Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just state a sad reality about poverty; it reframes it as a divine provision, not for the poor's sake, but for our sake. God intentionally leaves the poor among us to create ongoing opportunities for us to practice generosity, compassion, and to exercise our faith by trusting His promises when we give.
This verse immediately follows instructions for a "year of release" where debts were forgiven among Israelites, and it's meant to be a year of relief from hardship. The law anticipates that even with these provisions, poverty will persist within the community, making generosity a continuous responsibility, not just a one-time event. Therefore, the command is to be open-handed with those in need, emphasizing the ongoing reality of poverty and the consistent duty of care.
Ever wondered why, despite our best efforts, poverty still exists? This verse offers a divine perspective.
The text states, 'For there will never cease to be poor in the land.' This isn't a statement of despair, but a realistic observation from God Himself.
A Divine Insight
Commentators like Clarke and Poole suggest God allows poverty to remain not out of indifference, but to purposefully exercise our compassion, mercy, and obedience. It's an ongoing opportunity for us to reflect God's character.
Not a Cause for Inaction
While it might seem bleak, this reality doesn't excuse neglect. Instead, as Ellicott notes, it highlights that 'it is our business to see that they do not remain in want.' The persistence of poverty is precisely why the command to give is so crucial.
Is giving something you feel obligated to do, or something you choose to do? This verse makes it clear.
The verse doesn't just mention the poor; it issues a direct command: 'therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand...’'
The Heart of Obedience
Calvin and others emphasize that this isn't a suggestion but a divine imperative. The instruction to 'open wide your hand' implies a full, ungrudging, and abundant giving, not a reluctant handout. It's about meeting the need generously.
Beyond Mere Obligation
Benson points out that this command is tied to exercising obedience and charity. It's about a willingness to act, where 'thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him.' True generosity flows from a willing heart, seeing the act of giving as integral to following God.
Understand the original words
ebyon · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those lacking the material resources necessary for basic survival or dignity; often presented in Scripture as special objects of God's concern and protection.
ach · Hebrew Noun
A kinsman or fellow member of the covenant community, implying a shared identity and mutual obligation before God.
Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates the concept of 'brother,' 'needy,' and 'poor' by showing compassion beyond tribal or social lines, mirroring the expansive heart commanded in Deuteronomy.
2 Corinthians 9:6This passage speaks directly to the principle that generous giving, especially to those in need, results in abundant blessing, echoing the promise of God's favor for obedience to the command in Deuteronomy.
Matthew 26:11Jesus' response to Judas about the anointing of the poor uses phrasing similar to Deuteronomy 15:11, reminding us that while the poor are always with us, acts of love and devotion are also profoundly important.
1 John 3:17This verse directly challenges believers to show tangible love to their brothers and sisters in need, highlighting that true spiritual love must be expressed through practical generosity, as commanded in Deuteronomy.
clarkeDeuteronomy 15:11: "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."
For the poor shall never cease out of the land - To this passage our Lord appears to allude Mark 14:7 : For ye have the poor with you always. God leaves these in mercy among men to exercise the feelings of compassion, tenderness, mercy, etc. And without occasions afforded to exercise these, man would…
calvinDeuteronomy 15:1-11: "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbor shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbor, or of his brother; because it is called the Lord's release.
Haec autem est ratio remissionis, ut remittat omnis qui mutuum dederit manu sua, id quod mutuum dederit amico suo: non reposcet ab amico suo, aut a fratre suo, quia proclamata est remissio Jehovae.
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The verse doesn't just state a sad reality about poverty; it reframes it as a divine provision, not for the poor's sake, but for our sake. God intentionally leaves the poor among us to create ongoing opportunities for us to practice generosity, compassion, and to exercise our faith by trusting His promises when we give.
This verse immediately follows instructions for a "year of release" where debts were forgiven among Israelites, and it's meant to be a year of relief from hardship. The law anticipates that even with these provisions, poverty will persist within the community, making generosity a continuous responsibility, not just a one-time event. Therefore, the command is to be open-handed with those in need, emphasizing the ongoing reality of poverty and the consistent duty of care.
This verse immediately follows instructions for a "year of release" where debts were forgiven among Israelites, and it's meant to be a year of relief from hardship. The law anticipates that even with these provisions, poverty will persist within the community, making generosity a continuous responsibility, not just a one-time event. Therefore, the command is to be open-handed with those in need, emphasizing the ongoing reality of poverty and the consistent duty of care.
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Who is 'your brother,' 'your poor,' and 'your needy'? This verse reshapes how we see others.
The specific phrasing 'your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land' is incredibly significant. It calls us to see those in need not as strangers, but as intrinsically connected to us.
The Bond of Brotherhood
Ellicott highlights that the use of 'your brother,' 'your poor,' and 'your needy' emphasizes our shared humanity and responsibility. These aren't abstract categories; they are people God has placed within our sphere of influence and kinship.
Local and Personal Responsibility
Gill notes that the emphasis on 'in your land' suggests a priority for those within our immediate community. While the call is universal, the command here is specific: start with those closest to you. This personalizes the responsibility, making it impossible to shrug off.
"For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’" — The verse doesn't just state a sad reality about poverty; it reframes it as a divine provision, not for the poor's sake, but for our sake. God intentionally leaves the poor among us to create ongoi…
