But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a
sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest
the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Leviticus 25:4-5
Farmers today see the benefits of
crop rotations (planting different types of seeds in the same patch of land) to
renew certain nutrients to the soil plus resting fields every three to seven
years, giving it time to build up the nutrients. The benefits of this kind of management
reduces weeds and soil erosion and increases productivity. Farmers also see the benefits of giving a
patch of land a rest to recuperate and build up nutrients that come through the
elements plus the bug and animal population.
God’s advice was to help the farmers because he wants his people
well-fed.