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Book of Numbers - Chapter 36 - Verse 4

36:4
And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.

Meaning

This verse from Leviticus 26:1-2 describes the process of redistributing land during the Jubilee year, a special time in the Israelite calendar that occurred every 50 years. During the Jubilee, land that had been sold or inherited by other tribes would be returned to its original tribal owners. This redistribution ensured that land remained within the tribe to which it was originally assigned by God, as outlined in the book of Joshua. By returning land to its rightful owners, the Jubilee served as a reminder of God's covenant with the children of Israel and his promise to provide for them. The Jubilee was a time of restoration and renewal, reflecting God's justice and mercy. It was a way to prevent inequality and ensure that every family had access to a portion of the Promised Land. This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring tribal boundaries and ancestral inheritance, preserving the identity and heritage of each tribe within the community of Israel.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Leviticus, the concept of the jubilee year is crucial to understanding the theological implications. The jubilee year, which occurred every 50 years, was a time of restoration and reset for the Israelites. It was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and land that had been sold returned to its original owner. The verse speaks to the redistribution of land during the jubilee year, highlighting the importance of fairness and equality in God's plan for his people. The inheritance of the children of Israel was tied to the tribe they belonged to, and during the jubilee year, land that had been bought or sold would return to its original tribe. This reinforces the idea of God's provision and care for his people, ensuring that everyone had a fair share of the land and resources. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's justice and compassion, as well as the importance of honoring the community and honoring the land as a sacred gift from God.

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