Deuteronomy Chapter 15: A Detailed Explanation
Introduction
Deuteronomy 15 is a crucial chapter in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing economic justice, social equity, and compassion. It primarily discusses debt remission, generosity to the poor, and the humane treatment of Hebrew slaves. The chapter reflects God's desire for a just and caring society where economic disparity is addressed through periodic debt cancellation and compassionate treatment of the less fortunate.
Verses 1-6: The Year of Release (Shemittah)
1. "At the end of every seven years, thou shalt make a release."
This refers to the Sabbatical Year (Shemittah), a cycle where debts were forgiven every seven years to prevent perpetual poverty and economic oppression.
2. "And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbor shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbor, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD’s release."
Lenders were required to release debts owed by fellow Israelites, promoting fairness and preventing systemic exploitation. This provision encouraged lending without fear of permanent loss.
3. "Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release."
Debt relief applied primarily to Israelites, reinforcing the idea of national brotherhood and social responsibility while allowing transactions with foreigners to continue.
4-5. "Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land..."
This is an idealistic vision: if Israel followed God's laws, economic hardship would be minimal. However, the reality necessitated mechanisms like the Shemittah to mitigate financial struggles.
6. "For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow..."
God's covenant included material blessings, envisioning Israel as a lender rather than a debtor nation—a sign of divine favor.
Verses 7-11: Generosity Towards the Poor
7. "If there be among you a poor man... thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother."
God commands a spirit of generosity. Poverty was not to be ignored, and Israelites were to act with open-hearted charity.
8. "But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth."
Lending to the needy was a duty, not an option. The law required proactive assistance.
9. "Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand..."
God warns against withholding loans due to the approaching debt-cancellation year. Selfishness was condemned, and faith in God’s provision was encouraged.
10. "Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works..."
Giving was not just an obligation but a source of divine blessing. God promised prosperity to those who cared for the needy.
11. "For the poor shall never cease out of the land..."
Although the ideal was to eliminate poverty, human imperfection meant it would always exist. Therefore, ongoing generosity was essential.
Verses 12-18: Release of Hebrew Slaves
12. "And if thy brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee."
This law ensured that debt-induced servitude was temporary, limiting Hebrew slavery to six years and mandating freedom in the seventh.
13-14. "And when thou sendest him out free... thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress..."
A freed servant was not to be sent away empty-handed. Instead, they were to be given resources to restart their lives.
15. "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt..."
The law roots itself in historical memory—just as Israel was liberated from Egyptian bondage, they must treat their own freed servants with compassion.
16-17. "And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee... then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant forever."
Some servants, due to loyalty or economic security, might choose to remain. This act symbolized lifelong servitude by mutual agreement.
18. "It shall not seem hard unto thee... for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee..."
God reassures masters that releasing a servant was not a loss but a just act, recognizing their labor’s value.
Verses 19-23: The Firstborn of Flocks and Herds
19. "All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God..."
Firstborn animals were consecrated to God as an acknowledgment of His provision and ownership.
20. "Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year..."
This offering was part of a sacred communal meal, reinforcing gratitude and reverence for God’s blessings.
21. "And if there be any blemish therein... thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD..."
Only unblemished offerings were acceptable, reflecting God’s standard of holiness.
22-23. "Thou shalt eat it within thy gates... Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof..."
Even blemished firstborn animals could be consumed but not sacrificed. Blood, symbolizing life, remained sacred and was not to be consumed.
Theological and Practical Implications
Economic Justice – The Shemittah prevented cycles of generational debt, ensuring economic balance and avoiding exploitation.
Social Compassion – Helping the poor and treating servants humanely demonstrated God’s concern for social welfare.
Stewardship & Faith – Obedience to these laws required trust in God’s provision rather than human calculation.
Remembrance & Gratitude – Sacrifices and debt releases reinforced Israel’s identity as a redeemed people responsible for mirroring God's justice.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15 presents a profound vision of justice, mercy, and faith. It promotes a society where wealth is not hoarded, the needy are cared for, and economic freedom is periodically restored. By following these principles, Israel was called to embody God’s righteousness, ensuring a community founded on equity and compassion. These values continue to hold relevance today, encouraging ethical financial practices and charitable generosity in modern society.
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