Introduction
Deuteronomy 15:1–11: Today’s reading is from a code of laws that runs from Deuteronomy 12—26. In this section the Israelites must cancel all debts owed to one another every seventh year.
Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 15:1 GNT
[Moses said:] “At the end of every seventh year you are to cancel the debts of those who owe you money.”
Read
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 ensured that people would not become trapped in poverty. How do these laws demonstrate life in a compassionate community? How might they challenge us today?
Pray
Lord God, teach me to do what is right and to faithfully obey your commands. May your love and compassion be reflected in all that I do, and my thoughts and words be pleasing to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 68: A song of praise to God.
