The mitzva of Shemitta as it appears in the Torah seems to have various purposes. If we look at Shemot 23:10-11 the purpose seems to be a form of charity and a concern for public welfare. Later in Shemot 34:21 (as understood by Rabbi Akiva in the talmud) the purpose seems akin to our weekly Shabbat - a period of rest. In this week's parasha the mitzva takes on a new meaning.
In this week's parasha we find a description of Shemitta (Numbers 25:1-7. As in Shemot the Shemitta year is referred to as the Shabbat, yet the "Sabbath" appears in two forms. In verse four we read:
"And in the seventh year there shall be a Shabbat for all the land, a Shabbat for God..."
Most often it is explained that the purpose of Shemitta (apart from an agricultural need) is to allow the people to rest and invigorate themselves with Godliness and holiness. This is true. There seems to be, however, a further level. The land itself contains a holiness that must be guarded and sanctified. From chapter 18 of Vayikra essentially through the end of the book we are taught of the centrality and indeed holiness/purity of the land of Israel. We are enjoined to act according to particular standards so as not to defile the land. (Even the command of the holidays in Emor can be seen as a discussion regarding the land for it discusses the agricultural nature of the festivals).
We must be aware that the land is God's. God has chosen a special piece of His earth and has inherently and eternally bound the Jewish people to this land and the land of the people through the Torah. It is our responsibility, through our actions both with God and all the more so with our fellow man to further sanctify God's land. We can see that Shemitta is indeed for all the reasons we have mentioned above. It is our rest and spiritual recharging. It is our assistance to the needy. Finally, through both of these, it is our connection to the Land of Israel.
Courtesy of Yeshivat Har Etzion - www.etzion.org.il