Deuteronomy 15:2

Deuteronomy 15:2

Debts Canceled Every Seven Years

1 “At the end of ^aevery seven years you shall grant a¹ release of debts.

2 And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall¹ release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord’s release.

3 Of a foreigner you may require it; but you shall give up your claim to what is owed by your brother,

4 except when there may be no poor among you; for the Lord will greatly ^abless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance—

5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today.

6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; ^ayou shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.

Generosity to the Poor

7 “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the¹ gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, ^ayou shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother,

8 but ^ayou shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.

Commentaries:

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

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Deuteronomy 15:3 >>

Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it—not by an absolute discharge of the debt, but by passing over that year without exacting payment. The relief was temporary and peculiar to that year during which there was a total suspension of agricultural labor.

he shall not exact it . . . of his brother—that is, an Israelite, so called in opposition to a stranger or foreigner.

because it is called the Lord's release—The reason for acquitting a debtor at that particular period proceeded from obedience to the command, and a regard for the honor, of God; an acknowledgment of holding their property of Him, and gratitude for His kindness.

**Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Deuteronomy 15:2:**

Deuteronomy 15:1
Isaiah 53:7

<< Deuteronomy 15:1

Deuteronomy 15:3 >>

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