Introduction
Deuteronomy 15:1–11: Today’s reading is part of a long section in the book of Deuteronomy featuring laws and regulations and how they apply in new circumstances. This section continues through Deuteronomy 26. In today’s reading, all debts owed by Israelites to one another are to be canceled every seventh year.
Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 15:1
At the end of every seventh year you are to cancel the debts of those who owe you money.
Reading
15 “At the end of every seventh year you are to cancel the debts of those who owe you money. 2 This is how it is to be done. Each of you who has lent money to any Israelite is to cancel the debt; you must not try to collect the money; the Lord himself has declared the debt canceled. 3 You may collect what a foreigner owes you, but you must not collect what any of your own people owe you.
4 “The Lord your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. Not one of your people will be poor 5 if you obey him and carefully observe everything that I command you today. 6 The Lord will bless you, as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations, but you will not have to borrow from any; you will have control over many nations, but no nation will have control over you.
7 “If in any of the towns in the land that the Lord your God is giving you there are Israelites in need, then do not be selfish and refuse to help them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them as much as they need. 9 Do not refuse to lend them something, just because the year when debts are canceled is near. Do not let such an evil thought enter your mind. If you refuse to make the loan, they will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be held guilty. 10 Give to them freely and unselfishly, and the Lord will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them.
Reflect
In the Bible, seven is a number symbolizing completeness or perfection. Canceling debts at the end of every seventh year was designed to ensure that people would not become trapped in poverty. What do these laws say about God? How do the laws outlined in today’s reading demonstrate life in a compassionate community? How could such laws be applied today?
Pray
Lord God, teach me to obey faithfully all that you command and to do what is right. May all I do and say reflect your love and compassion and be pleasing to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ezekiel 34:1–10: Israel’s leaders are denounced.
