Deuteronomy 15:10

Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.

Study Bible

Give generously to him
The Hebrew root for "give" is "natan," which implies a sense of bestowing or granting. This word is often used in the context of divine gifts, suggesting that giving is an act that mirrors God's own generosity. The phrase "generously" translates from "natan" with an emphasis on liberality and abundance. In the historical context of ancient Israel, this command was part of the Sabbatical Year laws, where debts were forgiven, and generosity was encouraged. The act of giving is not merely transactional but a reflection of God's covenantal love and provision.

and do not let your heart be grieved
The Hebrew word for "heart" is "lev," which encompasses not just emotions but the will and intellect. The instruction here is to align one's inner being with the act of giving. "Grieved" comes from the Hebrew "yara," meaning to be displeased or to feel sorrow. This phrase suggests that the act of giving should be accompanied by a willing and joyful heart, free from reluctance or regret. In a broader scriptural context, this aligns with the New Testament teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where God loves a cheerful giver.

when you do so
This phrase emphasizes the action and timing of giving. It is not a hypothetical or future possibility but an immediate and present action. The historical context of Deuteronomy involves a community living in close-knit tribes, where the welfare of each member was crucial for the survival and prosperity of the whole. The immediacy of the command underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the needs of others without delay.

and because of this
This phrase serves as a causal link, connecting the act of generous giving with the subsequent blessing from God. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, a recurring theme in Scripture. The cause-and-effect relationship here is not merely transactional but covenantal, reflecting the faithfulness of God to His promises.

the LORD your God will bless you
The name "LORD" is the English representation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the covenant name of God. It signifies His eternal, unchanging nature and His personal relationship with His people. "Bless" comes from the Hebrew "barak," which means to kneel, indicating a posture of reverence and the conferring of divine favor. The promise of blessing is a reaffirmation of God's commitment to His people, contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness.

in all your work
The Hebrew word for "work" is "ma'aseh," which refers to deeds, labor, or occupation. This promise encompasses every aspect of one's endeavors, suggesting that God's blessing is not limited to spiritual matters but extends to all areas of life. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, this would have been particularly significant, as successful work was directly tied to survival and prosperity.

and in everything to which you put your hand
This phrase reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's blessing. "Everything" translates from "kol," meaning all or the whole, indicating no aspect of life is excluded from divine favor. "Put your hand" is a Hebrew idiom for taking action or initiative. The promise is that God's blessing will accompany the faithful in all their undertakings, providing assurance and encouragement to act with confidence and trust in His provision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving these laws to guide their community life and relationship with God.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The Poor
The focus of Deuteronomy 15:10, referring to those in need within the Israelite community.

5. God's Blessing
The promise of divine favor and provision in response to obedience and generosity.

Teaching Points

Generosity as a Command
Deuteronomy 15:10 instructs believers to give generously without a grudging heart. This command reflects God's desire for His people to mirror His own generosity and compassion.

The Heart of Giving
The Hebrew word for "heart" (levav) emphasizes the inner attitude. God is concerned not just with the act of giving, but with the heart behind it.

Promise of Blessing
The verse promises that God will bless the work of our hands when we give generously. This reflects a principle of divine reciprocity, where God honors those who honor Him through their actions.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites were called to care for the poor among them, highlighting the importance of community support and responsibility. This principle applies to the church today as a family of believers.

Faith in Action
Generosity is a tangible expression of faith. By trusting God to provide for our needs, we can freely give to others, knowing that He will take care of us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Deuteronomy 15:10 challenge your current perspective on giving and generosity?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your heart is aligned with God's desire for cheerful giving?

3. How can the promise of God's blessing in this verse motivate you to be more generous in your community?

4. What are some practical ways you can support the poor and needy within your church or local community?

5. How do the teachings in Deuteronomy 15:10 connect with Jesus' teachings on giving in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 19:17
This verse highlights the principle of lending to the Lord by giving to the poor, promising divine reward.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul echoes the sentiment of giving with a willing heart, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver.

Matthew 6:3-4
Jesus teaches about giving in secret, ensuring that the focus remains on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval.

James 2:15-16
James challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through practical acts of kindness and provision for those in need.