What does Deuteronomy 15:9 mean?
"Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee." - Deuteronomy 15:9
Deuteronomy 15:9 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee."
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy addresses the issue of generosity and compassion towards the poor and needy, specifically in the context of the Year of Release, which was a time of remission of debts and freedom for Hebrew slaves. It warns against having a selfish and uncharitable attitude towards the less fortunate, as it is considered sinful in the eyes of the Lord.
The overarching theme of this verse is the importance of kindness and generosity towards those in need. It emphasizes the obligation to care for one's poor brother and not to turn a blind eye to their suffering. The mention of the Year of Release is significant, as it was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and economic equality was promoted within the community. Therefore, the verse serves as a reminder to uphold these principles of compassion and social justice.
The context of this verse is set within the larger framework of the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by Moses. Deuteronomy is a book that primarily consists of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, in which he reiterates the importance of following God's commandments and living a righteous life. The Year of Release and the regulations surrounding it were designed to prevent the accumulation of perpetual debt and to ensure that the poor and disadvantaged members of society were given the opportunity to start anew.
The verse also delves into the concept of the condition of the heart. It warns against harboring wicked thoughts and having an evil eye towards one's poor brother, indicating that one's internal disposition is just as important as their actions. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where he emphasizes the purity of the heart and the importance of inner righteousness.
Symbolism in this verse can be found in the reference to the "seventh year, the year of release," which holds spiritual significance as a time of liberation and renewal. The number seven is often associated with completion and rest in the Bible, and the Year of Release symbolizes the completion of a cycle and the opportunity for a fresh start. It symbolizes God's grace and provision for his people, as well as the call to extend that grace to others.
Overall, Deuteronomy 15:9 serves as a moral and ethical directive for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and a righteous heart. It encourages the equitable treatment of those in need and reminds the readers of their obligation to care for the less fortunate. The verse also highlights the significance of the Year of Release as a time of liberation and restoration, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It continues to serve as a timeless reminder for believers to extend grace and mercy to those in need, and to cultivate a heart of compassion and generosity.
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Deuteronomy 15:9 - "Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee."
"Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee." - Deuteronomy 15:9
Deuteronomy 9:15 - "So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands."
Deuteronomy 3:15 - "And I gave Gilead unto Machir."
"So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands." - Deuteronomy 9:15
Deuteronomy 15:1 - "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
Deuteronomy 14:15 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Deuteronomy 33:15 - "And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,"
Deuteronomy 15:15 - "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day."
Deuteronomy 32:9 - "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."
Deuteronomy 3:9 - "(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)"
Deuteronomy 9:22 - "And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath."
Deuteronomy 31:15 - "And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle."
Deuteronomy 11:15 - "And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full."
Deuteronomy 30:15 - "¶ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;"
Deuteronomy 15:23 - "Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water."
"And I gave Gilead unto Machir." - Deuteronomy 3:15
Deuteronomy 6:9 - "And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."
Rev 9:15
Genesis 15:9
Deuteronomy 9:24 - "Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you."
Deuteronomy 12:9 - "For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you."
Deuteronomy 15:3 - "Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;"
Deuteronomy 2:15 - "For indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed."
Deuteronomy 23:15 - "¶ Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:"
Deuteronomy 29:15 - "But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day:"
Deuteronomy 15:22 - "Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart."
Deuteronomy 14:9 - "¶ These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:"
Deuteronomy 29:9 - "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do."
Judges 9:8-15