Debt · Open hand · Freedom Every step opens the verse it rests on.
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BeginningA neighbor is in debt or has entered household service because of poverty.At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts. — Deuteronomy 15:1, 7, 12 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
Respond as a redeemed covenant people
1 Release debts in the seventh year
Practice the LORD’s releaseAt the end of seven years, release what a fellow Israelite owes. Do not exact payment from a brother or sister.This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor… — Deuteronomy 15:1–6 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
2 Open your hand to the poor
Do not harden the heartOpen your hand and lend enough for the neighbor’s need. Do not refuse because the year of release is near; give generously without grief.Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,” and your eye be evil against… — Deuteronomy 15:7–11 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
3 Release a servant generously
Do not send the person away emptyAfter six years of service, release the Israelite servant in the seventh and supply generously from flock, threshing floor, and winepress.If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from… — Deuteronomy 15:12–15 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
All Honor a freely chosen bond
Remember the cost of redemptionIf a servant freely chooses to remain with the household, observe the stated covenant sign. Do not resent releasing one who served faithfully.then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do… — Deuteronomy 15:16–18 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
Open your hand as a redeemed peopleYou shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today. — Deuteronomy 15:15 · WEB
In the commentaryThe Year of Release
The order of these steps is adapted from the Torah flowcharts published by OpenBible.info, CC BY 4.0.