1 At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.
2 And this [is] the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth [ought] unto his neighbour shall release [it]; he shall not exact [it] of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD’S release.
3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact [it again]: but [that] which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
4 Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it:
5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.
6 For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.
9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
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, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
12 [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.
13 And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty:
14 Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: [of that] wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.
15 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.
16 And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee;
17 Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust [it] through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
18 It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.
19 All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.
20 Thou shalt eat [it] before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.
21 And if there be [any] blemish therein, [as if it be] lame, or blind, [or have] any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.
22 Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean [person shall eat it] alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.
23 Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.
Overview of Deuteronomy Chapter 15
Deuteronomy Chapter 15 addresses the laws concerning debt release, the treatment of the poor, and the obligations toward servants. This chapter emphasizes the importance of generosity, compassion, and social justice within the Israelite community.
Key Themes
- Debt Release: The chapter introduces the concept of the year of release, where debts are forgiven every seventh year.
- Compassion for the Poor: It stresses the importance of caring for the less fortunate and ensuring they are not neglected.
- Servitude and Freedom: The treatment of Hebrew servants is discussed, highlighting the humane treatment and eventual release of servants after six years of service.
- Generosity: The chapter encourages the Israelites to be generous and open-handed towards those in need.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Year of Release (Verses 1-3)
The chapter begins by outlining the regulations for the year of release, which occurs every seven years. During this year:
- All debts are to be forgiven.
- No creditor may demand repayment from their fellow Israelite.
- This law applies to loans made to fellow Israelites, but not to foreigners.
This practice serves to prevent long-term poverty and ensure that no one is permanently burdened by debt.
2. Generosity Towards the Poor (Verses 4-11)
Verses 4-11 emphasize the importance of generosity towards the poor. Key points include:
- The Israelites are encouraged to lend to the poor without hesitation, especially as the year of release approaches.
- They are warned against harboring a grudging attitude towards those in need.
- God promises blessings for those who are generous and compassionate to the poor.
This section highlights the moral obligation to assist those in need and reflects the broader biblical principle of social justice.
3. Treatment of Hebrew Servants (Verses 12-18)
The chapter provides guidelines for the treatment of Hebrew servants. Key aspects include:
- Hebrew servants are to serve for six years and be released in the seventh year.
- Upon release, they are to be provided with resources to help them start anew.
- Servants should not be sent away empty-handed, reflecting the principle of compassion and support.
This section reinforces the idea of humane treatment and the importance of dignity for all individuals, regardless of their social status.
4. The Significance of the Firstborn (Verses 19-23)
The final verses address the treatment of the firstborn animals. The Israelites are instructed to consecrate their firstborn males to the Lord. Key points include:
- Firstborn animals are to be sacrificed and eaten in a holy place.
- If the animal is blemished, it is not to be sacrificed, but can still be consumed.
- This practice serves as a reminder of God’s provision and the importance of dedicating the best to Him.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy Chapter 15 encapsulates essential principles of social justice, compassion, and community responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one another, particularly the vulnerable, and the necessity of maintaining a just society through the observance of God’s laws.
