Deuteronomy 15
Deuteronomy 15 outlines laws concerning the sabbatical year, focusing on debt cancellation, generosity toward the poor, and the treatment of Hebrew servants. It emphasizes God's desire for justice, mercy, and a society that reflects His compassion toward those in need. This chapter reminds the Israelites of their covenant responsibilities to care for one another, especially the marginalized.
Deuteronomy 15:1-3 (NKJV)
1 “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.
2 And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord’s release.
3 Of a foreigner you may require it; but you shall give up your claim to what is owed by your brother.”
God institutes a system of debt release every seven years to prevent permanent indebtedness and economic oppression. This release applied to fellow Israelites, ensuring that they did not become permanently enslaved by debt. However, foreigners were not subject to the same law. This system encouraged social equality within Israel, reminding the people that everything ultimately belongs to God, and they are to extend His mercy to their fellow Israelites.
Deuteronomy 15:4-5 (NKJV)
4 “Except when there may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance—
5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today.”
The promise is that poverty could be eradicated in Israel if the people obeyed God's commands faithfully. God’s blessing on the land would be abundant, providing for all. This reflects God’s ideal vision for Israel, where economic inequality is minimized through collective obedience to His commandments and through generosity to one another.
Deuteronomy 15:6 (NKJV)
6 “For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.”
God promises that obedience will lead to economic prosperity and political strength. Israel would be in a position to lend to other nations, symbolizing their economic power and leadership. This also highlights God’s intention for Israel to be the head, not the tail, if they remained faithful to His covenant.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NKJV)
7 “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother,
8 but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.”
God commands compassion for the poor, urging His people to be generous and open-handed. Even though some may fall into poverty, Israelites were not to ignore the needy but to meet their needs willingly. This reflects God’s heart for justice and mercy, where generosity is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative in the covenant community.
Deuteronomy 15:9 (NKJV)
9 “Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it becomes sin among you.”
God warns against selfishness and calculating generosity based on personal advantage. Some might be tempted to withhold help, knowing the year of release was near, and any loan would soon be forgiven. Such an attitude is condemned, as it opposes God's call for genuine compassion and care for the poor.
Deuteronomy 15:10 (NKJV)
10 “You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.”
God promises blessings to those who give generously and willingly. Giving to the poor should be done without regret or reluctance because God sees and rewards such acts of kindness. This principle highlights that generosity reflects trust in God’s provision and leads to His blessings.
Deuteronomy 15:11 (NKJV)
11 “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”
Despite the earlier ideal of no poverty, God acknowledges that poverty will persist, and thus the Israelites must always be ready to help those in need. This verse reinforces the ongoing responsibility to care for the poor, reminding the people that social justice is a continuous commitment, not a one-time act.
Deuteronomy 15:12-14 (NKJV)
12 “If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
13 And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed;
14 you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord your God has blessed you with, you shall give to him.”
Hebrew servants were to be released in the seventh year, ensuring that servitude was not permanent. When released, they were to be provided with sufficient resources to restart their lives, reflecting God's generosity and desire for restoration. This command prevents the oppression of fellow Israelites and promotes fairness and compassion.
Deuteronomy 15:15 (NKJV)
15 “You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.”
The Israelites are reminded of their own past as slaves in Egypt. God's redemption of them from slavery is the basis for their obligation to show mercy to others in servitude. This command connects their collective history with their ethical obligations, urging them to act with compassion because they have received divine grace.
Deuteronomy 15:16-17 (NKJV)
16 “And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you,
17 then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.”
In some cases, a servant may choose to remain with their master voluntarily out of love and contentment. If so, a formal ceremony marked their decision, symbolizing lifelong service. This provision highlights that servitude in Israel could be a mutually beneficial relationship and not one of harsh oppression.
Deuteronomy 15:18 (NKJV)
18 “It shall not seem hard to you when you send him away free from you; for he has been worth a double hired servant in serving you six years. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all that you do.”
Masters are reminded that they should not resent releasing a servant, as the servant’s work over six years was valuable. The act of freeing the servant and providing for their future would bring God’s blessing. This emphasizes that generosity should flow freely without reluctance because it brings divine favor.
Deuteronomy 15:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “All the firstborn males that come from your herd and your flock you shall sanctify to the Lord your God; you shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock.
20 You and your household shall eat it before the Lord your God year by year in the place which the Lord chooses.”
The Israelites were to dedicate the firstborn of their herds and flocks to God, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings. These animals were to be offered as sacrifices and eaten in a ceremonial meal. This command reinforced the idea that the first and best of what they had belonged to God.
Deuteronomy 15:21 (NKJV)
21 “But if there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the Lord your God.”
Animals offered to God were to be without defect, symbolizing the offering of the best to God. Defective animals were not acceptable for sacrifice, as they would dishonor God. This requirement emphasized the holiness of God and the reverence required in worship.
Deuteronomy 15:22-23 (NKJV)
22 “You may eat it within your gates; the unclean and the clean person alike may eat it, as if it were a gazelle or a deer.
23 Only you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it on the ground like water.”
If an animal had a defect and was not suitable for sacrifice, it could still be eaten by the family. However, they were forbidden from consuming its blood, which was to be poured out. This rule reflected the sacredness of life, as blood symbolized life and was reserved for God alone.