“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and part of the Pentateuch, attributed to Moses. It contains Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 15 specifically deals with laws and regulations concerning the treatment of the poor and the release of debts in the seventh year.
Caring for the Poor: This verse emphasizes the responsibility of God’s people to care for the poor within their community. It instructs the Israelites not to harden their hearts or close their hands when they encounter a fellow countryman who is in need. It speaks to the importance of compassion and generosity towards those who are less fortunate.
Brotherhood: The verse emphasizes the relationship between the Israelites as “brethren.” It highlights the fact that they are part of the same community, bound together by a common heritage and covenant with God. The implication is that they should treat one another with love and care, particularly when it comes to assisting those who are in need.
Heart Attitude: The phrase “harden thine heart” refers to the danger of becoming callous or indifferent to the needs of others. God desires His people to have a tender and compassionate heart, always ready to extend a helping hand to those who are struggling. This verse reminds us to guard against selfishness and hardness of heart and instead cultivate a spirit of generosity and kindness.
Open Hands: The instruction to “shut thine hand from thy poor brother” is a metaphorical way of saying not to withhold assistance. It encourages the Israelites to be open-handed and willing to share their resources with those who are in need. This concept reflects the biblical principle of giving and emphasizes the virtue of selflessness and sharing.
Application: While this verse was originally given to the Israelites in a specific context, its principles can be applied today. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for the less fortunate and to demonstrate compassion towards those in need. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to be generous with our time, talents, and resources.
In summary, Deuteronomy 15:7 teaches us the importance of having a compassionate heart and open hands towards those who are poor or in need. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for our fellow brethren and to extend generosity and support to those who require assistance.
