Definition: The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 25. It’s a really important verse about God's ownership of the land and how to treat it. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse basically says that God owns the land completely and will never give it away. He’s saying, “I am the owner of this land, and I will keep it for my own use.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The land shall not be sold for ever…” This means that the land cannot be bought, sold, or traded. It's a permanent agreement – God has ownership and control over it forever. Think of it like a trust – he's entrusted it to you. "...for the land [is] mine..." This is a powerful statement. “The land” refers to all of God’s land, including the fertile soil, the trees, and everything on it. It's not just the physical land; it's the entire creation God has set aside for his purposes. "...for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me." This is the crucial part! It means that people are allowed to live on this land, but they are strangers – meaning they haven’t been born and aren't truly a part of God’s family or community. They are visiting, temporary residents. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and control over the land. What does it mean practically? This verse highlights that we have a special relationship with God, but it also means we must be respectful and responsible stewards of the land. It's about recognizing that God is in charge and that we are entrusted to care for His creation. It’s a reminder of our dependence on God and his plan for humanity. In short: God owns the land completely, and people are allowed to live there, but they are guests – temporary visitors under his watchful eye. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "strangers and sojourners" means in a specific way? Talk about the purpose of this verse within the larger context of the Old Testament?