“It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 15, Moses addresses the laws concerning the release of debts and the treatment of Hebrew slaves. Verse 18 is part of the instructions on how to handle a Hebrew slave who has served for six years and is to be set free.
Freedom and Release:In this verse, Moses emphasises that when the time comes to release a Hebrew slave, it should not be a burden or a difficult decision. The master should willingly set the slave free without hesitation. This instruction reflects God’s concern for justice and compassion in the treatment of fellow Israelites.
Valuable Service:The verse highlights that the released slave has been worth a double hired servant to the master. This indicates that the slave’s labour was valuable and beneficial to the master during the six years of service. The slave’s work was to be considered significant and worthy of fair treatment and gratitude.
Divine Blessing:Moses assures the Israelites that if they obey God’s command to release their Hebrew slaves without hesitation, the Lord will bless them in all their endeavours. This verse underscores the principle that obedience to God’s commands leads to His favour and blessing.
Principles of Application:While this verse specifically addresses the release of Hebrew slaves, we can draw broader principles from it. Firstly, it reminds us to treat others with fairness, justice, and compassion. Secondly, it teaches us the importance of recognising the value of another person’s work and service. Lastly, it encourages us to trust in God’s promise of blessing when we follow His commands.
Christological Perspective:As Christians, we can also see a reflection of Jesus Christ in this verse. Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sin and offer us freedom and salvation. Just as the Hebrew slaves were released, we have been set free through Christ’s sacrifice. We are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others, recognising the immeasurable value of Christ’s work in our lives.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:18 reminds us of the importance of treating others with fairness, recognising the value of their work, and trusting in God’s blessings when we follow His commands. It also points us to the ultimate freedom and release we find in Jesus Christ.
