Deuteronomy 15:14 outlines the generosity required when releasing a Hebrew servant who has served for six years. Let's break down the verse:
"You shall furnish him liberally...": This emphasizes the generosity required. It's not enough to just set them free; you must provide them with resources to start a new life. The word "liberally" suggests giving generously and freely, without begrudging.
"...out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press...": These represent the main sources of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society.
Flock: Refers to livestock – sheep, goats, cattle – which provided meat, milk, wool, and could be sold or used for breeding.
Threshing floor: Represents grain, the staple food. Giving from the threshing floor means providing grain, flour, or other agricultural produce.
Wine press: Refers to wine and other products made from grapes, another valuable commodity.
By specifying these three sources, the verse makes it clear that the freed servant should receive a share of the landowner's accumulated wealth, not just leftovers or unwanted items.
"As Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.": This is the key reason for the generosity. The ability to provide comes from God's blessing. The phrase emphasizes that the prosperity of the owner is a gift from God, and they are now called to share that blessing with someone who has served them. It links the act of giving to a broader understanding of God's provision and justice. The amount given should be proportional to the blessing received. It also instills a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
In essence, Deuteronomy 15:14 teaches that when a Hebrew servant is freed after their term of service, they should be given generously from the resources of the household – flocks, grain, and wine – in proportion to the blessings the owner has received from God. This generosity is not merely a kind gesture, but a reflection of God's justice and a recognition of the owner's own blessings.
Therefore, the verse calls for:
Generosity: Give freely and abundantly.
Proportionality: Give in relation to how God has blessed you.
Justice: Recognize the servant's service and provide them with the means to start a new life.
Gratitude: Acknowledge that your prosperity comes from God.
The verse goes beyond a simple "thank you" and establishes a social system that promotes fairness and opportunities for those who had been in servitude. It's about empowering someone to rebuild their life with dignity.
Deuteronomy 15:14 outlines the generosity required when releasing a Hebrew servant who has served for six years. Let's break down the verse:
"You shall furnish him liberally...": This emphasizes the generosity required. It's not enough to just set them free; you must provide them with resources to start a new life. The word "liberally" suggests giving generously and freely, without begrudging.
"...out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press...": These represent the main sources of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society.
Flock: Refers to livestock – sheep, goats, cattle – which provided meat, milk, wool, and could be sold or used for breeding.
Threshing floor: Represents grain, the staple food. Giving from the threshing floor means providing grain, flour, or other agricultural produce.
Wine press: Refers to wine and other products made from grapes, another valuable commodity.
By specifying these three sources, the verse makes it clear that the freed servant should receive a share of the landowner's accumulated wealth, not just leftovers or unwanted items.
"As Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.": This is the key reason for the generosity. The ability to provide comes from God's blessing. The phrase emphasizes that the prosperity of the owner is a gift from God, and they are now called to share that blessing with someone who has served them. It links the act of giving to a broader understanding of God's provision and justice. The amount given should be proportional to the blessing received. It also instills a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
In essence, Deuteronomy 15:14 teaches that when a Hebrew servant is freed after their term of service, they should be given generously from the resources of the household – flocks, grain, and wine – in proportion to the blessings the owner has received from God. This generosity is not merely a kind gesture, but a reflection of God's justice and a recognition of the owner's own blessings.
Therefore, the verse calls for:
Generosity: Give freely and abundantly.
Proportionality: Give in relation to how God has blessed you.
Justice: Recognize the servant's service and provide them with the means to start a new life.
Gratitude: Acknowledge that your prosperity comes from God.
The verse goes beyond a simple "thank you" and establishes a social system that promotes fairness and opportunities for those who had been in servitude. It's about empowering someone to rebuild their life with dignity.