Deuteronomy 15:2

This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD's time of release has been proclaimed.

Study Bible

This is the manner of remission:
The term "remission" refers to the cancellation or forgiveness of debts. In the context of ancient Israel, this was a divinely instituted practice that occurred every seven years, known as the Sabbatical Year. This practice reflects God's concern for social justice and economic equality, ensuring that no Israelite would be permanently impoverished. It also symbolizes spiritual forgiveness, pointing to the ultimate remission of sins through Christ.

Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor:
The command for creditors to cancel debts highlights the importance of compassion and mercy within the community. This practice prevented the accumulation of wealth by a few and the perpetual indebtedness of others. It reflects the principle of stewardship, where resources are seen as belonging to God and are to be used for the welfare of all. This anticipates the New Testament teaching of forgiving others as God forgives us (Matthew 6:12).

He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother:
The emphasis on "neighbor or brother" underscores the communal and familial nature of Israelite society. The term "brother" indicates fellow Israelites, emphasizing the covenant relationship among God's people. This practice fostered unity and mutual support, reflecting the love and care expected within the covenant community. It also prefigures the New Testament concept of the church as a family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed:
The "LORD’s time of release" refers to the Sabbatical Year, a time set apart by God for rest and restoration. This proclamation was a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and resources. It served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate release from sin and death through Jesus Christ, who proclaimed the "year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:19). This release is a type of the eternal rest promised to believers (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the laws and proclaims the time of release.

4. Creditor
An individual who has lent money or goods to another and is instructed to cancel debts.

5. Neighbor/Brother
Fellow Israelites who may owe debts, highlighting the communal and familial nature of the society.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Release
The concept of debt cancellation every seven years teaches us about God's desire for economic justice and compassion within the community.

God's Provision and Sovereignty
Trusting in God's provision allows us to release others from their debts, knowing that He is the ultimate provider and sustainer.

Forgiveness and Mercy
The practice of releasing debts is a tangible expression of forgiveness and mercy, which are central to Christian living.

Community and Brotherhood
The law emphasizes the importance of community and treating others as family, encouraging us to support and uplift one another.

Spiritual Freedom
Just as physical debts are released, we are reminded of the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, who cancels the debt of sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of debt release in Deuteronomy 15:2 reflect God's character and His intentions for His people?

2. In what ways can the principle of releasing debts be applied in our modern financial and relational contexts?

3. How does the practice of debt cancellation in Deuteronomy 15 relate to the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness and mercy?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster a sense of community and brotherhood in our own lives, as encouraged by this passage?

5. How does understanding our spiritual freedom in Christ influence our perspective on financial and relational debts?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, a time of release and restoration, similar to the debt release in Deuteronomy 15.

Matthew 6:12
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches about forgiving debts, reflecting the spirit of release and forgiveness.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord's favor, echoing the themes of release and freedom found in Deuteronomy 15.

Romans 13:8
Paul speaks about the ongoing debt of love, which aligns with the principle of releasing financial debts.

Galatians 5:1
Emphasizes freedom in Christ, paralleling the liberation from debt in the Old Testament law.