Deuteronomy Chapter 15
As Moses reviewed the law for the new generation, he reminded them once again of the freedom that they have been given because of the powerful work of God in Egypt. They were once slaves now free to live and to worship God. And God wanted them to remember this freedom once they took on bond servants, people who owed debt to them but could not pay. These bond servants would work for them to help pay off the debt, but God did not want them to become slaves of the more affluent even when the debt was great. He wanted His people to practice love and mercy to the indebted servant just as He had extended His love and mercy to them. The bond servant was required to work for 6 years and in the 7th year the more affluent person would set his bond servant free as if to erase all the debt that was owed.
Let's Reflect
1. God had told them there would be no reason for any of them to be poor in the land because He was going to bless them. This blessing was conditional upon what?
2. If for some reason someone did become poor what did God instruct them to do?
3. Someone who had occurred a lot of debt might be sold to the more affluent of the Hebrews and the more affluent would have an indebted brother or sister working for him that would still need to be set free in the year of release. In what manner would the more affluent person set free the indebted person?
4. If the bond servant truly loved the person they had been serving and wanted to stay past his six years, he would be allowed to become a permanent servant. It was the servant’s choice to do so. A small awl was hit with a hammer using a door post as a backstop. This small hole in the ear would indicate that the indebted servant had chosen to serve his or her master for life. This servanthood system was really a good system for both the person in debt and the more affluent. According to verse 18 there was wisdom in the more affluent man taking on a bond servant if only to have help for six years because that was six years that he did not have to do what?
5. God saw this system as a way of helping the poor. What did He say He would do in return for those who helped the poor?
6. Verses 19-23 seem a bit out of place, but the topic of sacrifices is another area where the people need to practice submission and giving. God wanted them to willingly give of their best. They were not to choose to sacrifice the type of animal that if taken to market, would not fetch a good price. What was an indicator of an animal that was maybe not well and would not bring a high price at market?
7. They were instructed to give of their best to the Lord. This would be hard to do when your livestock is your livelihood, your wealth. What in your life might God be calling you to give to Him that might be hard to give up?
