The Year of Jubilee – What is it?

Quick answer

The Year of Jubilee was created for the Israelites so that every fiftieth year slaves were liberated, debts were cancelled, and the land was returned to its original owners. The Year of Jubilee points us to Jesus—the One who sets us free, paid our debt, and gives us true freedom!

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, occurred every fifty years. It was marked by the blowing of a ram's horn on the tenth day of the seventh month, which was also the Day of Atonement. During this year, the land rested, slaves were freed, and debts were forgiven, bringing renewal to Israel. Though not mentioned in the New Testament, the Year of Jubilee symbolizes Jesus' salvation: freeing us from sin (Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1), canceling our debt to God (Colossians 2:13–14), and offering rest (Matthew 11:28–30). Salvation through Jesus, not by our works, grants us eternal renewal and freedom, fulfilling the spiritual restoration of the Jubilee.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Year of Jubilee was instituted by God for the nation of Israel in Leviticus 25. It occurred every fifty years as a special sabbatical year after seven cycles of seven years. On the tenth day of the seventh month, which was also the Day of Atonement, a ram's horn was blown to begin the celebration. The Hebrew word for "jubilee" literally means "ram's horn."

During this Year of Jubilee, the land was to rest (no sowing or reaping). Slaves, servants, and even captives were to be released. Property was to be returned to its original owners. Outstanding debts were to be canceled. It was a year of rest for the land and people.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Year of Jubilee is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Year of Jubilee foreshadowed the salvation offered by Jesus. He sets us free from our slavery to sin (Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:22; 5:1; Luke 4:17–21). He forgives, or cancels, the debt we owe to God because of our sin (Colossians 2:13–14). He gives us rest from our labors (Matthew 11:28–30). It is impossible to attain righteousness by our own efforts. Rather, we find salvation and rest in Jesus Christ based on His work on the cross (Hebrews 4:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–10). Ultimately, just as the Year of Jubilee brought renewal and hope to the people of Israel, Jesus Christ offers us spiritual renewal, freedom from sin, forgiveness of debts, and eternal rest. Embracing His salvation means experiencing true freedom and restoration in every aspect of our lives.

UNDERSTAND

The Year of Jubilee occurred every fifty years after seven cycles of seven years.

During the Year of Jubilee, land was to rest (no sowing or reaping), slaves and servants were released, and property reverted to its original owners.

The Jubilee foreshadowed spiritual freedom and renewal through Jesus Christ, emphasizing liberation from sin, forgiveness of debts, and eternal rest.

REFLECT

What does God’s creation of the Year of Jubilee reveal about His character and plan of redemption?

How does the concept of the Year of Jubilee challenge or encourage you in the way you intentionally rest and experience restoration in your life?

Reflect on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jubilee. How does understanding His role in setting us free from sin and offering eternal rest impact your daily walk with God?

ENGAGE

How does the concept of the Year of Jubilee challenge our modern understanding of justice, equity, and societal restoration?

Even if we are not practicing the Year of Jubilee, how do we as the people of God embody the principles of the Jubilee in practical acts of compassion, forgiveness, and justice?

How does Jesus’ work on the cross impact our understanding of freedom, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal individually and communally?