Deuteronomy 15
Read Deuteronomy 15 (WEB)+
1At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts. 2This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother; because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed. 3Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release. 4However there shall be no poor with you (for Yahweh will surely bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it) 5if only you diligently listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you today. 6For Yahweh your God will bless you, as he promised you. You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. You will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. 7If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; 8but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks. 9Beware that there not 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 to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. 10You shall surely give, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. 11For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land. 12If 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. 13When you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty. 14You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press. As Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him. 15You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today. 16It shall be, if he tells you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you; 17then 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. 18It shall not seem hard to you, when you let him go free from you; for he has been double value of a hired hand as he served you six years. Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do. 19You shall dedicate all the firstborn males that are born of your herd and of your flock to Yahweh your God. You shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock. 20You shall eat it before Yahweh your God year by year in the place which Yahweh shall choose, you and your household. 21If it has any defect, is lame or blind, or has any defect whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to Yahweh your God. 22You shall eat it within your gates. The unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle, and as the deer. 23Only you shall not eat its blood. You shall pour it out on the ground like water.
World English Bible (public domain)
““If your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.””
Deuteronomy 15:12
Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 15 outlines the principles of debt forgiveness and social responsibility within the Israelite community. Every seventh year, known as the year of release, all debts must be forgiven, demonstrating God's desire for mercy and restoration among His people. This chapter emphasizes the importance of generosity towards the poor and underscores the responsibility the wealthy have to assist those in need. God commands that kindness and open-handedness should characterize the actions of His people, particularly toward their vulnerable brothers and sisters who may be struggling financially. Additionally, it highlights the theological significance of God’s liberating nature, as He desires to free His people not only from physical bondage but also from the burden of insurmountable debt and the woes of poverty.
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Chapter outline
How Deuteronomy 15 unfolds
Deuteronomy 15:1–3 Debt Cancellation Every Seven Years
Every seventh year, all debts must be forgiven, emphasizing community support. Israelite creditors are instructed to release their fellow Israelites from financial obligations.
Deuteronomy 15:4–6 Promise of Abundance
God promises that there will be no poor among the Israelites if they obey His commands. This assurance highlights the relationship between obedience and blessing.
Deuteronomy 15:7–11 Generosity to the Poor
The text instructs the Israelites not to harden their hearts against the poor. They must open their hands and provide for those in need, as a continual practice.
Deuteronomy 15:12–18 Releasing Hebrew Servants
Hebrew servants must be freed in the seventh year, and they should not be sent away empty-handed. This underscores the value of humane treatment and remembrance of their past slavery.
Deuteronomy 15:19–23 Dedication of Firstborn Animals
The firstborn males of livestock must be dedicated to God and eaten in His presence. This act reinforces the importance of worship and sacrifice within the community.
Key verses
Deuteronomy 15:12This key verse illustrates the chapter's emphasis on the importance of releasing those in servitude, reflecting God's commitment to liberation.
Main themes in Deuteronomy 15
Debt Forgiveness
Debt forgiveness is a central theme in Deuteronomy 15, particularly in verses 1-3, where the Israelites are commanded to cancel debts every seven years. This practice reflects God's desire for mercy and the restoration of community relationships, ensuring that no one remains permanently burdened by financial obligations. By instituting this cycle, the chapter seeks to prevent economic disparity and promote a sense of equality among the people of Israel.
Social Justice
Social justice is emphasized throughout Deuteronomy 15, especially in verses 7-11, which instruct the Israelites to care for the poor and marginalized. The text challenges them to reject selfishness and to actively support those in need, highlighting the importance of community solidarity. This focus on justice not only reflects God's concern for equity but also calls the Israelites to embody His character by ensuring that all members of their society are treated with dignity and fairness.
Generosity
Generosity is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy 15, particularly in verses 8-10, where the Israelites are commanded to lend generously to the poor. The chapter develops this theme by connecting acts of kindness to divine blessing, suggesting that generosity leads to spiritual and material rewards. This expectation reinforces the idea that generosity should define the community's interactions, fostering an environment of support and care among the people.
Liberation
Liberation is vividly illustrated in verses 12-15, where Hebrew servants are to be set free in the seventh year. This command not only reflects God's redemptive nature but also reminds the Israelites of their own deliverance from Egypt. It reinforces the broader theme of freeing individuals from bondage and oppression.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Deuteronomy 15
- Deuteronomy 28Deuteronomy 28 connects by outlining blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the consequences of Israel's actions.
- Luke 6Luke 6 echoes the themes of generosity and mercy, encouraging believers to give without expecting anything in return.
- Exodus 13Exodus 13 connects by discussing the dedication of firstborn males, establishing a precedent for devotion to God.
- Leviticus 1Leviticus 1 develops the theme of sacrifice, highlighting the importance of offerings to God and their acceptable forms.
- 1 John 31 John 3 connects by emphasizing love for others and the practical expression of that love through actions.
- Deuteronomy 12Deuteronomy 12 connects through its focus on worship and the proper treatment of offerings, reinforcing community responsibilities.
Study questions
Questions for studying Deuteronomy 15
- What are the specific requirements for debt cancellation in verse 1?
- How does the promise in verse 4 relate to Israel's obedience?
- What instructions are given regarding treatment of the poor in verses 7-11?
- Why are Hebrew servants to be released after six years, according to verse 12?
- What significance do the firstborn animals hold in verses 19-23?
- How does the chapter illustrate the relationship between community and generosity?
- What might the command to release debts teach about God's character?
Deuteronomy 15: frequently asked questions
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