Exodus 23:11
But in the seventh year let the land have a rest and be unplanted; so that the poor may have food from it: and let the beasts of the field take the rest. Do the same with your vine-gardens and your olive-trees.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
In Context
10For six years put seed into your fields and get in the increase;
Cross References
Leviticus 25:2Say to the children of Israel, When you come into the land which I will give you, let the land keep a Sabbath to the Lord.
Leviticus 25:11Let this fiftieth year be the Jubilee: no seed may be planted, and that which comes to growth of itself may not be cut, and the grapes may not be taken from the uncared-for vines.
Leviticus 25:22And in the eighth year you will put in your seed, and get your food from the old stores, till the fruit of the ninth year is ready.
Deuteronomy 15:11For there will never be a time when there are no poor in the land; and so I give orders to you, Let your hand be open to your countrymen, to those who are poor and in need in your land.
Matthew Henry on Exodus 23:11-20
Sacred Feasts. ( b. c. 1491.) 10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: 11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. 12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.… Read the whole commentary →