Purpose of Shemittah/2

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Purpose of Shemittah

Exegetical Approaches

This topic is currently in progress

Recognition of God

The Shemittah year reminds the nation of God's sovereignty and providence, and makes them aware of their dependence upon Him.

"שַׁבָּת לַי"י" – This position draws on the verses in Vayikra which describe the year as a Shabbat for Hashem.1
Comparison to Shabbat
Break from work
Forsaking of produce
Context
Punishment of exile
Parallel Commandments

Social Justice

For the Land

Shemittah focuses on man's relationship to the land, rather than to God or the others around him.  It either serves a practical function in keeping the land healthy and able to bear fruit or highhlights the holiness of the land.