The Year of Jubilee: Economic Justice in the Bible

The Old Testament sanctuary system is not merely a system confined to religious ceremonies. It infuses all aspects of the Israelites’ lives, including their civic lives. A part of this system is the Year of Jubilee, outlined in Leviticus 25.

Recently, I read this book based on a friend’s recommendation, which found me at a time in my life where I’m craving a deeper connection between faith and community.

ECOSYSTEMS OF JUBILEE: Economic Ethics for the Neighborhood by Adam Gustine and José Humphreys III

This book draws wisdom on faith and justice from the Old Testament practice of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee, which happens every fifty years (end of 7 cycles of 7 sabbatical years), is a year where society gets a reset after whatever drift happens in five decades. It’s a year of restoration where land ownerships return to their original owners, debts are forgiven, and slaves are freed. It puts a ceiling on generational wealth and acts like an equalizer.

Together with Sabbath laws and gleaning laws (like not harvesting to the edges of your fields—they are reserved for the poor and marginalized in the society), it presents a vision of a just society that stands in contrast to greed and exploitation.

I love the connection it makes between faith and economics, and how serious it is to seek economic justice as part of faith. It centers the local neighborhood as the theological focal point, calling us to think about systemic inequalities that affect our neighbors, like spending money in a way that enhances the prosperity of the local neighborhood instead of adding to economic inequalities.

It’s a guide on how to reimagine justice and restoration right where we live.

If you have a penchant for theological reads and biblical ethics, this is a great pick.