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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 15:18 serves as the concluding exhortation to the laws governing the release of Hebrew servants in the sabbatical year, urging masters to release their bondservants with a willing and ungrudging heart. The verse provides a divine rationale, asserting that the servant's six years of dedicated labor have yielded value equivalent to a "double hired servant," thereby justifying the act of release and generous provision. It culminates in a powerful promise of divine blessing upon the master who obeys this command with the prescribed attitude, establishing a direct link between ethical conduct in economic relationships and God's favor and prosperity.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 15:18 stands as the powerful conclusion to a significant legal section (Deuteronomy 15:1-18) within Moses' second address to Israel, specifically detailing the "Year of Release" (Hebrew: shemittah). This chapter begins with laws concerning the remission of debts every seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-6), highlighting God's concern for economic equity and the prevention of perpetual poverty. The focus then shifts to the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service (Deuteronomy 15:12-17). The preceding verses meticulously outline the requirement to release both male and female Hebrew servants and, crucially, to provision them generously from the master's abundant resources—flock, threshing floor, and winepress (Deuteronomy 15:13-14). Verse 18, therefore, is not merely a restatement of the command to release, but a profound injunction regarding the attitude behind the act. It addresses the master's potential reluctance, ensuring that the generosity is not grudging but flows from a heart that acknowledges the servant's immense value and trusts in God's reciprocal blessing, thus reinforcing the spiritual intent behind the legal framework.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, various forms of servitude existed, often harsh and perpetual. However, Israelite law, as revealed in the Pentateuch, presented a remarkably humane and distinct system for temporary servitude, particularly for fellow Hebrews. This system was designed to prevent economic oppression and to reflect God's redemptive act of freeing Israel from slavery in Egypt, a foundational historical memory explicitly invoked in Deuteronomy 15:15. Unlike chattel slavery, Hebrew servitude was typically a response to debt or poverty, a temporary means of economic stability, not a permanent loss of personhood. A "hired servant" (Hebrew: sakir) was a common figure, referring to a day laborer or someone employed for a fixed term, whose livelihood depended on daily wages. The phrase "double hired servant" in this context underscores the substantial, consistent, and long-term economic benefit a master gained from a bondservant's six years of dedicated labor, which was often more reliable and productive than the transient work of multiple day laborers. This context highlights that the required generosity at release was not an arbitrary burden but a just recognition of the servant's profound contribution and a demonstration of covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 15:18 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Mosaic Law. Firstly, it exemplifies Divine Justice and Compassion, showcasing God's profound concern for the vulnerable and His mandate for equitable treatment within the covenant community. This echoes the broader call for righteousness and justice found in passages like Deuteronomy 16:20. Secondly, the verse reinforces the central Deuteronomic theme of Covenant Obedience and Blessing, where adherence to God's commands is directly linked to divine favor and material prosperity, a principle reiterated throughout Deuteronomy 28. The explicit promise, "the LORD thy God shall bless thee," underscores this reciprocal relationship. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes Generosity of Spirit, moving beyond mere legal compliance to demand a willing and cheerful heart in acts of charity and justice, reflecting the very character of God. Finally, it profoundly highlights the Value of Human Labor and Dignity, acknowledging the significant contribution of the servant and ensuring their release is an act of honor and just recompense rather than a reluctant discarding.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to be dense," implying something tough, severe, or grievous. In the context of "It shall not seem hard unto thee," it refers to the master's internal disposition, commanding that the act of releasing the servant and providing for them should not be perceived as a heavy burden, an unfair loss, or an act performed with reluctance. It speaks directly to the attitude and heart behind the obedience, demanding a willing and ungrudging spirit.
This word signifies "exempt" from bondage, tax, or care, conveying the idea of "liberty." When the master "sendest him away free," it means the servant is released into a state of true freedom, unencumbered by past obligations and equipped to begin a new life. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the liberation, not just a change in status but a genuine release from the burdens of servitude.
This crucial phrase combines mishneh (H4932), meaning "a repetition," "duplicate," or "double (in amount/quality)," and sakir (H7916), referring to "a man at wages" or "hired servant." The combined phrase does not imply the servant was paid double wages, but rather that their consistent, dedicated, and stable service over six years provided the master with economic value equivalent to what two ordinary, more transient hired laborers might have provided or cost over the same period. This highlights the substantial and enduring benefit the master received, providing a divine rationale for the required generosity at release.
Verse Breakdown
"It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee;"
This opening clause directly addresses the master's internal attitude and potential reluctance. The command transcends mere outward compliance; it demands an inner disposition of willingness and generosity. The act of releasing the servant, and the associated provision, is not to be viewed as a burdensome obligation, an unfair economic loss, or something to be resented. Instead, it is to be embraced with a cheerful and ungrudging heart, aligning the master's spirit with the divine command for justice and compassion.
"for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years:"
This clause provides the divine justification and rationale for the preceding command. God reminds the master of the immense value and significant contribution the servant has made over their six years of service. By equating the servant's labor to that of a "double hired servant," the text underscores the substantial, consistent, and productive benefit the master has already received. This divine accounting refutes any notion that the release is an economic hardship, instead framing it as a just and proportionate response to the invaluable service rendered.
"and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest."
This concluding promise serves as a powerful encouragement and a covenantal assurance. It directly links the master's willing obedience and generous spirit to divine favor and prosperity. God promises to bless all the master's endeavors and undertakings, reinforcing the profound Deuteronomic principle that faithfulness to God's commands—particularly those involving justice, compassion for the vulnerable, and generous giving—results in tangible prosperity, success, and flourishing in every aspect of life.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:18 is rich in literary devices that enhance its persuasive power and theological depth. The primary device is Didactic Instruction, as the verse functions as a direct command from God, instructing the people on proper conduct and attitude. The phrase "It shall not seem hard unto thee" employs a Negative Command or Prohibition, which is a common biblical rhetorical strategy to shape not just actions but also internal dispositions and attitudes. This command is immediately followed by a clear Justification or Rationale, introduced by the conjunction "for," which provides the compelling economic and moral reasoning for the required generosity. The comparison "worth a double hired servant" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Metonymy, emphasizing the exceptional and sustained value of the servant's labor, making the master's generosity a just acknowledgment rather than a loss. Finally, the verse culminates in a clear Promise of Blessing, a recurring Covenantal Motif throughout Deuteronomy, where obedience to God's statutes is consistently and explicitly linked to divine favor, prosperity, and success. This structure moves from an internal command to a rational explanation to an encouraging promise, effectively motivating the audience to embrace the law with a willing and trusting heart.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 15:18 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and His expectations for His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not only just but also deeply compassionate, valuing human dignity and labor, and desiring a spirit of radical generosity from His followers. The command to release servants without reluctance, coupled with the reminder of their immense economic value, reflects God's own magnanimous nature and His unwavering commitment to social equity within the community of faith. The promised blessing for obedience reinforces the consistent biblical theme that acts of righteousness, particularly those involving care for the vulnerable and generous giving, are not overlooked by God but are met with His abundant favor and prosperity. This verse teaches that true prosperity flows not merely from accumulation, but from alignment with divine principles of justice, generosity, and trust in God's provision.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 15:18 transcends its ancient legal context to offer timeless principles for how we are to engage with others, particularly in economic and relational spheres. It challenges believers today to cultivate a heart of genuine generosity, gratitude, and willing obedience, moving beyond mere compliance with rules to embrace a spirit of cheerful giving and service. In our contemporary world, this translates into valuing the contributions of those who work for us, with us, or serve us in any capacity, ensuring fair and just compensation, and extending generosity without reluctance or resentment. It calls us to see acts of kindness, charity, or even the ethical treatment of employees not as burdens or losses, but as opportunities to reflect God's character and to trust implicitly in His promise of blessing. When we act with an open hand and a willing heart, acknowledging the inherent dignity and value of others, and trusting in God's abundant provision, we position ourselves to experience divine favor in all our endeavors, recognizing that true prosperity is found in righteous living and generous giving, not simply in accumulation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "It shall not seem hard unto thee" mean in a practical sense for the master?
Practically, this means the master is commanded to perform the release of the servant, and the required generous provision, not with a sense of burden, an unfair loss, or resentment. Instead, they are to embrace it with a willing, cheerful, and ungrudging attitude, recognizing it as a just and righteous act commanded by God. It is a call to align their internal disposition with the external act of obedience, ensuring that the spirit of the law, which is rooted in compassion and justice, is fully embodied. This attitude reflects a trust in God's overarching plan and His promised blessing for obedience.
Why is the servant's value equated to a "double hired servant"?
The phrase "double hired servant" (Hebrew: mishneh sakir) serves to emphasize the exceptional and sustained value of the bondservant's labor over six years. Unlike a transient day laborer (sakir) who might be hired for short periods and require frequent re-hiring or training, a bondservant provided consistent, dedicated, and long-term service. This stability, commitment, and accumulated skill likely yielded significantly more productivity and economic benefit to the master, perhaps twice what one would expect from a typical hired hand over the same duration. It serves as a divine reminder to the master that the servant's contribution was substantial and invaluable, thereby justifying the generosity at their release and countering any feeling that the release constituted an economic hardship or an unmerited loss.
How does this verse connect to the broader theme of the Year of Release?
Deuteronomy 15:18 is the culmination of the laws concerning the release of Hebrew servants within the Year of Release, which itself is an integral part of Israel's larger sabbatical cycle. The entire chapter, beginning with debt remission in Deuteronomy 15:1, emphasizes God's comprehensive design for economic justice, social equity, and the prevention of perpetual poverty among His covenant people. This verse specifically ensures that the spirit of generosity and compassion, which underpins the entire Year of Release, is maintained even in the personal act of releasing servants. It mandates that masters do not begrudge the act but perform it willingly, trusting in God's promised blessing for their obedience, thus upholding the holistic intent of the shemittah laws.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 15:18, with its profound emphasis on liberation, generous provision, and the master's willing heart, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Hebrew servant was released from temporary bondage after six years, humanity was enslaved by sin, a bondage from which we were utterly incapable of freeing ourselves. Jesus, the ultimate Master and Lord, did not merely release us from this spiritual servitude; He accomplished our liberation at infinite cost to Himself, through His sacrificial death on the cross. This act was not performed with a "hard" or reluctant heart, but with a willing and even joyful spirit, as described in Hebrews 12:2, where He "for the joy set before him endured the cross." He is the one who generously provides for our freedom, equipping us not with earthly provisions but with the immeasurable spiritual riches of salvation, eternal life, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, far exceeding any "double hired servant's" worth. His act of liberation is the supreme demonstration of God's compassion, justice, and boundless grace, fulfilling the spirit of the law by setting us truly free from the dominion of sin and death, as triumphantly declared in John 8:36. Furthermore, the promise of blessing for the obedient master in Deuteronomy foreshadows the immeasurable spiritual blessings poured out upon those who are "in Christ," for in Him, "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" is ours, as profoundly stated in Ephesians 1:3. Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of the law's intention: a liberator who gives abundantly, not grudgingly, and whose ultimate sacrifice secures true freedom and eternal blessing for all who believe.