The answer is: 7th

Deut 15:1-2

In Deuteronomy 15:1-2, we engage with the fascinating concept of the “Year of Release,” observed every seventh year. This practice wasn't merely a time for jubilation; it was rooted in profound social justice principles. During this year, debts were forgiven, which was incredibly significant in the ancient world where financial burdens often led to severe strife. It encouraged a culture where compassion triumphed over mere economic exchange, ensuring that families weren't trapped in generational poverty.

Did you know the Israelites' understanding of the seven-year cycle echoes a broader ancient Near Eastern highlighted theme? Even a wealthier similar nation, the Babylonians, had debt cancellation laws! This reinforces the idea that promoting fairness was valued across cultures of the time. Additionally, every seven cycles of this "Year of Release," after forty-nine years, another grand event awaited: the Jubilee year! Imagine celebrating incredible freedom, with land returned to its original families and a restart button for society—that’s community renewal at its finest!

Interestingly, if we look later into the New Testament, the spirit of the Year of Release resonates through the message of forgiveness and community found in Jesus' teachings. Though it's distinct in context, the broader theme highlights the commitment to equity and mercy, urging us all to consider: how can we cultivate liberation and grace in our lives and communities today?