Deuteronomy 15:7-11

7 "If there is 1a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, 2you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;
8 but 3you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.
9 "Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, '4The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,' and 5your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he 6may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.
10 "You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because * 7for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.
11 "8For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore * I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 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 8

  • 1. Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 15:11
  • 2. 1 John 3:17
  • 3. Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34; Galatians 2:10
  • 4. Deuteronomy 15:1
  • 5. Matthew 20:15
  • 6. Exodus 22:23; Deuteronomy 24:15; Job 34:28; Psalms 12:5; James 5:4
  • 7. Deuteronomy 14:29; Psalms 41:1; Proverbs 22:9
  • 8. Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8

Footnotes 4

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