Leviticus 25:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why does God prohibit planting during the seventh year? This command serves to discipline the endless greed of the Israelites. Their constant desire for more led them to sow without pause, which resulted in less fruitful harvests due to the earth not being allowed to rest. Therefore, God ordained that the land must remain fallow in the seventh year, and any crops that grew of their own accord were not to be harvested or gathered. This instruction was meant to instill in humanity the principle that the produce of the land should be shared among the Israelites, particularly with widows, orphans, and strangers. Additionally, this year was significant as it also marked the cancellation of debts and the liberation of the Israelites held in servitude.