Deuteronomy 15:7

If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.

Study Bible

If there is a poor man among your brothers
This phrase emphasizes the communal and familial responsibility within the Israelite society. The term "brothers" indicates a close kinship, suggesting that the Israelites were to view each other as family. This reflects the covenant community established by God, where mutual care and support were expected. The concept of brotherhood is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to love one another (John 13:34-35).

within any of the gates
The "gates" refer to the entrances of cities or towns, which were central places for community gatherings, legal matters, and trade. This indicates that the command to care for the poor was not limited to private or rural settings but was a public and communal responsibility. The gates were often where justice was administered, highlighting the importance of fairness and compassion in societal dealings (Ruth 4:1-11).

in the land that the LORD your God is giving you
This phrase underscores the divine gift of the Promised Land to the Israelites. It serves as a reminder that the land and its resources were blessings from God, and thus, the Israelites were stewards of these gifts. The land was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7), and with it came the responsibility to uphold God's laws, including caring for the needy.

then you are not to harden your heart
The hardening of the heart is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with disobedience and rebellion against God (Exodus 7:3). Here, it warns against indifference and insensitivity towards the plight of the poor. A softened heart is one that is responsive to God's commands and compassionate towards others, reflecting the character of God Himself.

or shut your hand from your poor brother
This phrase calls for tangible action, not just emotional or spiritual concern. The open hand symbolizes generosity and willingness to help, contrasting with a closed hand that signifies selfishness and neglect. The call to action is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized giving to those in need (Matthew 25:35-40). The open hand also prefigures the ultimate generosity of Christ, who gave His life for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of Deuteronomy, the people of Israel, who were given laws and instructions by God through Moses.

2. Moses
The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the instructions in Deuteronomy.

3. The Promised Land
The land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where the Israelites were to settle and live according to God's commandments.

4. The Poor Brother
Refers to any fellow Israelite who is in need or poverty, highlighting the communal responsibility to care for one another.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands His people to act with compassion and justice.

Teaching Points

Compassionate Heart
God calls us to have a heart of compassion, not hardening our hearts against those in need. This requires a conscious decision to be open and generous.

Open Hand
The instruction to not "shut your hand" implies active generosity. We are to be willing to give and support those who are struggling.

Community Responsibility
The verse emphasizes the communal aspect of caring for the poor, suggesting that it is a collective responsibility of God's people.

Reflecting God's Character
By caring for the poor, we reflect God's character of mercy and justice, demonstrating His love to the world.

Eternal Perspective
Our actions towards the poor have eternal significance, as they are seen and rewarded by God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 15:7 challenge our current attitudes towards the poor in our communities?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts remain compassionate and our hands open to those in need?

3. How do the teachings in Leviticus 25 and Deuteronomy 15 complement each other in addressing poverty?

4. What practical steps can we take to fulfill the communal responsibility of caring for the poor as described in this passage?

5. How does the New Testament teaching in James 2:14-17 expand on the principles found in Deuteronomy 15:7?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25:35-37
This passage also addresses the treatment of the poor, emphasizing the importance of supporting a fellow Israelite in need without charging interest.

Proverbs 19:17
This verse highlights the blessing of lending to the poor, equating it to lending to the Lord, who will repay the kindness.

Matthew 25:34-40
Jesus speaks about serving the least of these as serving Him, reinforcing the call to care for those in need.

James 2:14-17
James discusses faith and works, emphasizing that faith without action, such as helping those in need, is dead.