Bible Dictionary
Sabbatical year
The sabbatical year was every seventh year, when Israel’s land was to lie uncultivated. It also involved release from certain debts and provided food and relief for the poor, strangers, and animals.
Biblical Usage
The institution expressed Israel’s obligation to trust God, recognize him as owner of the land, relieve the poor, and permit rest for the soil. The law also required the reading of the law during the Feast of Tabernacles in the sabbatical year.
Scripture References