Deuteronomy 15:1

ยถ At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.

At the end {H7093} of every seven {H7651} years {H8141} thou shalt make {H6213} a release {H8059}.

"At the end of every seven years you are to have a sh'mittah.

At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.

At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 15:1 introduces a foundational principle of Israelite society: the "year of release." This verse sets the stage for a unique economic and social regulation designed to foster justice, compassion, and trust in God's provision among the covenant people.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy reiterates and expands upon the laws given at Mount Sinai, providing detailed instructions for how Israel was to live as a holy nation under God's covenant. Chapter 15 specifically addresses regulations concerning the poor, debts, and servants, emphasizing the importance of social justice and generosity within the community. The command to make a "release" at the end of every seven years is directly tied to the concept of the Sabbatical year (Hebrew: Shemittah), a divinely ordained cycle that provided for both the land and its people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Social Justice and Compassion: The primary intent of this law was to prevent extreme poverty and perpetual debt among the Israelites. By mandating a release, God ensured that no one would remain perpetually enslaved by debt, promoting a more equitable society. This reflects God's deep concern for the vulnerable and less fortunate.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Obeying this command required immense faith. Creditors had to release debts, trusting that God would bless their faithfulness and provide for their needs in the subsequent years. It challenged the Israelites to prioritize spiritual principles over material gain.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Adherence to the year of release was a tangible demonstration of Israel's commitment to their covenant with God. It was a unique characteristic that distinguished them from surrounding nations and showcased God's character through their laws.
  • Economic Regulation: This law served as a vital economic reset, preventing the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few and ensuring that opportunities for a fresh start were available to all.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase in this verse is "make a release." The Hebrew word for "release" is ืฉืึฐืžึดื˜ึผึธื” (shemittah), which literally means "a letting go" or "a dropping." In this context, it specifically refers to the remission of debts. While Deuteronomy 15:1 focuses on the release of debts, the broader concept of shemittah also encompassed the resting of the land every seventh year, as detailed in Leviticus 25:1-7. This holistic approach ensured that both the land and its inhabitants received a period of rest and renewal.

Practical Application

While the specific economic system of ancient Israel is not directly replicated today, the principles behind Deuteronomy 15:1 remain profoundly relevant:

  • Generosity and Compassion: Believers are called to show compassion to those in need, especially the poor and indebted. This can manifest through charitable giving, advocating for fair economic practices, and offering assistance to those facing financial hardship, echoing the command to open your hand to your poor and needy brother.
  • Stewardship and Trust: The verse encourages a mindset of stewardship over ownership. All resources ultimately belong to God, and we are called to manage them in a way that honors Him and benefits others. It challenges us to trust God's provision rather than relying solely on our own accumulation of wealth.
  • Forgiveness and New Beginnings: The concept of release can be applied spiritually to the importance of forgiveness, both giving and receiving. Just as God provides a release from the debt of sin through Christ, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, enabling new beginnings and reconciliation.
  • Work-Life Balance: The Sabbatical principle, including this release, underscored the importance of rest and periodic cessation from relentless labor and accumulation. It reminds us of the value of cycles of rest and renewal in our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:10 (7 votes)

    And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

  • Exodus 23:10 (5 votes)

    ยถ And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

  • Exodus 23:11 (5 votes)

    But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard.

  • Leviticus 25:2 (5 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 25:4 (5 votes)

    But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

  • Exodus 21:2 (4 votes)

    If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

  • Luke 4:18 (3 votes)

    The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,