Today we begin Deuteronomy Chapter 15.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click here.
For the King James version, click here.
Deuteronomy Chapter 15 continues to deal with HASHEM’s instructions concerning helping the poor and those who are disadvantaged whether economically or physically.
In this chapter and those to follow, we will see that not only is caring for the needs of the poor one of God’s top priorities but…
…He places responsibility of caring for the poor on the shoulders of every person in the community of believers.
It was expected that those who have the most should also give the most.
In addition, another very important God-principle is introduced in this chapter.
The idea of “release” or “remission” plays a central role in Deuteronomy 15.
In Hebrew, “release” or “remission” is SHMITTAH.
It literally refers to a complete and thorough cancellation of one’s indebtedness that often involved servitude in Bible times.
Now we should pay very close attention to what we’re about to learn in this chapter.
Why do I say that?
Because the idea of “release or remission” is the very principle upon which the salvation of all mankind rests.
The New Testament emphasizes again and again that it is through our faith in Messiah that our sin debt to God is paid and we are freed from bondage (to sin).
And of course, like so many of the other concepts expounded on in the New Testament (which the truth be told is just another oral law as opposed to Holy Scripture), it is in Torah where the Principle of Release is introduced and defined.
The New Testament authors fully expect its readers to already be familiar with this concept.
Finally, let me remind you that this sermon on the mount of Moses is nothing more nor less than Moses expounding on the law…just as Yeshua’s sermon on the mount was.
He wasn’t adding anything to what God had already said AND…
…he sure as heck wasn’t doing away with anything.
Moses here is simply taking a principle already established earlier in the Torah and going deeper into its meaning, intent and how the principle should be carried out practically in daily life.
This makes perfect sense, because up until now the Israelites have been living in tents out in the Wilderness.
However, soon they would be transitioning to a settled life in already formed villages and cities in the Promised Land.
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