Breakdown of Deuteronomy 15:2

"And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed." — The verse emphasizes that this release is not just a human decree, but "the LORD's release," implying that God Himself is the ultimate creditor and the one orchestrating this act of gracious forgiven…

Deuteronomy 15:2 Meaning Explained

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Deuteronomy 15:2

And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse emphasizes that this release is not just a human decree, but "the LORD's release," implying that God Himself is the ultimate creditor and the one orchestrating this act of gracious forgiveness. It highlights that obeying this command is an acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership and generosity toward them.

What Deuteronomy 15:2 means

This passage is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy outlining the laws for the "year of release," a sabbatical year that occurs every seven years. Following instructions for the land to rest and for servants to be freed, this verse details the specific requirement for creditors to forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites. The purpose is to prevent the cycle of poverty from becoming inescapable and to honor God’s provision and graciousness.

A Divine Decree, Not Just Charity

Why does Deuteronomy 15:2 call this debt release 'the LORD's release'? What does that tell us about its purpose?

The text emphasizes that this wasn't just a nice suggestion or a random act of kindness. It was a divine decree, a specific statute tied to God's covenant with Israel.

A Proclaimed Release

When it says "because the LORD’s release has been proclaimed" (v. 2), it points to a formal, public announcement. This wasn't a private arrangement between individuals but a national observance tied to the Sabbatical year. It was God's specific way of managing the economy and community within Israel.

Reflecting God's Character

This 'release' was intended to reflect God's own character – His grace, mercy, and faithfulness to His people. By forgiving debts, the Israelites were meant to participate in and reflect God's own gracious dealings with them. It was a tangible reminder that their prosperity and freedom ultimately came from Him.

Prioritizing Brotherhood Over Profit

The verse distinguishes between a 'neighbor' and a 'brother.' What's the significance of this distinction in the context of debt release?

Deuteronomy 15:2 explicitly states that creditors should release debts owed by their 'neighbor' and specifically not exact them from their 'brother.' This highlights a crucial principle: the preservation of community and familial bonds within Israel was paramount.

The 'Brother' Within

While 'neighbor' could include any resident alien, 'brother' specifically referred to a fellow Israelite. The law intended to prevent the alienation and destruction of relationships within the covenant community due to financial hardship. The economic system was structured to keep Israelites from oppressing one another.

A Limit on Rigidity

This doesn't mean all debts were to be forgiven regardless of circumstance, but it commanded a different posture towards fellow Israelites. Instead of rigidly pursuing repayment from a struggling 'brother,' the creditor was to prioritize the well-being of the community and the relationship, especially when God's 'release' year was proclaimed.

Understand the original words

Original language

creditorנָשֶׁה

nasheh · Hebrew Noun

One who lends money or goods, often in a position of power. Biblically, those in a position to lend were commanded to act with compassion and justice, recognizing that all wealth ultimately belongs to God.

brotherאָח

ach · Hebrew Noun

One who belongs to the same covenant community, sharing the same faith and standing before God. This relationship demands a high standard of brotherly love, fair treatment, and mutual support in times of need.

Historical context

Written: Around 1406-1407 BC.
Author: Traditionally Moses, though debated by modern scholars.
Location: Likely written from the plains of Moab, looking into the Promised Land.
Genre: Pentateuchal Law with narrative elements; features direct commandments and explanations of their purpose.

Key themes

01Divine authority over debt
02Brotherly compassion mandated
03Generosity tied to blessing

Cross-references

Luke 4:18

Jesus proclaims 'the year of the Lord's favor,' echoing the spirit of release and liberation found in Deuteronomy, highlighting a spiritual release from sin and oppression.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

This passage speaks of generous giving and God's abundant blessing in return, paralleling Deuteronomy's encouragement to lend freely with the promise of God's prosperity for those who obey.

Matthew 6:12

Jesus teaches us to pray, 'forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,' directly connecting the concept of financial release in Deuteronomy to the forgiveness of our sins before God.

Isaiah 58:3-7

The prophet rebukes the people for fasting while still oppressing others and exacting debts, showing that true religious observance includes acts of release and justice for the needy, just as commanded in Deuteronomy.

Scholarly commentary

Deuteronomy 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.

3.…
calvin

Deuteronomy 15:2: "And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release."

And this is the manner of the release,.... Or the rules to be observed in making it: every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; that is, forgive the debt, or free the debtor from any obligation to payment. Some think this was only a release…
gill

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