The seventh year, known as the year of release, holds a significant place within the sabbatical cycle outlined in the laws given to Israel. In this year, everything that grew by itself was designated for the poor, and all debts were released, as were the bondservants. This ordinance, alongside the third tithe, formed part of God's safety net to prevent destitution among His people. Just as the third tithe was kept by the nation in a common schedule, the seventh year was similarly observed by all, emphasizing a shared national experience. God referred to it with emphasis in the Hebrew as "the the seventh year," underscoring its importance. Through these instructions, God sought to align the nation with Him, fostering unity and care for those in need during this designated time.

The Seventh Year, known as the Shemitah or the year of release, holds a significant place in the divine rhythm established by the LORD for His people. As instructed in Leviticus 25:1-4, the land must observe a sabbath to the LORD in the seventh year, a time of solemn rest where fields are not sown nor vineyards pruned. This sabbath year, mirroring the weekly Sabbath, is a sacred time dedicated to the LORD, ensuring rest for the land after six years of cultivation. Exodus 23:11 highlights a key purpose of this year, which is to provide for the poor of the nation through the natural yield of the land. Additionally, as noted in Deuteronomy 15:2, the Shemitah mandates the release of debts, termed the LORD's release, emphasizing God's ownership and seriousness about this cycle. The LORD's intent for this seven-year cycle is to govern economic life, embedding a foundational stability and abundance for His people, a rhythm disrupted at great cost, as seen when Israel was sent into captivity for neglecting this statute. This cycle, integral to the heartbeat of the nation, reflects God's design for communal alignment and shared experience, fostering unity among His people when observed collectively.