Ver. 5 Only if thou carefully hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, &c.] In his word, and by his prophets; this being the case, there would be no more poor among them, or however they would be so blessed of God, that they would be capable of releasing the debts of the poor, without hurting themselves and their families:
to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day; a phrase often used to put them in mind of the commands of God, and the necessity of keeping them, their temporal happiness depending thereon.
3
Of a foreigner you may exact it; but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand shall release.
4
But there will be no poor among you (for the LORD will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess),
5
if only you will obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment which I command you this day.
6
For the LORD your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.
7
"If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.