Deu 15:1 | MHM | STEP | Deuteronomy 15:1-11: The Year of Release In this passage, Moses gives a law to help poor people who cannot pay their debts. Every seventh year, called the year of release, the Israelites were to forgive debts owed by fellow Israelites. This law was meant to show mercy, honor God’s sabbath year, and prevent anyone from falling into deep poverty. God promises that if the people obey and help each other, He will bless them and their land. He also commands the Israelites not to be selfish or hard-hearted, but to give gladly and generously to those in need. vv. 1-2 : Every seventh year, debts owed by Israelites were to be released and not collected by law ( v. 1, 2 ). This special release was called the Lord ’s release, to honor the sabbatical year. Some say this law only stopped the creditor from collecting during the year of release, but others think it canceled the debt forever. Either way, it gave relief to the poor. Foreigners were not included in this law ( v. 3 ).

‏ Deuteronomy 15:1

Deuteronomy 15:1-11: The Year of Release

In this passage, Moses gives a law to help poor people who cannot pay their debts. Every seventh year, called the year of release, the Israelites were to forgive debts owed by fellow Israelites. This law was meant to show mercy, honor God’s sabbath year, and prevent anyone from falling into deep poverty. God promises that if the people obey and help each other, He will bless them and their land. He also commands the Israelites not to be selfish or hard-hearted, but to give gladly and generously to those in need.

vv. 1-2: Every seventh year, debts owed by Israelites were to be released and not collected by law (v. 1, 2 ^a). This special release was called the Lord’s release, to honor the sabbatical year. Some say this law only stopped the creditor from collecting during the year of release, but others think it canceled the debt forever. Either way, it gave relief to the poor. Foreigners were not included in this law (v. 3 ^b).