As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt. (Nehemiah 10:31)
The sons of Israel were to buy nothing on the Sabbath day. This “second” stipulation recognized that merchants came into the city to sell their wares and grain seven days a week, and the temptation would be to top off their pantries. This practical prohibition would keep the Sabbath and other “holy” days holy or “set apart.”
They were also to let their fields go “fallow” and forgive debts in the seventh year.
What do we learn from these instructions? Buy what you need during the six days when you can. Grow more than you need so they’ll be plenty leftover to glean and give away. Forgive debts as instructed with a cheerful heart. Turn this requirement into an act of generosity. Lend on the basis that you will not be repaid—a good way to approach this even today.
None of these anticipatory actions appear to be prohibited, and in fact, they’re implied if you want to stay on the right side of the law. Also implied is absolute faith in Jehovah-Jireh (“the Lord will provide”) as was present in father Abraham when he lifted the knife over his son Issac.
Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14)
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