Rashi questions why the Torah distinguishes the mitzvah of shmittah by assigning it the same level of importance accorded to our receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. We suggest that the mitzvah of shmittah is a uniquely viable proof that the Torah was revealed by Hashem. When a human being in an agrarian society develops an agricultural law, the law endures only as long as it is beneficial for agriculture. Subsequently, it becomes void.
Let us turn to explore the shmittah laws in contrast to a system of rotation of crops which cultivates the soil. In contradistinction to crop rotation, the shmittah laws require all farmers to allow the land to remain fallow for an entire year. This agricultural policy could result in economic suicide for a country. Certainly such a practice would not have evolved into law based upon human experience. In order for a law like this to retain viability while the country remains prosperous, there would clearly have to be Divine assistance. For only Hashem, who has the power to fulfill His promise of sustenance during and after the shmittah year, could have mandated such a law.
