The Hebrew word shᵉmiṭṭâh, represented by H8059, defines a release. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses, primarily establishing a specific, mandated event. The term comes from the root H8058, meaning to let go or remit, and it describes a remission of debt and a suspension of labor.
In its biblical context, H8059 is the centerpiece of a law given by Moses. This law commands that a release must be made at the "end of every seven years" Deuteronomy 15:1. The specific nature of this event is that every creditor must release what has been lent to a neighbor or brother, and is forbidden to exact it Deuteronomy 15:2. This act is explicitly identified as "the LORD'S release" Deuteronomy 15:2. The law also serves as a test of character, warning against a wicked heart that would refuse to lend to the poor simply because the "year of release" is near Deuteronomy 15:9. This event is timed to coincide with the "feast of tabernacles" Deuteronomy 31:10.
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the release:
- H8058 shâmaṭ (a primitive root; to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit; discontinue, overthrow, release, let rest, shake, stumble, throw down): As the root verb, this word describes the action required. Creditors are commanded to release the debt Deuteronomy 15:2, and landowners are to let their fields rest Exodus 23:11.
- H5065 nâgas (a primitive root; to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize; distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or), [idiom] raiser of taxes, taskmaster): This term represents the direct opposite of the release. During the year of release, a creditor "shall not exact" payment from a brother Deuteronomy 15:2. The word is elsewhere associated with oppression, such as the taskmasters in Egypt Exodus 3:7.
- H7651 shebaʻ (a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number): The number seven is foundational to the timing of the release, occurring every seven years Deuteronomy 15:1. This establishes a sacred cycle, marking a special period of time mandated by God.
The theological weight of H8059 is significant, establishing key principles for Israelite society.
- Divine Authority: The practice is not a human invention but is called "the LORD'S release" Deuteronomy 15:2, placing economic relationships directly under God's sovereignty and command.
- Cyclical Grace: By mandating a release every seven years Deuteronomy 15:1, the law institutes a recurring rhythm of grace that prevents long-term debt and financial servitude among Israelites.
- Heart-Level Righteousness: The law explicitly addresses internal motivation, warning against a hard heart towards a "poor brother" Deuteronomy 15:9. This shows that the command is not just about financial policy but about cultivating compassion and trust in God's provision.
- Worshipful Obedience: Tying the year of release to the "feast of tabernacles" Deuteronomy 31:10 integrates this act of social and economic justice into Israel's calendar of worship and remembrance.
In summary, H8059 is not simply an economic regulation but a cornerstone of covenant life. It defines a divinely-ordered principle of remission that shapes society around cycles of rest and justice. The concept of the release demonstrates how God's law was designed to govern not only actions but also the heart, linking financial conduct directly to righteousness, compassion for the poor, and the worship of God.
TRV