Deuteronomy 15:12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

Here is, I. A repetition of the law that had been given concerning Hebrew servants who had sold themselves for servants, or were sold by their parents through extreme poverty, or were sold by the court of judgment for some crime committed. The law was, 1. That they should serve but six years, and in the seventh should go out free, Deut. 15:12. Compare Exod. 21:2. And, if the year of jubilee happened before they served out their time, that would be their discharge. God's Israel were a free... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12

And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee ,.... By others, as by the sanhedrim for theft, for which a man might be sold, but not a woman, as Jarchi observes; but then a father might sell his daughter for an handmaid, if little and under age; and to such cases this law is supposed to refer; see Exodus 21:2 though a man on account of poverty might sell himself: and serve thee six years ; as he was bound to do, if his master lived so long; if he died before... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:1-12

The Lord's release. The sabbatic year was in many respects a year of mercy to the poor. The beautiful name given to it here—"the Lord's release"—suggests gospel ideas. It finds its higher counterpart in that "acceptable year of the Lord" ( Luke 4:19 ), which is the true "Lord's release." Christ came "to preach the gospel to the poor," and "to preach deliverance to the captives " ( Luke 4:18 ). This "accepted time" is the period of God's forbearance with our sins ( 2 Corinthians 5:19... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

From injunctions regarding the treatment of the poor and of debtors the transition is easy to the law concerning slaves, inasmuch as it was through the stress of poverty that any became such from among their brethren. The law, as here laid down, is the same as that in Exodus 21:2-6 , somewhat expanded; the most important addition being that the slave is not only to go free after six years of service, but is to be furnished by his master with the means of setting up a home for himself. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The rights of the slaves. By some who are but slightly acquainted with the subject, and who have too strong an animus against the Old Book to deal fairly with it, it has been made a matter of complaint against our Lord and his apostles that they did not put down slavery with a strong hand. The same may be said of Moses. If, however, without prejudging the case, we reverently ask, Why was it that he, as a divinely commissioned legislator, tolerated the institution of slavery? we are but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The freedom of the slave. The seventh year was the year of personal release as well as release from debt. Slavery among the Jews was utterly unlike the slavery of modern times. It arose when a Jew became bankrupt; he might then sell his services to his creditor, and pay off his debt by honest work. But beyond sis years his service need not continue. As soon as the sabbatic year came round he could claim his liberty. In such. a case, his master is counseled to be generous when he goes,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

Slaves to be regarded as brethren. Quiet revolutions are the most permanent and the most successful. Sudden and violent assaults upon social institutions are sure to provoke reaction. All great changes must commence in the thought and feeling of the people. I. SOCIAL USAGES , THOUGH EVIL , MUST BE TEMPORARILY TOLERATED . It is difficult to realize the conditions of human life in the earlier ages of the world. Many found a livelihood: by the use of the sword and by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-19

Bondmen. No argument in favor of modern slave-holding can be drawn from Hebrew bend-service. The Hebrew bondmen, unlike modern slaves, were incorporated as part of the nation; had legal rights; took part in the religious feasts; if mutilated or injured, thereby obtained their freedom. On the sabbatic year the Hebrew bondman regained his freedom, going out, not simply free, but loaded with presents. We learn— I. THE NATURAL RIGHT OF MAN TO HIS FREEDOM . ( Deuteronomy... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 15:12

Deuteronomy 15:12. If thy brother be sold Either by himself or his parents, or as a criminal. Six years To be computed from the beginning of his servitude, which is everywhere limited to the space of six years. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:1-18

The year of release (15:1-18)At the end of every seven years all Israelites were to forgive any debts that other Israelites owed them. They were to consider themselves one big family where no one should be driven into poverty or refused a loan in time of hardship, even if the year of release was approaching. God would reward those Israelites who were generous to their fellow Israelites. This law of release did not affect debts owed by foreigners. In those cases normal business procedures... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:1-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-19

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 15:12

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:1-18

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