Deuteronomy 15:1-7

The Sabbatic Year

1 "1At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts.
2 "This is the manner of remission: every creditor * * shall release what he has loaned to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because the LORD'S remission has been proclaimed.
3 "2From a foreigner you may exact it, but your hand shall release whatever of yours is with your brother.
4 "However, there will be no poor among you, since 3the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,
5 if only you listen obediently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all this commandment which I am commanding you today.
6 "4For the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.
7 "If there is 5a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, 6you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;

Deuteronomy 15:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 15

This chapter treats of a release of debts every seventh year, to which a blessing is promised if attended to, De 15:1-6, which seventh year of release should not hinder lending to a poor man in distress, even though it was nigh at hand, De 15:7-11 and of letting servants go free, whether manservant or maidservant, at the end of six years' servitude, De 15:12-15 but if unwilling to go, and desirous of staying, must have his ear bored through with an awl, and serve to the year of jubilee, De 15:16-18 and of sanctifying and eating the firstlings of the herd and flock where the Lord directs, De 15:19-23.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Deuteronomy 31:10
  • 2. Deuteronomy 23:20
  • 3. Deuteronomy 28:8
  • 4. Deuteronomy 28:12, 13
  • 5. Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 15:11
  • 6. 1 John 3:17

Footnotes 2

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