Deuteronomy 15:7-15

7 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.

8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.

9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.

10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Freeing Servants

12 If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free.

13 And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed.

14 Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the LORD your God has blessed you.

15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

Deuteronomy 15:7-15 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. ver 11; Matthew 26:11
• 2. 1 John 3:17
• 3. Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34; S Acts 24:17
• 4. ver 1
• 5. Matthew 20:15
• 6. S Exodus 22:23; S Job 5:15; James 5:4; Deuteronomy 24:15
• 7. 2 Corinthians 9:5
• 8. S Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 24:19
• 9. S ver 7
• 10. Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8
• 11. Exodus 21:2; Leviticus 25:39; Jeremiah 34:14
• 12. S Numbers 18:27
• 13. Exodus 13:3; Jeremiah 34:13; Deuteronomy 5:15
• 14. Exodus 20:2; S Deuteronomy 4:34; S Deuteronomy 9:26; Deuteronomy 16:12; Deuteronomy 24:18; Jeremiah 16:14; Jeremiah 23:7