Deuteronomy 15

Cancel Debts Every 7 Years

1 Every 7 years, you all must hit the reset, cancel all debts.

2 Here is how it works: If someone owes you money, you let it go. Do not press them for it, this is the Lord’s release.

3 You can still collect from outsiders, but if it is your people, your fam, cancel it.

4 If everybody follows God, there will not be any broke folks among you, Because the Lord is going to bless you in the land He is giving you.

5 But you must obey Him and all His commands. Do what He says, and He got you.

6 If you listen, you will not be borrowing, you will be the one lending. You will be the head, not the tail. Other nations will need you, you will not need them.

Help the Poor, Do Not Be Stingy

7 If there is somebody struggling in your hood, in your land, Do not act cold or tight-fisted. Do not look the other way.

8 Open your hand. Help them out. Give them what they need.

9 Do not be out here thinking, “Man, the 7th year is coming, I am not tryna give no loan I will not get back.” That attitude is evil. God sees that. Do not let a poor brother cry out to God because of your cold heart.

10 Give freely. Do not be mad about it. The Lord will bless you for looking out.

11 There is always going to be people in need, So I am telling you, keep your hand open to the poor and the broken.

Freeing Slaves in the 7th Year

12 If a fellow Israelite, man or woman, sells themselves to you, They can work for six years, but in year seven, you must let them go free.

13 And do not send them away empty-handed.

14 Hook them up from your flock, your crops, your wine, bless them like the Lord blessed you.

15 Remember you used to be slaves in Egypt, and the Lord came through for you. That is why I am telling you to do this.

If the Servant Wants to Stay

16 Now if your servant says, “I do not want to leave, I love you and I am good here?”

17 Take a sharp tool, pierce their ear at the doorpost, that is a sign they staying for life. Do the same for female servants too.

18 Do not feel bad letting them go, They worked hard for six years, and the Lord is going to bless you for doing right.

Firstborn Animals Belong to God

19 Set aside all your firstborn male animals, cows, sheep, goats, they belong to God. Do not use them for work, and do not shear the sheep.

20 You and your family will eat the sacrifice each year in God’s presence at the place He chooses.

21 But if the animal got defects, blind, lame, or sick, Do not sacrifice it to God.

22 You can eat it at home like you would deer or gazelle, clean or unclean, no matter.

23 But do not eat the blood, drain it out on the ground like water.