Deuteronomy·Chapter 15

How to Apply

This week, try to find a way to help someone in your life who may need support, whether it’s a friend going through a tough time or a local charity that could use donations. When you feel that little voice telling you to hold back, push against it! Maybe it’s as simple as sharing a meal with someone or giving your time to listen to a friend. Challenge yourself to be generous, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Write down one specific way you can help someone, and then do it! You’ll be amazed at how it feels to act with kindness.

Chapter Context

In this chapter, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the seventh year, a time meant for letting go of debts and freeing those who are struggling. Moses is reminding the people about the importance of compassion during this critical time. Just before this verse, he talks about the need to be generous and open-hearted. And right after this verse, he emphasizes the blessings that come with kindness and warns about the consequences of hard-heartedness. So, this verse acts like a pivotal point in the chapter, highlighting the tension between wanting to hold onto what you have and the call to share and help those around you. It’s a moment where your choice can either uplift others or lead to regret.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• take - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lest - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• unworthy - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• thought - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• heart - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• say - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• seventh - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• year - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• year - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• release - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

Think about a time when you hesitated to help someone in need because you were worried about your own situation. How can this verse inspire you to change your perspective and take action instead?

Related Verses

• Proverbs 19:17 - This verse echoes the message that when you help the poor, you’re really lending to God, and He’ll repay you.
• Luke 6:38 - Here, it reminds us that when you give, it will come back to you, overflowing in ways you might not expect.
• Matthew 25:40 - This verse emphasizes that when you serve those in need, it’s like you’re serving God directly.
• Isaiah 58:10 - Written 700 years before this verse, it encourages giving freely to the hungry and helping those in need, showing how God values compassion.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Deuteronomy 15:9. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Debt Release, Generosity, Compassion for Poor, Servitude Regulations, Blessings for Obedience, Remembrance of Egypt, Divine Provision

Key Verses

Deuteronomy 15:1, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Deuteronomy 15:10, Deuteronomy 15:12-14, Deuteronomy 15:19

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is a series of farewell addresses from Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. These speeches serve to remind them of the laws given by God and their covenant responsibilities. Chapter 15 specifically addresses social justice issues, focusing on the treatment of the poor and indebted within the community. This chapter is part of a broader legal framework aimed at promoting fairness and compassion in Israelite society, reflecting God's concern for justice and mercy.