also: HAFTARAH Jeremiah 32:6-27 Jeremiah 16:19 – 17:14
New Testament Luke 4:16-21 Matthew 22:1-14