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Leviticus 25:4 - Land rests for Hashem.

Leviticus 25:4 - ויקרא 25:4

Hebrew Text

וּבַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁבִיעִת שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן יִהְיֶה לָאָרֶץ שַׁבָּת לַיהוָה שָׂדְךָ לֹא תִזְרָע וְכַרְמְךָ לֹא תִזְמֹר׃

English Translation

but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

Transliteration

Uvashana hashvi'it shabbat shabaton yihye la'aretz shabbat la'Hashem sadecha lo tizra v'charmecha lo tizmor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ת שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָאָ֔רֶץ שַׁבָּ֖ת לַיהֹוָ֑ה שָֽׂדְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִזְרָ֔ע וְכַרְמְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִזְמֹֽר׃
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ת שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָאָ֔רֶץ שַׁבָּ֖ת לַיהֹוָ֑ה שָֽׂדְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִזְרָ֔ע וְכַרְמְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִזְמֹֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of Shemitah (Sabbatical Year)

The verse (Vayikra 25:4) establishes the mitzvah of Shemitah, the Sabbatical year, during which agricultural work in Eretz Yisrael is prohibited. Rashi explains that this commandment emphasizes the land's rest as "a Sabbath for Hashem," paralleling the weekly Shabbat—just as Shabbat testifies to Hashem's creation of the world in six days, Shemitah testifies to His ownership of the land (Rashi on Vayikra 25:2).

Prohibitions During Shemitah

  • Sowing (לֹא תִזְרָע): The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah 1:1) rules that all forms of planting, sowing, and cultivating are forbidden, extending even to ornamental plants (Mishnah Sheviit 2:6).
  • Pruning (לֹא תִזְמֹר): The Sifra (Behar 1:4) teaches that this includes any action that enhances a vineyard's growth, such as trimming branches or propping up vines.

Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 84) highlights Shemitah's role in strengthening bitachon (trust in Hashem), as farmers must rely on divine providence for sustenance. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:3) further states that violating Shemitah leads to exile, as the land "rests" without its inhabitants to compensate for missed Sabbatical years.

Halachic and Historical Context

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 15b) notes that Shemitah applies only in Eretz Yisrael with its full biblical force, while rabbinic enactments extend certain laws to neighboring regions. Ramban (Vayikra 25:2) emphasizes that Shemitah, like Shabbat, is a covenantal sign between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, reinforcing our spiritual connection to the land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 2b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the prohibition of agricultural work during the Sabbatical year (Shemittah).
📖 Arachin 29a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of the Sabbatical year and the sanctity of the land during that period.
📖 Sotah 48b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the blessings and curses associated with observing or neglecting the Sabbatical year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean by 'a sabbath for the land'?
A: The verse refers to the mitzvah (commandment) of Shemitah (Sabbatical Year), where every seventh year, the land of Israel must rest from agricultural work—just as we observe Shabbat weekly. Rashi explains that this demonstrates our trust in Hashem, as we refrain from working the land and rely on His blessing for sustenance.
Q: Why is the Shemitah year important in Judaism?
A: Shemitah teaches us faith in Hashem's providence and reminds us that the land ultimately belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23). The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah 4:1) emphasizes that observing Shemitah is a test of emunah (faith), as we refrain from farming and trust that Hashem will provide.
Q: What are the practical laws of Shemitah today?
A: In modern times, Orthodox Jews in Israel observe Shemitah by not working the land, and special heter mechirah (permission to sell) arrangements are made for farmland. Produce grown during Shemitah (shemittah produce) has special sanctity and must be treated with respect (Mishnah, Shevi'it 8:1-2).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Shemitah?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 1:1) teaches that Shemitah reminds us to prioritize spiritual growth over material pursuits. By letting the land rest, we acknowledge that sustenance comes from Hashem, not just human effort. It also promotes social equality, as all may freely eat from the land's produce (Exodus 23:11).