Exodus 23:10 Meaning Explained

This verse sets up the commandment for the land to rest, but the emphasis is on the six years of normal work that precede it. It highlights that diligent sowing and gathering are part of God's provision, but they are preparation for a time of trusting His provision differently.

What Exodus 23:10 means

This passage introduces a unique command regarding the land of Canaan: the Sabbatical year. For six years, the Israelites were to cultivate their fields, vineyards, and olive groves, enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, the seventh year marked a complete rest for the land, a concept unheard of in other nations, intended to teach dependence on God and benefit the poor.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, around the 13th century BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, though scholarly debate exists regarding the Pentateuch's final authorship.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, looking towards the Promised Land.
Genre: Law, specifically part of the Covenant Code, featuring direct commands and detailed stipulations.

Scholarly commentary

Exodus 23:10: "And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:"

Exodus 23:10-11 . The institution of the sabbatical year was designed, 1st, To show what a plentiful land that was into which God was bringing them, that so numerous a people could have rich maintenance out of the products of so small a country, without foreign trade, and yet could spare the increase of every seventh year. 2d, To teach them confidence in his care and bounty while they did their duty;…
benson

Exodus 23:10: "And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:"

Verses 10, 11. - Law of the Sabbatical year. Days of rest, at regular or irregular intervals, were well known to the ancients and some regulations of the kind existed in most countries But entire years of rest were wholly unknown to any nation except the Israelites. and exposed them to the reproach of idleness. (See Tacit. Hist. 5:4: - "Septimo die otium placuisse ferunt, quia is finem laborum dedit;…
pulpit

Frequently asked questions

What does Exodus 23:10 mean?

This verse sets up the commandment for the land to rest, but the emphasis is on the six years of normal work that precede it. It highlights that diligent sowing and gathering are part of God's provision, but they are preparation for a time of trusting His provision differently.

Explain the meaning of Exodus 23:10

This passage introduces a unique command regarding the land of Canaan: the Sabbatical year. For six years, the Israelites were to cultivate their fields, vineyards, and olive groves, enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, the seventh year marked a complete rest for the land, a concept unheard of in other nations, intended to teach dependence on God and benefit the poor.

Breakdown of Exodus 23:10

"“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield," — This verse sets up the commandment for the land to rest, but the emphasis is on the six years of normal work that precede it. It highlights that diligent sowing and gathering are part of God's prov…

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