Deuteronomy 15:14

You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you.

Study Bible

You are to furnish him liberally
The phrase "furnish him liberally" is rooted in the Hebrew concept of generosity and abundance. The Hebrew word used here, "hanek," implies a sense of equipping or adorning with ample provision. This reflects God's desire for His people to act with open-handedness and kindness, mirroring His own generous nature. In the historical context, this command was given to the Israelites regarding the release of Hebrew servants in the Sabbatical year, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that those who have served are not sent away empty-handed. This principle of generosity is a timeless call for believers to reflect God's grace in their dealings with others.

from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress
These three sources—flock, threshing floor, and winepress—represent the primary means of sustenance and wealth in ancient Israelite society. The flock signifies livestock, a crucial asset for food, clothing, and trade. The threshing floor is where grain was processed, symbolizing the staple of daily sustenance. The winepress represents the production of wine, a significant cultural and economic commodity. By specifying these sources, the scripture underscores the comprehensive nature of the provision, ensuring that the servant is well-equipped for a new start. This reflects a holistic approach to generosity, encouraging believers to give from all areas of their abundance.

You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you
This phrase ties the act of giving directly to the blessings received from God. The Hebrew word for "blessed," "barak," conveys a sense of divine favor and endowment. The instruction here is not merely to give, but to give in proportion to the blessings one has received from God. This establishes a cycle of blessing, where the generosity of God's people is a response to His generosity towards them. It serves as a reminder that all possessions and wealth are ultimately from God, and thus, believers are stewards of His resources. This principle encourages a heart of gratitude and a lifestyle of giving, rooted in the recognition of God's providence and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Servants
Individuals who, after serving for six years, are to be released in the seventh year with generous provisions.

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

5. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God who commands His people to act with generosity and compassion.

Teaching Points

Generosity Reflects God's Blessings
As God has blessed us, we are called to bless others. Our generosity should mirror the abundance we have received from God.

Freedom and Provision
The release of servants with generous provisions symbolizes God's desire for freedom and dignity for all His people. We should strive to uplift and support those transitioning to new phases in life.

Community Responsibility
The command to furnish liberally emphasizes the communal responsibility to care for one another, ensuring that no one is sent away empty-handed.

Stewardship of Resources
Our resources, whether from the flock, threshing floor, or winepress, are gifts from God. We are stewards, called to use them for the benefit of others.

Reflecting God's Character
By giving as God has blessed us, we reflect His character of love, mercy, and generosity to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to furnish liberally from one's resources challenge our current understanding of generosity?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of releasing and providing for others in our modern context?

3. How does the concept of community responsibility in Deuteronomy 15:14 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our giving reflects the blessings we have received from God?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of generosity that aligns with the biblical principles found in both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:2-11
Discusses the laws regarding Hebrew servants, providing a broader context for the release and provision for servants.

Leviticus 25:39-43
Offers additional instructions on the treatment of servants, emphasizing kindness and fairness.

Luke 6:38
Jesus teaches about giving generously, promising that the measure we use will be measured back to us.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Paul encourages believers to give generously, as God loves a cheerful giver and will provide abundantly for those who do.

James 2:15-16
Highlights the importance of providing for the physical needs of others as an expression of genuine faith.