The ownership
which Israel has over the Land is different from that of other nations over
their land. Israel's possession of the Land is eternal. It is a fact that for
over thousands of years no other nation has ever succeeded in establishing
itself in the Land until the time came for it to be returned to its people. This
phenomenon is historically unique.
In spite of it all, the Bible emphasizes that we are not the owners of this
Land. The Bible states that all the land sold in Israel (at the time of the
Temple) will be returned to its owner on the fiftieth year Jubilee. The reason
being is, as stated in the Bible, that God has commanded that " The land
shall not be sold permanently, for the land [is] Mine; for you [are] strangers
and sojourners with Me." (Leviticus 23-25).
In addition, in order to implant into our hearts the knowledge that the Land is
the Lord's and not ours, the Bible commands farmers to bring first-fruits to the
Temple and say " And now, behold, I have brought the first-fruits of the
land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me." (Deut. 26:10).
The bringing of the first-fruits was celebrated in colorful procession which
drew the attention of many. It's aim was to remind everyone again and again who
was the actual Owner of all the Land.
There is left one point needing clarification: How can one speak of "giving"
when the one who gives remains the owner?
The answer is critical for us: if we had received the Land as a gift and been
given full possession of it, we would have lost it forever once we were expelled
from it, as happened to all people banished from their land. Yet the situation
for us is different given that the Land of Israel is not ours and therefore we
cannot lose it. It belongs to the Creator of the World and He protected His
property for us till we return. He is our Host and allows us to enjoy it as much
as our heart desires. He only asks that, from time to time, we should remember
who the Owner. It is this connection which links us to this Land forever.
"And yet, thus spake the Lord, "For you [are] strangers and sojourners with
Me. Once you are mine hence will it be yours" (Genesis 23,25).
Ronny Levy
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