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Leviticus 25:22 - Trusting divine provision during sabbatical?

Leviticus 25:22 - ויקרא 25:22

Hebrew Text

וּזְרַעְתֶּם אֵת הַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁמִינִת וַאֲכַלְתֶּם מִן־הַתְּבוּאָה יָשָׁן עַד הַשָּׁנָה הַתְּשִׁיעִת עַד־בּוֹא תְּבוּאָתָהּ תֹּאכְלוּ יָשָׁן׃

English Translation

And you shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in, you shall eat of the old store.

Transliteration

Uz'ratem et hashanah hash'minit va'achaltem min-hatvuah yashan ad hashanah hat'shi'it ad-bo tvuatah tochelu yashan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּזְרַעְתֶּ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁמִינִ֔ת וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֖ם מִן־הַתְּבוּאָ֣ה יָשָׁ֑ן עַ֣ד <b>׀</b> הַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַתְּשִׁיעִ֗ת עַד־בּוֹא֙ תְּב֣וּאָתָ֔הּ תֹּאכְל֖וּ יָשָֽׁן׃
וּזְרַעְתֶּ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁמִינִ֔ת וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֖ם מִן־הַתְּבוּאָ֣ה יָשָׁ֑ן עַ֣ד ׀ הַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַתְּשִׁיעִ֗ת עַד־בּוֹא֙ תְּב֣וּאָתָ֔הּ תֹּאכְל֖וּ יָשָֽׁן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 25:22) discusses the agricultural laws of shemittah (the Sabbatical year), where the land must lie fallow in the seventh year. The eighth year presents a unique challenge since planting is permitted, but the harvest will not be ready until the ninth year. This verse reassures the Jewish people that Hashem will provide sustenance from the previous harvests until the new crops grow.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 25:22) emphasizes the miraculous nature of this promise. He explains that the produce of the sixth year—the year before shemittah—would be so abundant that it would last for three years: the seventh (shemittah), eighth (when planting resumes), and ninth (until the new harvest). This demonstrates Hashem’s providence in ensuring that those who observe shemittah will not lack food.

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah v’Yovel 4:1) highlights the agricultural and halachic dimensions. He notes that the Torah’s promise is both a reassurance and a test of faith—those who observe shemittah despite economic concerns will witness Hashem’s blessing. This aligns with the broader principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem) in Jewish thought.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifra (Behar 1:7) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine reward for mitzvah observance, teaching that Hashem ensures sustenance for those who follow His commandments.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Behar 3) elaborates that the blessing of the sixth year’s produce is a hidden miracle, akin to the manna in the wilderness, reinforcing that livelihood comes from Hashem, not human effort alone.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 331:1) and later poskim discuss how this principle applies even today in Eretz Yisrael, where shemittah observance remains relevant. The verse serves as a reminder that agricultural success depends on spiritual fidelity to Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) and the produce that may be eaten from previous years.
📖 Menachot 84a
Referenced in a discussion about the permissibility of eating old produce during the Sabbatical year and the following years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 25:22 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:22 refers to the agricultural laws of the Sabbatical year (Shmita) in the Torah. It explains that even though farmers do not sow or harvest in the seventh year (Shmita), they will still have enough food from the sixth year's harvest to last until the crops of the ninth year grow. This demonstrates Hashem's promise to provide for those who observe the mitzvah of Shmita.
Q: Why is the eighth year mentioned in Leviticus 25:22 important?
A: The eighth year is important because it follows the Shmita (Sabbatical) year when no planting was done. The verse assures that if the Jewish people keep the laws of Shmita, Hashem will bless the sixth year's harvest to last through the eighth year until the new crops of the ninth year are ready. This shows divine providence and the importance of trusting in Hashem's commandments.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 25:22 today?
A: We learn the importance of emunah (faith) in Hashem's promises. Even though the Shmita laws primarily apply in the Land of Israel, the principle teaches us to trust that observing mitzvot brings blessing. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita 4:18) emphasizes that keeping Shmita strengthens our belief in Hashem as the true Provider.
Q: How does Leviticus 25:22 apply to modern farming in Israel?
A: Today, observant farmers in Israel still keep the laws of Shmita by not working the land every seventh year. Many rely on the Heter Mechira (a halachic leniency) or buy from non-Jewish growers, while others trust in Hashem’s blessing as described in this verse. The Otzar Beit Din system also helps distribute Shmita produce according to halacha.
Q: What is the 'old fruit' mentioned in Leviticus 25:22?
A: The 'old fruit' refers to the produce harvested in the sixth year before the Shmita. According to Rashi, this verse promises that the sixth year's harvest will be so abundant that it will last for three years—through the seventh (Shmita) and eighth years until the new crops of the ninth year grow. This miracle demonstrates Hashem's care for those who follow His commandments.