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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 15:12–18. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A repetition of the law that had been given concerning Hebrew servants who had sold themselves for servants, or were sold by their parents through extreme poverty, or were sold by the court of judgment for some crime committed. The law was, 1. That they should serve but six years, and in the seventh should go out free, Deu 15:12. Compare Exo 21:2. And, if the year of jubilee happened before they served out their time, that would be their discharge. God's Israel were a free people, and must not be compelled to perpetual slavery; thus are God's spiritual Israel called unto liberty. 2. That if, when their six years' service had expired, they had no mind to go out free, but would rather continue in service, as having less care, though taking more pains, than their masters, in this case they must lay themselves under an obligation to serve for ever, that is, for life, by having their ears bored to the door-posts, Deu 15:16, Deu 15:17. Compare Exo 21:6. If hereby a man disgraced himself with some, as of a mean and servile spirit, that had not a due sense of the honour and pleasure of liberty, yet, we may suppose, with others he got reputation, as of a quiet contented spirit, humble, and diligent, and loving, and not given to change.
II.Here is an addition to this law, requiring them to put some small stock into their servants' hands to set up with for themselves, when they sent them out of their service, Deu 15:13, Deu 15:14. It was to be supposed that they had nothing of their own, and that their friends had little or nothing for them, else they else they would have been redeemed before they were discharged by law; they had no wages for their service, and all they got by their labour was their masters', so that their liberty would do them little good, having nothing to begin the world with; therefore their masters are here commanded to furnish them liberally with corn and cattle. No certain measure is prescribed: that is left to the generosity of the master, who probably would have respect to the servant's merit and necessity; but the Jewish writers say, "He could not give less than the value of thirty shekels of silver, but as much more as he pleased" The maid-servants, though they were not to have their ears bored if they were disposed to stay, yet, if they went out free, they were to have a gratuity given them; for to this those words refer, Unto thy maid-servant thou shalt do likewise, Deu 15:17. The reasons for this are taken from the law of gratitude. They must do it,
1.In gratitude to God, who had not only brought them out of Egypt (Deu 15:15), but brought them out greatly enriched with the spoils of the Egyptians. Let them not send their servants out empty, for they were not sent empty out of the house of bondage. God's tender care of us and kindness to us oblige us to be careful of, and kind to, those that have a dependence upon us. Thus we must render according to the benefit done unto us.
2.In gratitude to their servants, Deu 15:18. "Grudge not to give him a little out of thy abundance, for he has been worth a double hired servant unto thee. The days of the hireling at most were but three years (Isa 16:14), but he has served thee six years, and, unlike the hired servant, without any wages." Masters and landlords ought to consider what need they have of, and what ease and advantage they have by, their servants and tenants, and should not only be just but kind to them. To these reasons it is added, as before in this chapter (Deu 15:4, Deu 15:6, Deu 15:10), The Lord they God shall bless thee. Then we may expect family blessings, the springs of family-prosperity, when we make conscience of our duty to our family-relations.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 15:15 stands as a profound theological and ethical anchor for the preceding commands concerning social justice within ancient Israel, particularly regarding the release of debts and servants. It underscores the foundational motivation for obedience to God's law: a deep and abiding remembrance of His gracious and powerful acts of deliverance from bondage. This verse transforms abstract legal statutes into a living expression of gratitude, compelling Israel to extend the same mercy and freedom they received from the Lord to the vulnerable among them, thus reflecting God's own character in their societal practices.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 15:15 is strategically positioned at the culmination of a section detailing specific social and economic laws for Israel, serving as the divine rationale for these stipulations. The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 15:1-11) outline the "year of release" (Sabbatical Year), mandating the cancellation of debts every seven years to prevent perpetual poverty and ensure economic equity within the community. Following this, Deuteronomy 15:12-14 addresses the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, with a crucial command to provide generously for them upon their freedom, ensuring they are not sent away empty-handed. This verse, Deuteronomy 15:15, then provides the overarching theological imperative for these specific stipulations, linking their obedience directly to their own historical experience of God's redemptive grace. The phrase "this thing" explicitly refers back to these laws concerning the poor, the indebted, and the enslaved, cementing the ethical connection.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites were a people recently delivered from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. Their national identity was forged in the crucible of oppression and divine liberation, an experience that permeated their collective memory. The recollection of being "bondmen in the land of Egypt" was not a distant historical fact but a living, formative experience passed down through generations, constantly reinforced by their festivals, covenant narratives, and the very structure of their society. In the ancient Near East, slavery and debt bondage were common, often leading to cycles of intergenerational poverty and exploitation. However, the Mosaic Law, as reiterated in Deuteronomy, introduced revolutionary provisions designed to mitigate these harsh realities, reflecting God's character and His unique covenant with Israel. These laws stood in stark contrast to surrounding legal codes, emphasizing compassion, justice, and the inherent dignity of every Israelite, all rooted in their unique redemptive history. The command to "remember" was not merely cognitive recall but an active, ethical engagement with their past that was intended to profoundly shape their present and future societal practices.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of remembrance is paramount; Israel is repeatedly called to remember God's mighty acts, serving as the basis for their covenant faithfulness and ethical conduct, as seen in the call to remember the Lord's leading in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2). Redemption is presented as the ultimate motivation for ethical living; because God "redeemed" them from bondage, they are obligated to extend similar mercy to others. This highlights the profound principle that God's grace to us should be the wellspring of our grace to others. The verse also strongly emphasizes social justice and empathy, linking Israel's personal experience of oppression with the imperative to treat the vulnerable justly. Having known the bitterness of servitude, they were to be merciful to those in similar circumstances, reflecting God's own character and establishing a society founded on equity and compassion, as seen in the broader commands for the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Finally, it reinforces covenant obligation, demonstrating that their obedience to these commands, particularly those concerning the poor and oppressed, was a tangible expression of their faithfulness to the covenant relationship established with Yahweh at Sinai.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H2142) is a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In Deuteronomy 15:15, it signifies more than mere cognitive recall; it is an active, ethical remembrance that demands a response. It implies internalizing past events—specifically God's redemptive act—in such a way that it shapes present behavior and future decisions, fostering gratitude and compelling obedience.
This term (H5650) denotes a servant, slave, or bond-servant. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes Israel's former state of complete subjugation, lack of freedom, and vulnerability under Egyptian oppression. It highlights their utter dependence on an external power for their liberation, setting the stage for God's gracious and mighty intervention. The use of this term here serves as a stark reminder of their former helplessness, which should evoke profound empathy for others in similar circumstances.
The verb (H6299) is a primitive root meaning "to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve." In Deuteronomy 15:15, it underscores God's sovereign, mighty, and gracious act of liberation, which was not achieved by human effort but by divine power. This redemption was not merely an escape but a transformative act from slavery to covenant nationhood, establishing an eternal claim on Israel's obedience and gratitude.
This noun (H1697) means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." Here, "this thing" refers specifically to the preceding commands regarding the release of debts and servants. Its inclusion emphasizes that these are not abstract or arbitrary rules, but concrete, divinely mandated actions directly stemming from God's character and His redemptive history with Israel.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt remember"
This opening phrase is a crucial imperative throughout Deuteronomy, not just a suggestion. It mandates an active, ethical remembrance that shapes behavior. It implies a deep internalization of past events and their theological significance, leading to present obedience and compassion.
"that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt"
This clause grounds the command in Israel's own historical experience of suffering and oppression. It serves as a powerful, empathetic reminder of their former state of helplessness and vulnerability, intended to prevent them from inflicting similar hardship on others.
"and the LORD thy God redeemed thee"
This identifies the divine agent of liberation and the nature of the act. It was Yahweh, their covenant God, who, by His own power and grace, delivered them from slavery. This act of redemption is presented as the ultimate basis for their national existence and their moral obligations.
"therefore I command thee this thing to day"
This establishes a direct causal link between God's redemptive act and the specific social laws outlined in Deuteronomy 15. The "therefore" signifies that their experience of divine grace necessitates a corresponding response of grace and justice towards others. "This thing" refers specifically to the laws regarding the release of debts and servants, emphasizing that these are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's character, to be mirrored by His people in their daily lives.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is Historical Analogy, where Israel's past experience of bondage and liberation serves as the direct model and motivation for their treatment of others. Their vivid memory of being "bondmen" and being "redeemed" is presented as the foundational reason for their compassionate laws. This is closely tied to Exhortation, as Moses directly commands the people to act based on this historical truth, urging them towards righteous behavior. The phrase "thou shalt remember" is a direct Imperative, a forceful command that demands active engagement and ethical response, not passive recall. The verse also utilizes Covenantal Language, implicitly referencing the covenant relationship where God's saving acts establish the terms for Israel's obedience and identity as "the LORD thy God." Finally, there is a clear use of Motivation by Grace, where God's undeserved favor (redemption) is presented as the ultimate impetus for human ethical action, transforming what might be seen as burdensome laws into grateful responses.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 15:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's redemptive acts are not merely historical events but transformative experiences that demand an ethical response from His people. The liberation from Egyptian bondage was not an end in itself but the beginning of a covenant relationship that required Israel to embody God's character of justice and mercy. This principle reverberates throughout the Old Testament, where the call to care for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow is consistently linked to Israel's own experience as aliens and oppressed people whom God delivered (e.g., Exodus 22:21-27). It establishes a foundational biblical ethic: our experience of God's grace and liberation should compel us to extend grace and work for liberation for others. The law, in this context, is not a burden but a pathway to reflect the divine heart, demonstrating that true worship involves right relationships with both God and neighbor. This verse powerfully connects historical memory with ethical imperative, showing that gratitude for salvation must manifest in tangible acts of justice and compassion.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 15:15 holds timeless relevance for believers today, transcending its ancient context to speak to the core of our faith and ethical living. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to remember their physical deliverance from Egyptian bondage, Christians are called to remember their spiritual redemption from the bondage of sin and death through Jesus Christ. This remembrance is not passive nostalgia but an active, transformative force that should cultivate profound gratitude for God's undeserved grace and freedom. This gratitude, in turn, becomes the wellspring of genuine compassion and generosity towards those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or in need in our world. Our freedom in Christ should compel us to advocate for justice, serve the marginalized, and extend mercy, reflecting the very heart of God who first showed us mercy when we were helpless. Our obedience to God's commands, particularly those related to loving our neighbor and caring for the marginalized, thus springs from a grateful heart that has experienced His profound redemption, rather than from a burdensome obligation. It reminds us that authentic faith is always expressed through active love and justice.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "this thing" refer to in Deuteronomy 15:15?
"This thing" refers directly to the specific social justice laws detailed immediately preceding Deuteronomy 15:15 in the same chapter. Primarily, it refers to the laws concerning the release of debts every seven years (the Sabbatical Year, Deuteronomy 15:1-11) and the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, ensuring they are generously provided for upon their freedom (Deuteronomy 15:12-14). The verse provides the theological rationale for these specific commands, grounding them in Israel's own redemptive history and God's character.
Why is "remembering" so important in Deuteronomy?
In Deuteronomy, "remembering" (Hebrew, zakhar) is far more than mere cognitive recall; it's a foundational theological and ethical imperative. It means to actively internalize, meditate on, and allow past events—especially God's mighty acts of deliverance and covenant-making—to shape present behavior and future decisions. For Israel, remembering their time as "bondmen" and God's redemption from Egypt was meant to foster gratitude, prevent pride, ensure covenant faithfulness, and, crucially, motivate them to treat others with the same justice and mercy they had received. It's a call to let history inform ethics, ensuring that their society reflected the character of the God who saved them (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Does this verse imply that Christians should practice debt cancellation or servant release today?
While the specific practices of the Sabbatical Year and servant release were part of the Mosaic Covenant for ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles of Deuteronomy 15:15 are timeless and apply to Christians. The verse's core message is that our experience of God's grace and liberation should motivate us to show compassion, generosity, and justice to the vulnerable. While we may not implement the exact same laws, the spirit of the law compels us to address issues of poverty, debt, and oppression in ways that are relevant to our contemporary contexts. This might include advocating for fair economic practices, supporting ministries that alleviate poverty, providing generous aid to those in need, or working for systemic justice, always remembering our own spiritual redemption through Christ, which empowers us for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 15:15, with its emphasis on remembering redemption as the motivation for justice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's physical liberation from Egyptian bondage powerfully foreshadows the spiritual redemption accomplished by Christ, who delivers humanity from the far greater slavery of sin and death. Just as the Lord "redeemed" Israel, Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, paid the ultimate price to set us free, not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). We, too, "were formerly slaves of sin" (Romans 6:17), helpless and without hope, until Christ's intervention. Therefore, our remembrance of this spiritual redemption, a continuous and living reality through the Holy Spirit, becomes the supreme motivation for our obedience and our pursuit of justice and mercy. The law's demand for compassion, rooted in Israel's experience of grace, is perfectly embodied and fulfilled in Christ, who not only taught us to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:39) but exemplified it through His self-sacrificial life and death. Our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for service, empowering us to become agents of God's redemptive love in the world, extending the grace we have received to those still in various forms of bondage (Galatians 5:13).