Deuteronomy 15:2 - This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother; because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.
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What does "Deuteronomy 15:2" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 15:2 is part of a larger passage dealing with the Sabbatical Year, a concept central to the Deuteronomic law code. Let's break it down:
"This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor.": This is the core of the instruction. In the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year), debts were to be cancelled, or at least suspended. Creditors were required to "release" their claims, meaning they couldn't demand repayment.
"He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother...": This emphasizes the application of the law within the Israelite community. The obligation to release debts primarily applied to loans made to fellow Israelites, highlighting a sense of communal responsibility and support. The terms "neighbor" and "brother" here specifically refer to fellow Israelites.
"...because Yahweh's release has been proclaimed.": This provides the religious and moral justification for the debt release. The act of cancelling debts is seen as an act of obedience to God (Yahweh) and as a recognition of His ownership of the land and the people. The Sabbatical Year, and the debt release within it, is ultimately about acknowledging God's provision and authority.
In essence, the verse mandates a periodic cancellation (or suspension) of debts between Israelites every seven years. This was intended to prevent the perpetual indebtedness of the poor and to promote a more egalitarian society. It was based on the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God, and that all Israelites are brothers and sisters who should support one another.
Key themes and implications:
Social justice: The Sabbatical Year was designed to alleviate poverty and prevent economic disparity from becoming entrenched.
Communal responsibility: The verse emphasizes the responsibility of the more fortunate to care for the less fortunate within the community.
Religious obedience: Cancelling debts was seen as an act of obedience to God and an acknowledgement of His sovereignty.
Economic cycle: The Sabbatical Year provided a periodic reset, potentially preventing the accumulation of insurmountable debt and allowing for a fresh start for individuals and families.
Important Considerations:
The Sabbatical Year is a complex topic with debates over its precise implementation and historical practice.
This law applied specifically to loans made to fellow Israelites, not necessarily to foreigners.
The concept of debt forgiveness continues to resonate in discussions about social justice, economic equality, and the role of religion in public life.
In modern interpretation, this verse can be seen as a call to consider our responsibilities towards others, especially those in economic hardship, and to think about the role of compassion and fairness in economic systems.
Deuteronomy 15:2 - This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother; because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.
What does "Deuteronomy 15:2" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 15:2 is part of a larger passage dealing with the Sabbatical Year, a concept central to the Deuteronomic law code. Let's break it down:
"This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor.": This is the core of the instruction. In the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year), debts were to be cancelled, or at least suspended. Creditors were required to "release" their claims, meaning they couldn't demand repayment.
"He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother...": This emphasizes the application of the law within the Israelite community. The obligation to release debts primarily applied to loans made to fellow Israelites, highlighting a sense of communal responsibility and support. The terms "neighbor" and "brother" here specifically refer to fellow Israelites.
"...because Yahweh's release has been proclaimed.": This provides the religious and moral justification for the debt release. The act of cancelling debts is seen as an act of obedience to God (Yahweh) and as a recognition of His ownership of the land and the people. The Sabbatical Year, and the debt release within it, is ultimately about acknowledging God's provision and authority.
In essence, the verse mandates a periodic cancellation (or suspension) of debts between Israelites every seven years. This was intended to prevent the perpetual indebtedness of the poor and to promote a more egalitarian society. It was based on the belief that the land ultimately belongs to God, and that all Israelites are brothers and sisters who should support one another.
Key themes and implications:
Social justice: The Sabbatical Year was designed to alleviate poverty and prevent economic disparity from becoming entrenched.
Communal responsibility: The verse emphasizes the responsibility of the more fortunate to care for the less fortunate within the community.
Religious obedience: Cancelling debts was seen as an act of obedience to God and an acknowledgement of His sovereignty.
Economic cycle: The Sabbatical Year provided a periodic reset, potentially preventing the accumulation of insurmountable debt and allowing for a fresh start for individuals and families.
Important Considerations:
The Sabbatical Year is a complex topic with debates over its precise implementation and historical practice.
This law applied specifically to loans made to fellow Israelites, not necessarily to foreigners.
The concept of debt forgiveness continues to resonate in discussions about social justice, economic equality, and the role of religion in public life.
In modern interpretation, this verse can be seen as a call to consider our responsibilities towards others, especially those in economic hardship, and to think about the role of compassion and fairness in economic systems.