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You asked

what systemic barriers prevent marginalized groups from accessing restorative rest in our current economy?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Exodus 23:10-12

“For six years you shall sow your land, and shall gather in its increase, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the animals of the field shall eat. In the same way, you shall deal with your vineyard, and with your olive grove. Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your female servant, and the foreigner, may be refreshed.”

This passage is part of the 'Book of the Covenant' in Exodus, following the Ten Commandments. It outlines laws given to the ancient Israelites for their society, including how to structure their agricultural and daily work cycles to ensure rest and provide for the vulnerable.

What steps might we take to build rhythms of rest and resource sharing into our economic systems today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:1-7

    Describes the Sabbatical year for the land in more detail, emphasizing God's ownership and provision.

  • Deuteronomy 5:12-15

    Connects the Sabbath command to the memory of Israel's liberation from slavery, highlighting rest as freedom.

  • Matthew 11:28-30

    Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest in him, offering a different kind of burden and yoke.

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