Deuteronomy 15:17 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 15:17

Then thou shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear unto the door ,.... Not of his master's house, but of the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, according to the Targum of Jonathan, before whom he was to be brought, and declare his desire to continue with his master; See Gill on Exodus 21:6 , and he shall be thy servant for ever ; that is, unto the jubilee, as the same Targum; for then all servants were released, and so Jarchi calls it the ever of jubilee: and also unto thy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 15:17

Thou shalt take an awl - See the note on Exodus 21:6 . 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:16-17

It might happen, however, that the slave chose rather to remain with his master than to be manumitted, and in that case he was not to be forced to go free, which would be a hardship to him, but was to be, by a formal process of nailing his ear to the door of his master's house, constituted his slave for life (cf. Exodus 21:5 ). This was not a painful operation, especially as the servant's ear was probably already pierced for a ring; nor does any infamy appear to have been attached to the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 15:15-18

The commands here are repeated from Exodus 21:2-6, with amplifications relative to the maidservant Deuteronomy 15:12 and to the making (Deuteronomy 15:13 ff) liberal provision for launching the freedman on an independent course of life. The release of the servant is connected with the sabbatical principle though not with the sabbatical year. It is noteworthy also that the prospect of a gift of this sort, the amount of which was left to the master’s discretion, would be likely to encourage... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 15:17

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:16-17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 15:15-18

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