Deuteronomy 15:14
Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.
Deuteronomy 15:14 (KJV)
Context
Deuteronomy records Moses’ final speeches to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. This chapter gives rules for the Sabbatical Year and the release of debts. Verses 12-15 command that when a Hebrew man or woman has served six years, they must be set free in the seventh year, and the master must not send them away empty-handed. The command is part of God’s design for a community where freedom and provision go together.
Meaning
The verse names three sources of provision: the flock, the floor, and the winepress. The flock means livestock, the floor is the threshing floor where grain is separated, and the winepress is where grapes are pressed for wine. Together these represent the main ways a household earned food and income. The command to “furnish him liberally” means to load the servant with supplies, not just to meet immediate needs but to help him start a new life. The measure of the gift is not the servant’s merit but the master’s blessing from God: “of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.” This shows that the master’s prosperity is itself a gift from God, so giving to the servant is an act of stewardship. The master gives from what he has received, acknowledging that all blessings come from the Lord.
Biblical connections
The surrounding verses reinforce this teaching. In Deuteronomy 15:10-11, Moses warns against giving grudgingly and says the poor will never cease from the land, so God’s people are to open their hand wide to the needy. This same principle of generous care continues in the New Testament, where Jesus commends those who feed the hungry and clothe the naked (Matthew 25:31-46). The law’s spirit of liberality points forward to Christ, who enriches us by His grace.
Application
Christians today can apply this verse by recognizing that all resources come from God. When we give to those in need, we are sharing what God has already given us. The command to give liberally challenges us to give without reluctance and to provide for others in a way that helps them move forward, not just survive. This may mean giving money, food, time, or practical help that enables someone to become independent. Our giving should reflect the generosity we have received from God.
Reflection
This verse calls us to examine our own hearts. Do we give only when it is convenient, or do we give generously as an act of worship? God’s blessing on us is not for our comfort alone; it is also for the good of others. As we receive from God, we are to reflect His compassion and liberality. By doing so, we demonstrate His love and fulfill His purpose for us in the world.
