What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 15:2? The manner of remission “This is the manner of remission:” (Deuteronomy 15:2a) • God Himself defines how the release is to work; it is not a human idea but a divine statute (see Deuteronomy 15:1, “At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts”). • The term “remission” means literal release—an actual wiping out of debt—mirroring the earlier Sabbath‐year pattern established in Leviticus 25:2-4. • Because the command comes from the LORD, it carries His authority and blessing; Israel can obey confidently, knowing “the law of the LORD is perfect” (Psalm 19:7). Cancel what has been loaned “Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor.” (Deuteronomy 15:2b) • No partial forgiveness—every outstanding balance is to be erased. • This protects the poor from perpetual bondage (compare Nehemiah 5:1-13, where the leaders repent of exacting debt). • It also trains lenders to trust God more than interest payments; Exodus 22:25 already warned against taking usurious advantage of the needy. • Jesus echoes the spirit of this command when He teaches, “Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). No collection from brother “He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother,” (Deuteronomy 15:2c) • “Neighbor or brother” emphasizes that covenant community relationships are to be marked by grace (Galatians 6:10). • The prohibition is sweeping: no letters, no visits, no pressure tactics. • God’s family learns generosity, reflecting His own giving character (1 John 3:17-18). • Outsiders (foreigners) could still owe (Deuteronomy 15:3), underscoring that this principle uniquely showcases God’s household ethic. The LORD’s time of release “because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed.” (Deuteronomy 15:2d) • The release year is “proclaimed,” publicly announced like the Jubilee of Leviticus 25:10—no one can plead ignorance. • Timing belongs to God; He sets the calendar of mercy, foreshadowing the ultimate proclamation in Christ: “He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives” (Luke 4:18-19). • In Christ, the greater forgiveness arrives—our record of debt is “canceled and taken away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). • Thus the sabbatical release trains hearts for the gospel: forgiven people forgive. summary Deuteronomy 15:2 commands Israel to erase every seven-year debt, treating remission as a literal, comprehensive, public act rooted in God’s authority. Creditors relinquish claims, neighbors receive freedom, and the entire nation rehearses the grace God ultimately provides in Christ. |
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