And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
And if the people of the land bring goods or any food on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy anything from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. We will also observe the seventh year by letting our land rest, and we will cancel every debt.
The people are promising to honor God by not doing business on the Sabbath, observing the sabbatical year when land rests, and forgiving debts as God commanded.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a covenant renewal ceremony where the Jewish people, having returned from Babylonian exile, are recommitting to follow God's laws. They had previously neglected these commandments, which contributed to their exile. The Sabbath, sabbatical year, and debt forgiveness were key elements of Old Testament law designed to create a just society and demonstrate trust in God's provision.
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