1,233. Paying the Watchmen of the Sabbatical Omer Crop

Shekalim 4:5

In the Sabbatical year, when produce is ownerless, the court hires watchmen to guard some of that which grows on its own so that they will be able to offer the omer of barley and the two loaves of bread. This is because the grain for these offerings can only come from the new harvest. These watchmen are paid from the treasury.

Shekalim 4:6

If someone volunteers to guard this crop for free, his offer is not accepted. This is because we are concerned that ruffians may come and take it by force. The Sages therefore decreed that the watchmen are to be paid from the Temple treasury. The publicity motivates everyone – even ruffians – to avoid the place where these guards are posted.