JUNE 27TH, 2004
DEUTERONOMY 15
Introduction – Every seven years, the Children of Israel were commanded to give their land a rest. No planting or plowing allowed. This forced them to be conservative with their rations during the previous six years.
I. Every seven years, debts were to be forgiven for the sake of the poor. (1-11)
A. There are two theories about these forgiven debts:
1. No payments had to be made in the seventh year, but were resumed in the eighth year.
2. The debts were totally forgiven if not paid by the seventh year.
B. What was the motivation behind forgiving debts during the seventh year?
1. To control poverty (4), realizing that it will not be eliminated. (11)
2. To acknowledge that God was the source of their blessings. (10)
C. They were commanded to lend money to foreigners as well, but the seventh year rule did not apply to them. (3)
D. Borrowing from Gentiles was forbidden. (6)
1. They could lend money to Gentiles (3), but not borrow.
2. The reason behind this was what we call “financial bondage.”
- God’s people could be indebted to God’s people for seven years, but God’s people could not be indebted to those who would use that debt as a wedge between the borrower and God.
E. How would we apply this today?
1. Like the Children of Israel, we are to hold ourselves accountable, financially.
2. Debts were allowed under the Law, but only for a period of seven years, and only under the condition that it not drive the Israelite into Gentile bondage.
- We are to be financially independent to the degree that our debt does not keep us away from God.
II. Servants served for six years, and then were set free in the seventh. (12-15)
A. Conditions had to be met for the sake of the slave.
1. He was not to go away empty. (13)
2. He was to be furnished with liberal portions of food and drink. (14)
B. The Children of Israel were to always remember their own bondage in Egypt.
III. Servants who were free by their masters were free to serve. (16-18)
A. The basis of a free slave’s service was love for the master. (16)
B. The master was not to consider it a loss when the slave was freed, but was to be thankful for the six years of service. (18)
C. A free slave was marked (17):
1. A hole was punched through his ear lobe.
2. The duration of his service was “forever.”
3. This applied to maidservants as well.
IV. Sanctified sacrifices were to be offered unto God. (19-23)
A. Qualifications for service:
1. A first born male of the herd or flock (19) was to be sanctified (set apart) to God.
2. There was to be no blemish (blindness, lameness, ect) in it.
B. The blood was to be drained, and the rest of the herds and flocks could be eaten.
Conclusion: God does not accept unsanctified sacrifices. If what you do for God is to be accepted by God then it must meet God’s qualifications.
*** Please read Deuteronomy 16 this coming week in preparation for next Sunday’s lesson