QUICKIE/FUNFACT: What does the Torah mean when it refers to shmita as A REST FOR G-D? (25:4)
The Kli Yakar explains that it was abnormal for farmers to continue planting for six consecutive years. Farmers would usually rest the land after two years of planting. Thus, observing the Torah's command and planting for six years and only resting the land on the seventh year demonstrates that this is not being done for the benefit of the land but, rather, because G-D commanded one to do so as the words A REST FOR G-D indicate.
* Courtesy of Rabbi Dov Lipman Shlit"a
(Vayikra 25:2)"Ki Tavou El HaAretz Asher Ani Nosen Lachem V'Shavta HaAretz Shabbos L'Hashem"
"When you come into the land that I gave you, the land shall observe a Sabbath rest for Hashem."
After reading this Pasuk many commentators are troubled by its terminology. More specifically, why does the Torah chose to say the words, "Asher Ani Nosen Lachem" (That I chose to give to you), don't we already know that Hashem gave this land to his nation, Klal Yisrael?
The Maharam Shick answers this question in his commentary on Pirkei Avos. Many meforashim have written that the reason for the Shmitta year is so that the nations of world will come to the realization that Hakadosh Baruch Hu reigns supreme over this world with his omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence. From the shmitta year it becomes clear to all that the sustenance of the land does not come from the craftiness of man but from the kindness of G-d.
A person who honors the Biblical demands of the Shmitta year is seen as a believer in Hashem, while one who chooses to work during this year is seen as a scoffer and nonbeliever. Even this person may keep most of the mitzvos and keep a kosher home, their emunah (belief) is seen to be lacking, fore he thinks that man truly controls the successes of the land. This is the reason that the punishment for desecrating the shmitta year is galus (exile). For, a person who feels that the land is his, will ultimately be exiled from it, and only through these means will he realize that G-d is in charge.
This is the reason why the Pasuk begins with the Words, "Ki Tavou El HaAretz," when you come to the land the first thing that you should realize is, "Asher Ani Nosen Lachem," That I, Hashem, gave it to you. Only once you come to this realization will you be able to take the next step and allow the land to lay fallow on the seventh year.
* From the Sefer, Kimotzei Shalal Rav