Releasing more than the land
The practice of “taking a sabbatical” originates in ancient Israel, where farmers were obligated to let the land rest for a whole year every seven years. This year of agricultural rest is known in Hebrew as shemitah (שֶׁמִּטָּה), from the root Sh-M-T which means to “release”. Farmers had to “release” their plows and “let go” of their seeds for an entire year. So, if they could not farm, what did farmers do during this year? Sleep? By no means!
Gathering in Jerusalem
The answer is found in the Book of Deuteronomy: “Every seventh year, in the scheduled year of remission, during the festival of booths, when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing” (31:10-11). As the whole nation gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the festival of Sukkot, the sabbatical year was launched not by means of revelry but study -- the public reading of the Torah.
Take a break for your spirit
The sabbatical year of “release” was intended as a year of spiritual growth, when farmers could devote themselves wholeheartedly to the study of the God’s Word. The concept of “productive rest” symbolized by the sabbatical year is one of the Bible’s greatest gifts to humanity. In our fast-paced modern world, we would all benefit by heeding the Bible’s advice. Enroll today, study biblical Hebrew online and recharge your spirit!
