While reading this article about deleting old crime stories and “the right to be forgotten”, I was reminded of God’s Sabbatical Year command:
“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; 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 wild beasts may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. Exodus 23:10-11
When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. Exodus 21:2-3
Israel refers to this seven year cycle as Shemitah – a year of remission (the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty) or release. Several articles explain this further:
If this isn’t spectacular enough, Leviticus 25:8 describes “The Year of Jubilee” which happens every 50 years – it’s the year following 7 weeks of 7 years. This event is like a great reset to restore liberty and family. Three times in this passage, God says “I am the Lord your God” – He wants us to have a good relationship with Him too.