Deuteronomy 15:18

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.

It shall not seem hard {H7185} unto thee {H5869}, when thou sendest him away {H7971} free {H2670} from thee; for he hath been worth {H7939} a double {H4932} hired servant {H7916} to thee, in serving {H5647} thee six {H8337} years {H8141}: and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bless {H1288} thee in all that thou doest {H6213}.

Don't resent it when you set him free, since during his six years of service he has been worth twice as much as a hired employee. Then ADONAI your God will bless you in everything you do.

Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou lettest him go free from thee; for to the double of the hire of a hireling hath he served thee six years: and Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:18 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 15:18 concludes a section of laws concerning the release of Hebrew servants, emphasizing the attitude and reward for obedience. This verse highlights God's expectation for compassionate and grateful compliance with His commands, promising divine blessing in return.

Context

This verse is part of a larger legal framework in Deuteronomy 15 that outlines the "Year of Release" (also known as the sabbatical year, Deuteronomy 15:1), during which debts were to be canceled and Hebrew servants who had sold themselves into temporary servitude (often due to poverty) were to be set free after six years. The law stipulated that masters should not send them away empty-handed but equip them generously (Deuteronomy 15:14). Verse 18 specifically addresses the master's mindset as he releases the servant, ensuring it's not done begrudgingly.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Justice: The law ensures that even in a system of temporary servitude, the dignity and well-being of the servant are protected. It mandates a just and humane approach to their release, reflecting God's character.
  • Value of Labor: The phrase "he hath been worth a double hired servant" acknowledges the significant contribution of the servant over six years. A "hired servant" (or day laborer) was typically paid daily or weekly, but a bondservant provided consistent, long-term labor. This suggests the servant's sustained, committed service provided exceptional value, perhaps equivalent to what two ordinary hired laborers might achieve or cost over the same period, making their release a small cost in comparison.
  • Obedience and Blessing: The verse directly links the master's willing obedience to God's command ("It shall not seem hard unto thee") with a promise of divine favor: "and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest." This reinforces a central theme of Deuteronomy: faithfulness to the covenant brings prosperity and blessing (see Deuteronomy 28 for a fuller account of blessings for obedience).
  • Generosity of Spirit: Beyond mere compliance, God desires a heart that is not grudging or resentful when performing acts of generosity or justice. The instruction "It shall not seem hard unto thee" speaks to the internal attitude of the master.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "double hired servant" (Hebrew: mishneh sakir) is crucial. It doesn't necessarily mean the servant was paid double, but rather that their service was of exceptional value—perhaps twice the worth or productivity of a typical hired laborer over the six-year period. This could be due to their consistent presence, dedication, and the master's lower overall cost compared to continually hiring and training new temporary workers. It serves as a reminder to the master of the significant contribution the servant made, justifying the generosity at their release.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 15:18 offers timeless principles for contemporary life:

  1. Fairness in Employment: It encourages employers to value the contributions of their workers, treating them with fairness and respect, and to compensate them justly, even beyond basic requirements.
  2. Generosity Without Grudging: The call not to let it "seem hard" to release the servant free with provision challenges us to be generous and charitable without reluctance or resentment. True generosity comes from a willing heart.
  3. Trust in God's Provision: The promise of blessing for obedience reminds us to trust that God will provide when we act righteously and generously, even if it feels like a sacrifice in the short term. Our obedience opens the door for divine favor in our lives and endeavors.
  4. Valuing Others' Contributions: This verse prompts us to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who serve us, whether in professional or personal contexts.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 21:16 (2 votes)

    For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

  • Luke 17:7 (2 votes)

    But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

  • Luke 17:8 (2 votes)

    And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

  • Isaiah 16:14 (2 votes)

    But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.