Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sabbatical Year

Every seventh year, during which the land, according to the law of Moses, had to remain uncultivated (Leviticus 25:2-7; Compare Exodus 23:10,11,12; Leviticus 26:34,35 ). Whatever grew of itself during that year was not for the owner of the land, but for the poor and the stranger and the beasts of the field. All debts, except those of foreigners, were to be remitted (Deuteronomy 15:1-11 ). There is little notice of the observance of this year in Biblical history. It appears to have been much neglected (2 Chronicles 36:20,21 ).