Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do. Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free,Israelite debt-servitude was limited by God’s law and could not become lifelong oppression. After six years, the master was to release the servant willingly and provide generously from his flock, threshing floor, and winepress (Deut. 15:13–14). Israel had been redeemed from Egypt, and its people were therefore commanded to treat fellow Israelites with the mercy they themselves had received. Release was an act of covenant faithfulness, trusting God rather than clinging to labor, wealth, or control. Jer 34:14 Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother… because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. The master had already received substantial benefit from the servant’s dependable labor. The servant’s years of service had compensated the debt and brought value beyond what temporary hired labor would have supplied. God’s command guarded against exploiting poverty and required the master to recognize the servant’s dignity and contribution. The six-year limit also reflected the pattern of Sabbath rest and release woven into Israel’s life. Gen 31:41 Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—… And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do. Obedience in matters of mercy was met with God’s promised provision. Releasing a servant could appear costly, but the Lord assured His people that generosity carried no ultimate loss in His economy. Israel’s freedom from Egypt pointed forward to the greater deliverance accomplished by Christ, who frees His people from bondage to sin and calls them to reflect His grace in their treatment of others. Deu 14:29 Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance… 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 served their masters for six years and were to be set free in the seventh year. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) - The covenant God of Israel, who promises blessings for obedience. 5. Promised Land - The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and settle. Teaching Points Value of ServiceRecognize the worth and dignity of every individual's labor. The servant's work is valued at twice that of a hired hand, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and appreciation. Obedience and Blessing Understand that God's blessings are tied to obedience. Setting the servant free is an act of obedience that leads to divine favor. Freedom and Responsibility Embrace the concept of freedom with responsibility. Just as the Israelites were to release their servants, believers are called to live in the freedom Christ provides, responsibly and generously. Generosity and Trust Trust in God's provision. Releasing a servant might seem like a loss, but God promises to bless those who follow His commands, encouraging a spirit of generosity. Reflection of God's Character Reflect God's character in our actions. By setting servants free, the Israelites mirrored God's justice and mercy, which believers are also called to emulate. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to release servants in Deuteronomy 15:18 reflect God's character and His expectations for His people?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of valuing others' work in our modern context, especially in our workplaces or communities? 3. How does the promise of blessing for obedience in this verse encourage us to trust God in our acts of generosity and justice? 4. What parallels can we draw between the freedom of servants in Deuteronomy and the spiritual freedom offered through Christ in the New Testament? 5. How can we ensure that our actions reflect God's justice and mercy in our daily interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 21:2-6This passage provides the initial law regarding Hebrew servants, emphasizing the release in the seventh year. Leviticus 25:39-43 Discusses the treatment of servants and the Year of Jubilee, reinforcing the concept of freedom and fair treatment. Galatians 5:1 Paul speaks of the freedom believers have in Christ, drawing a parallel to the freedom of servants. Matthew 6:33 Jesus teaches about seeking God's kingdom first, which aligns with the promise of blessings for obedience in Deuteronomy.
People MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Bless, Blessed, Blessing, Cost, Doest, Double, Free, Half, Hardship, Hire, Hired, Hireling, Lettest, Regular, Seem, Sendest, Sending, Servant, Served, Service, Serving, Six, Twice, Whatever, Working, WorthDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 15:18 1653 numbers, 6-10 5378 law, OT Library Homiletical. Twenty-four homilies on miscellaneous subjects, published under St. Basil's name, are generally accepted as genuine. They are conveniently classified as (i) Dogmatic and Exegetic, (ii) Moral, and (iii) Panegyric. To Class (i) will be referred III. In Illud, Attende tibi ipsi. VI. In Illud, Destruam horrea, etc. IX. In Illud, Quod Deus non est auctor malorum. XII. In principium Proverbiorum. XV. De Fide. XVI. In Illud, In principio erat Verbum. XXIV. Contra Sabellianos et Arium et Anomoeos. … Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. Secondly, for Thy Words. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 15:18 NIVDeuteronomy 15:18 NLT Deuteronomy 15:18 ESV Deuteronomy 15:18 NASB Deuteronomy 15:18 KJV Deuteronomy 15:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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