Friday, October 31, 2025

I'll Be List'ning

This song has a simpler version (probably the original) that is considered a children's song. This little video features the Peasall Sisters. This was their first public performance, with their daddy. I first heard this version in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Here is the church version:

1

When the savior calls I will answer

When he calls for me I will hear

When the savior calls I will answer

I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name

2

If my heart is right when he calls me

If my heart is right I will hear

If my heart is right when he calls me

I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name

3

If my robe is white when he calls me

If my robe is white I will hear

If my robe is white when he calls me

I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name

CHORUS

I'll be somewhere, list'ning

I'll be somewhere, list'ning

I'll be somewhere, list'ning for my name

I'll be somewhere, list'ning

I'll be somewhere, list'ning

I'll be somewhere, list'ning for my name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWaKaTnmQ8U&list=RDLWaKaTnmQ8U&start_radio=1

1 Samuel 3

1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.


Thursday, October 30, 2025

I'll Have a New Life

1

On the resurrection morning when all the dead in Christ shall rise,

I'll have a new body, praise the Lord, I'll have a new life (eternal)

Sown in weakness, raised in power, ready to live in Paradise,

I'll have a new body, praise the Lord, I'll have a new life (oh yes)

2

Free from ev'ry imperfection, youthful and happy I shall be...

Glorified with Him forever, death will be lost in victory...

3

What a hallelujah morning when the last trump of God shall sound...

Graves all bursting, saints a-shouting, heavenly beauty all around...

CHORUS

(Glory, glory, never sad)

I'll have a new home of love eternal with the redeemed of God to stand;

There'll be no more sorrow, no more pain, there'll be no more strife;

(In His likeness, I'll be glad)

Yes, raised in the likeness of my Savior, ready to live in gloryland,

I'll have a new body, praise the Lord, I'll have a new life (eternal)


Songwriter: Marion Williams

A lot of gospel songs feature an alto or bass lead on the chorus. This is a good example. When I was a child, we had a man in our congregation who had one of those extra-deep resonant voices. I loved to hear him sing. (Chet Linville).

This is not the best quality video I could find, but this one sounds the most like what we really sounded like when we sang it (except for the instruments). And it shows how much fun it is to sing songs like this. I don't remember if we ever sang this in church or if we just sang it at home with the family. This is the Kingsmen, the Segos, and Willy Wynn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUzfBobCD8Y

1 Corinthians 15

35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.


Wednesday, October 29, 2025

I'll Live in Glory

I'd like to stay here longer than man's allotted days

And watch the fleeting changes of life's uneven ways,

But if my Savior calls me to that sweet home on high,

I'll live with him forever in Glory by and by.

Chorus:

O yes, I'll live in Glory by and by,

I'll tell and sing love's story there on high;

There with my dear Redeemer no more to die,

O yes, I'll live in glory by and by.

I want to be of service along this pilgrim way

And lead the lost to Jesus as fervently I pray;

As day by day I travel I'll keep Him ever nigh,

And live with Him forever in Glory by and by. [Chorus]

The end I know is nearing--by faith I look away

To yonder home supernal--the land of endless day;

I'll cling to Him forever, and look beyond the sky,

And spend the endless ages in Glory by and by. [Chorus]


Author: John M. Henson

This is the only video I could find where they sing it as it is written (with that iconic alto "glory" in the chorus). It's a real trip on the wayback machine! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ9AYD2f2aw&list=RDIJ9AYD2f2aw&start_radio=1

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

I'm Not Ashamed to Own My Lord


 

I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,

or to defend his cause,

maintain the honor of his Word,

the glory of his cross.

Jesus, my God! I know his name,

his name is all my trust;

nor will he put my soul to shame,

nor let my hope be lost.

Firm as his throne his promise stands,

and he can well secure

what I've committed to his hands

'til the decisive hour.

Then will he own my worthless name

before his Father's face,

and in the new Jerusalem

appoint my soul a place.

 

Author: Isaac Watts

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BchWnZc-Muc&list=RDBchWnZc-Muc&start_radio=1


Monday, October 27, 2025

In Memory of the Savior's Love

In memory of the Saviour's love,

We keep the sacred feast.

Where every humble, contrite heart

Is made a welcome guest.

By faith we take the bread of life

With which our souls are fed,

The cup in token of His blood

That was for sinners shed.

In faith and memory thus we sing

The wonders of His love,

And thus anticipate by faith

The heavenly feast above.


Author: Thomas Cotterill

Well, I couldn't find a video of this hymn being sung to this tune. Apparently there are a couple of other tunes that are more commonly used. So here is a video of an instrumental version of the tune known as Este's Psalter, 1592.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR57qK9m5k0&list=RDOR57qK9m5k0&start_radio=1

P.S. I did find videos of the Christmas carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night" with this same tune.




Sunday, October 26, 2025

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Chorus:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing. [Chorus]

I'd stay in the garden with Him

Tho' the night around me be falling;

But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,

His voice to me is calling. [Chorus]


Author: C. Austin Miles (1913)

I usually prefer 4-part (or more) harmony, but the lyrics of this song are appropriate to a solo voice, so I found this very lovely rendition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJrvGJe4Yc&list=RDEQJrvGJe4Yc&start_radio=1


Saturday, October 25, 2025

Inside the Gate

1

Oh how happy I will be when life's journey here is run

And I look upon His face and I hear Him say, "Well done

You have fought a faithful fight and my child you've kept the faith

Enter now my joys are yours, so just step inside the gate"

2

I will look for mother dear and I'll look for daddy, too

Sisters, brothers will be there, heaven's joys with them I'll share

Then I'll hear little David play, meet my Jesus on that day

Heaven's joys for me await when I step inside the gate

CHORUS

Inside the gate (just inside the gate), inside the gate (just inside the gate)

Of home (just inside the gate), sweet home (just inside the gate)

No more to cry (just inside the gate), no more to die (just inside the gate)

A crown of life  (just inside the gate), you've won (just inside the gate)

You're safe at last (just inside the gate), your sorrows past (just inside the gate)

A mansion here (just inside the gate) forevermore (just inside the gate)

Yes all of this (just inside the gate), I'll hear him say (just inside the gate)

When I step (when I step inside) inside the gate (the pearly gate)


J. D. Sumner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnKgC_hXKTo&list=RDJnKgC_hXKTo&start_radio=1




Friday, October 24, 2025

Into the Heart of Jesus

 

Into the heart of Jesus

Deeper and deeper I go,

Seeking to know the reason

Why He should love me so -

Why He should stoop to lift me

Up from the miry clay,

Saving my soul, making me whole,

Tho I had wandered away.

Into the will of Jesus,

Deeper and deeper I go,

Praying for grace to follow,

Seeking His way to know;

Bowing in full surrender

Low at His blessed feet,

Bidding Him take, break me and make,

Till I am molded and meet.

Into the cross of Jesus

Deeper and deeper I go,

Following thru the garden,

Facing the dreaded foe;

Drinking the cup of sorrow -

Sobbing with broken heart,

"O Savior, help! dear Savior, help!

Grace for my weakness impart."

Into the joy of Jesus

Deeper and deeper I go,

Rising, with soul enraptured,

Far from the world below;

Joy in the place of sorrow,

Peace in the midst of pain,

Jesus will give, Jesus will give -

He will uphold and sustain.

Into the love of Jesus

Deeper and deeper I go,

Praising the One who brought me

Out of my sin and woe;

And thru eternal ages

Gratefully I shall sing,

"O how He loved! O how He loved!

Jesus, my Lord and my King!"


Author: Oswald J. Smith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phVf6MoVHek&list=RDphVf6MoVHek&start_radio=1


Thursday, October 23, 2025

Is It for Me?

Is it for me, dear Savior,

Thy glory and Thy rest,

For me, so weak and sinful?

O shall I be so blessed?

Chorus

O Savior, my Redeemer,

What can I but adore,

And magnify and praise Thee,

And love Thee evermore?

2

Is it for me, Thy welcome,

Thy gracious Enter in,

For me Thy Come, ye blessed,

For me so full of sin? [Chorus]

3

O Savior, precious Savior,

My heart is at Thy feet;

I bless Thee, and I love Thee,

And Thee I long to meet. [Chorus]

4

I’ll be with Thee forever,

And never grieve Thee more;

Dear Savior, I must praise Thee,

And love Thee evermore. [Chorus]


Author: Frances R. Havergal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0Ecp0iEJOE&list=RDN0Ecp0iEJOE&start_radio=1


Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Is It Well With Your Soul?

1

Mid the toil and strife of this busy life, 

Is it well with your soul? 

Are you living right, should you die tonight? 

Is it well with your soul?

2

Have you lost your sin, are you pure within? 

Is it well with your soul? 

Are you at the side of the Crucified? 

Is it well with your soul?

3

Do you praise the love of the One above? 

Is it well with your soul? 

Will the crown be won and the Lord’s “well done”? 

Is it well with your soul?

Chorus: 

Is it well with your soul? 

Are you free, glad and whole? 

Are you living right, should you die tonight? 

Is it well with your soul?


Words by James Rowe / Music by Virgil O. Stamps



Tuesday, October 21, 2025

I Bring My Sins to Thee

I bring my sins to thee,

The sins I cannot count,

That I may cleansed be

In thy once opened fount.

I bring them, Saviour, all to thee;

The burden is too great for me.

My heart to thee I bring,

The heart I cannot read;

A faithless, wandering thing,

An evil heart indeed.

I bring it, Saviour, now to thee

That fixed and faithful it may be.

To thee I bring my care,

The care I cannot flee;

Thou wilt not only share,

But bear it all for me.

O loving Saviour, now to thee

I bring the load that wearies me.

I bring my grief to thee,

The grief I cannot tell;

No words shall needed be,

Thou knowest all so well.

I bring the sorrow laid on me,

O suffering Saviour, now to thee.

My joys to thee I bring,

The joys thy love has given,

That each may be a wing

To lift me nearer Heaven.

I bring them, Saviour, all to thee;

For thou hast purchased all for me.

My life I bring to thee,

I would not be my own;

O Saviour, let me be

Thine ever, thine alone.

My heart, my life, my all I bring

To thee, my Saviour and my King.


Author: Frances R. Havergal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaIUq4BjvLY&list=RDOaIUq4BjvLY&start_radio=1


Monday, October 20, 2025

Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs

I'm working on an idea for a new book -- a follow-up to Heart Bells. I'm kind of amazed at how MANY hymns and gospel songs I know! At this time I actually have too many to include in one book -- not counting all the ones that were already published in the first book. So I think I am going to do a 3-book set and market them together. Stay tuned...






I'm kinda wondering if Kindle Direct Publishing is going to tell me I have done too many books. I've published 21 so far. It was not my intention to do that many, really. I had in mind that I would try to write and publish a book every year after I retired. Well, I've been retired 9 years now. Of course, after my mother gave me all the family photos and family history information, I didn't have to actually WRITE books. I just started putting together text that other people wrote, with family photos. Of my 21 books, I only really wrote 4 or 5 of them.


Friday, October 17, 2025

He Is Able to Deliver Thee

 

’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;

’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;

’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Chorus:

He is able to deliver thee,

He is able to deliver thee;

Tho' by sin oppressed,

Go to Him for rest;

“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;

’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;

’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,

“Our God is able to deliver thee.” (Chorus)

’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,

To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;

Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,

“Our God is able to deliver thee.” (Chorus)

 

Author: W. A. Ogden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEzi04MdlMM&list=RDcEzi04MdlMM&start_radio=1


Thursday, October 16, 2025

Heaven Came Down

1

O what a wonderful, wonderful day-

Day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away,

Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend-

He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart! 

Born of the Spirit with life from above

Into God's family divine,

Justified fully through Calvary's love,

O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made

When as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-

He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Now I've a hope that will surely endure

After the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure.

There in those mansions sublime.

And its because of that wonderful day

What at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal And blessings supernal

From His precious hand I received.

CHORUS

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross

the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away

And my night was turned to day-

Heaven came down

and glory filled my soul!


John W. Peterson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-8-UusQ63w&list=RDP-8-UusQ63w&start_radio=1



Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Heaven's Really Gonna Shine

I don't know exactly how sweet heaven will be (will be)

I don't know what beauty or what glory I'll see (I'll see)

I don't know what I'll behold that morning divine (I only)

I know for sure that heaven's really gonna shine

2

I don't know how wide will be that city so fair (so fair)

I don't even know how many saints will be there (be there)

I don't know how high will be that mansion of mine (I only)

I know for sure that heaven's really gonna shine

Chorus:

It's gonna shine (heaven's gonna shine)

It's gonna shine (heaven's gonna shine)

Oh yes I know (yes I truly know)

It's gonna shine (really gonna shine)

There's glory in (there is glory in)

This soul of mine (in this soul of mine)

Because I know for sure that heaven's really gonna shine


Author: Albert E. Brumley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLkR17XReOc&list=RDXLkR17XReOc&start_radio=1


Tuesday, October 14, 2025

He'll Understand and Say, "Well Done"

 

If when you give the best of your service,

Telling the world that the Savior is come;

Be not dismayed when men don't believe you;

He'll understand; and say, "Well done."

Chorus:

Oh, when I come to the end of my journey,

Weary of life and the battle is won;

Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption,

He'll understand and say, "Well done."

Misunderstood, the Savior of sinners,

Hung on the cross; He was God's only Son;

Oh! hear Him call His Father in Heav'n,

"Not my will, but Thine be done." [Chorus]

If when this life of labor is ended,

And the reward of the race you have run;

Oh! the sweet rest prepared for faithful

Will be His blest and final, "Well done." [Chorus]

But if you try and fail in your trying,

Hands sore and scarred from the work you've begun;

Take up your cross, run quickly to meet Him;

He'll understand; and say, "Well done." [Chorus]

 

Author: Lucie Eddie Campbell

My very favorite rendition of this hymn is on an old album by Wayne Newton -- which I cannot find online to save my life! So here's a straightforward hymnal version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fJQi6X-Ry4&list=RD2fJQi6X-Ry4&start_radio=1


Monday, October 13, 2025

Jesus, I'll Never Forget

Oh, Jesus, I'll never forget

What You done for me

Jesus, I'll never forget

You set my soul free

Jesus, I'll never forget

How You brought me out

Well, no, no, no, no, no, no

I'll never forget

I'm singing

Jesus, Lord, what You done for me

Jesus, I'll never forget

You set my soul free

Jesus, I'll never forget

How You brought me out

Well, no, no, no, no, no, no

I'll never forget

I remember how You took my feet out the miry clay

That's what You done for me

Jesus I'll never forget

You set my soul free

Jesus, I'll never forget

How You brought me out

Well, no, no, no, no, no, no

I'll never forget

Well, You been my friend when I was friendless

That's what You done for me

You've been my light in darkness

That's what You done for me

Oh, You lifted my heavy burdens

That's what You done for me

Well, then You took my feet out the miry clay

And I'll never forget

Ooh, singing

Jesus, ooh, what you've done for me

Jesus, I'll never forget

You set my soul free

Jesus, I'll never forget

How You brought me out

Well, no, no, no, no, no, no

I'll never forget

Well, You been my mother when I was motherless

That's what You done for me

Been my water when I was thirsty

That's what You done for me

Been my bread when I was hungry

That's what You done for me

Then You took my feet out the miry clay

And I'll never forget

Ooh, singing

Jesus, I'll never forget

What you've done for me

Jesus, I'll never forget

You set my soul free

Jesus, I'll never forget

How You brought me out

Well, no, no, no, no, no, no

I'll never forget


Songwriters: Roy Crain


Here is my favorite version -- the version I first heard, in the movie The Ladykillers.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7dPLsgioig&list=RDj7dPLsgioig&start_radio=1

Here is the more traditional version of this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY41lss09l0&list=RDPY41lss09l0&start_radio=1


Sunday, October 12, 2025

Heaven's Jubilee

1

Some glad morning we shall see Jesus in the air

Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share

What rejoicing there will be when the saints shall rise

Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies

2

Seems that now I almost see all the sainted dead

Rising for that jubilee that is just ahead

In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be

All the living saints to fly to that jubilee.

3

When with all that heavenly host we begin to sing

Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring

Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be

Praising Christ through ages long, heaven's jubilee.

CHORUS

Oh what singing, oh what shouting

On that happy morning when we all shall rise

Oh what glory, Hallelujah

When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies


Songwriters: A.M. Pace / G.T. Speer

THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST FUN CHURCH SONG THAT'S EVER BEEN WRITTEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5740m6F6kg&list=RDQ5740m6F6kg&start_radio=1

(I really wish I'd learned to play piano from a Baptist church pianist)

The concept of jubilee is one of the most fascinating (imo) chapters in the entire Bible. The world would be a much better place if all governments were based on the Law of Moses. It's full of gems like this, prescribing the way human beings should behave toward one another.

Leviticus 25

New International Version

The Sabbath Year

1 The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. 3 For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. 4 But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. 5 Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. 6 Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your male and female servants, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, 7 as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces may be eaten.

The Year of Jubilee

8 “‘Count off seven sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years. 9 Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. 10 Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. 11 The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. 12 For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.

13 “‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to their own property.

14 “‘If you sell land to any of your own people or buy land from them, do not take advantage of each other. 15 You are to buy from your own people on the basis of the number of years since the Jubilee. And they are to sell to you on the basis of the number of years left for harvesting crops. 16 When the years are many, you are to increase the price, and when the years are few, you are to decrease the price, because what is really being sold to you is the number of crops. 17 Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God.

18 “‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. 19 Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety. 20 You may ask, “What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?” 21 I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. 22 While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in.

23 “‘The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers. 24 Throughout the land that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.

25 “‘If one of your fellow Israelites becomes poor and sells some of their property, their nearest relative is to come and redeem what they have sold. 26 If, however, there is no one to redeem it for them but later on they prosper and acquire sufficient means to redeem it themselves, 27 they are to determine the value for the years since they sold it and refund the balance to the one to whom they sold it; they can then go back to their own property. 28 But if they do not acquire the means to repay, what was sold will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and they can then go back to their property.

29 “‘Anyone who sells a house in a walled city retains the right of redemption a full year after its sale. During that time the seller may redeem it. 30 If it is not redeemed before a full year has passed, the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and the buyer’s descendants. It is not to be returned in the Jubilee. 31 But houses in villages without walls around them are to be considered as belonging to the open country. They can be redeemed, and they are to be returned in the Jubilee.

32 “‘The Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the Levitical towns, which they possess. 33 So the property of the Levites is redeemable—that is, a house sold in any town they hold—and is to be returned in the Jubilee, because the houses in the towns of the Levites are their property among the Israelites. 34 But the pastureland belonging to their towns must not be sold; it is their permanent possession.

35 “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. 37 You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit. 38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

39 “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. 40 They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. 42 Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43 Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.

44 “‘Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. 45 You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. 46 You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.

47 “‘If a foreigner residing among you becomes rich and any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner’s clan, 48 they retain the right of redemption after they have sold themselves. One of their relatives may redeem them: 49 An uncle or a cousin or any blood relative in their clan may redeem them. Or if they prosper, they may redeem themselves. 50 They and their buyer are to count the time from the year they sold themselves up to the Year of Jubilee. The price for their release is to be based on the rate paid to a hired worker for that number of years. 51 If many years remain, they must pay for their redemption a larger share of the price paid for them. 52 If only a few years remain until the Year of Jubilee, they are to compute that and pay for their redemption accordingly. 53 They are to be treated as workers hired from year to year; you must see to it that those to whom they owe service do not rule over them ruthlessly.

54 “‘Even if someone is not redeemed in any of these ways, they and their children are to be released in the Year of Jubilee, 55 for the Israelites belong to me as servants. They are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.