The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 438

Vere. 23-34.-Redemption. This subject is intimately connected with that of the jubilee; and the redemption of the Law prefigured that of the gospel, which also stands intimately related to the glorious jubilee of the great future. In this light we have to consider- !. THE NA.TUBE OP' THE BEDEHPTTON. This we may view: 1. In respect to the possession. (1) Canaan may be taken as a specimen of the earth at large. The Hebrew word (or that land (y,11) is the term also for the whole world. In the la.rgest sense the earth was given to mankind for an inheritance (Gen. i. 26-29; Ps. viii. 5-9; cxv. 16). If the Israelites were ever reminded that they had their possession of Canaan from God (ver. 23), we must never forget that we have nothing that we receive not (John iii. 27; 1 Cor. iv. 7; Jas. i. 17). (2) The Hebrews held their possession upon the tenure of faith and obedience (Deut i. 34-36 ; x:u:. 15-20; Heb. iii. 18, 19). Such also is the te1111Te upon which the earth at large is held. And as the expulsion of Adam from Eden vividly brought home to him his forfeiture of right to- the earth, so did the forfeiture of Canaan keep alive in the Israelite the remembrance of the consequences of the Fall. (3) The land of Canaan was not only a specimen of the earth at large, but also of a type of the new earth of the future. Eden also was a "like figure." Like the garden, Canann was "the glory of all lands" (Deut_ viii. 7-10; Ezek. xx. 6, 16). So in the institution of the law of redemption we have bodied forth the means by which we shall recover our interest in the earth (see Luke xxi. 28; Rom. viii. 23; Eph. i. 14; iv. 30). (4) While Satan is the god of this world, the true heir may be kept out of his inheritance, but his title cannot be ultimately defeated. This was one of the important lessons of the jubilee, and of the law of redemption (vers. 23, 24, 28; see also Epb. i. 4; Heh. xi. 9-14). (5) As the possessions of the Levites were inalienable (ver. 34), so the" kingdom of priests" shall for ever enjoy their possessions in the renovated earth (1 Pet. ii. 6; Rev. i. 6). We may view this subject: 2. In respect to the person. (1) By sin we have not only forfeited oUr right to Eden, to Canaan, to the old earth, to the new earth, but we have also become enslaved. The habit of evil is a cha.in of iron. The terror of death is formidable bondage. The tyranny of Satan is merciless. Bad enough to have our liberties sold to a fellow-man ; but to be sold over to this "stranger" from the infernal world is intolerable. (2) But there is redemption for the Hebrew slave. He may redeem himself if he have the means. His next of kin has the riglit of redemption (vers. 25, 26). He may be redeemed by his brother Hebrew (see Neh. v. 8). So to the truly penitent, who like the Hebrews are the people of the Law, there is the redemption of the gospel. (3) But the Law has no provision for the redemption of the stranger who cannot purchase freedom for himself. Yet might he be the subject of mercy. The gospel reaches those whom the Law discourages. The pagan slave might become a Jewish proselyte, and be released in accordance with the Law. So those who are furthest off may in true repentance be brought nigh to God. (4) But the mercy of the gospel has its limits. It may be forfeited by obstinacy. It may also be forfeited by neglect. A year only is allowed in which to redeem a house in a city (ver. 30). The house is a common figure for tho people; and the interpretation of the year of recovery may be seen in Isa. lxi. 2; lxiii. 4; 2 Cor. vi. 2. If taken in time, the whole city of God may be redeemed ; but the period of probation missed, the case is hopeless. Consider- II. 'l'HE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE REDEEIIER. 1. ..d slave might redeem liimulf. {1) That is, if it be in the power of his hand. Under favourable conditions of earning and 11&Vin", this might become possible. (2) But when the slave is the sinner and he is in bondi:'ge to the justice of Goo., this is impossible. Our deeds are sin. And the wages of sin is death. 2. The near kinsman ia the legal redeemu. n, Thia killswan was " (04 THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. [cH, XXV, 1-55,