“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 is found within the context of the instructions given by Moses to the Israelites regarding the practice of the Year of Release or the Sabbatical Year. During this year, debts were forgiven, and Hebrew slaves were set free. It was a time of remission and restoration, emphasising God’s provision and care for His people.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its key messages:
- Beware of wicked thoughts:The verse begins with a warning to guard against having wicked thoughts in one’s heart. This highlights the importance of maintaining a righteous attitude and avoiding any negative or sinful thoughts that may lead to unjust actions.
- The Year of Release:The verse mentions the seventh year, which is known as the Year of Release. It was a significant time in the economic and social life of Israel, symbolising God’s provision and His people’s duty to care for one another.
- Do not withhold from the poor:The verse warns against having an evil eye or a selfish attitude toward a poor brother. It cautions against refusing to provide assistance or support to someone in need during the Year of Release.
- The consequences of withholding help:The verse highlights the potential consequences of not helping a poor brother during the Year of Release. If the poor person cries out to the Lord against the one who withheld assistance, it is considered a sin.
From this verse, we can draw several important lessons:
- Attitude matters:The verse reminds us of the importance of cultivating a righteous and compassionate attitude towards those in need. It encourages us to guard our hearts against wicked thoughts and selfish motives.
- Generosity and compassion:The Year of Release serves as a reminder to be generous and compassionate towards the poor and less fortunate. It calls us to share what we have and extend a helping hand to those in need.
- Accountability to God:The verse emphasises that our actions towards others, especially those in need, have spiritual consequences. God cares for the oppressed and expects His people to show compassion. Failing to do so can result in sin and accountability before Him.
- God’s provision:The Sabbatical Year was a reminder of God’s provision and care for His people. It encouraged trust in His faithfulness and highlighted the importance of living in accordance with His principles of justice and mercy.
In summary, Deuteronomy 15:9 teaches us the importance of maintaining a righteous attitude, being generous towards the poor, and recognising our accountability before God. It reminds us of the need to care for others and to trust in God’s provision and guidance in our lives.
