Deuteronomy 15:12-15

12 "If any Israelites, male or female, sell themselves to you as slaves, you are to release them after they have served you for six years. When the seventh year comes, you must let them go free. 1
13 When you set them free, do not send them away empty-handed.
14 Give to them generously from what the Lord has blessed you with - sheep, grain, and wine.
15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God set you free; that is why I am now giving you this command.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15 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 1

  • 1. 15.12-18Leviticus 25.39-46.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. sell themselves; [or] are sold.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.