One of the unique privileges of translation work is watching Scripture come alive through fresh eyes. As passages are carefully adapted into the ULG dialect, there are moments when truth not only becomes understood—but deeply felt. Recently, one of those moments came as a worker in SE ASIA worked through the laws given in the Old Testament.
The Wisdom of the Year of Jubilee
As I work with Aaron* to create an adapted translation of the first books of the Old Testament, it has been interesting to see which portions of the text capture his attention. Yesterday, we read in Deuteronomy 15 about the law that granted forgiveness of all debts every seventh year. We also read about the freeing of all slaves in that same year. After discussing these laws for a moment, I could tell that Aaron was impressed. He exclaimed that God must be wise to include these limits on bondage.
I then mentioned the Year of Jubilee, in which all land returned to its original family line. We had skipped that passage (Leviticus 25) in our overview of the Torah, but he wanted to understand it in detail. So we went back and read through Leviticus 25, adapting it into the local dialect until the meaning was clear to him. As he came to understand the law of the Jubilee, he shook his head in wonder at the wisdom and goodness of God.
Here among the Fire* people, it is common for a father to sell his land, either because he is in financial trouble or because he wants to purchase something he cannot afford. For example, one of our neighbors sold his rice field about ten years ago to buy a used car. The car has since fallen apart, but there is no way to redeem the land, and his sons now feel the loss most acutely. Here, land is the most secure form of long-term income.
The Jubilee, which came every fifty years, ensured that all land in Israel would eventually return to its original family. It was a way that the Lord protected children from the poor choices or difficult circumstances of their fathers. It served as a reset of ownership that especially benefited the poor.
While I do not believe that Aaron has made any unwise decisions regarding his land, he clearly appreciated the wisdom of this law. I cannot wait to see his reaction when he learns what provision has been made for those who, because of our sin, had no hope of an inheritance in the new earth.
Moments like these remind us that God’s Word speaks powerfully across cultures and generations, revealing His wisdom, justice, and care for people everywhere. As understanding continues to grow, we are eager to see how the greater story of redemption unfolds—especially the hope of an eternal inheritance secured by the death of Jesus Christ.
*A pseudonym is used due to the sensitive nature of this work.