Dt. 15:12-23

Two sections: treat them seperately

Repeated: Let him go (3x 12-13)

Familiarity of the exodus is needed for this text… sets up Passover next week

V.12: Hebrew: etymology disputed, tied to Abraham and descendants, earliest name,

-History: Fugitives, refugees, derogatory roots

-Some debate whether this is a lower class within the Israelites (hard to substantiate)

Sold: bought for the purpose of serving, committed service, not complete ownership of person, does not become less of a brother

wide ranging meaning

-Often for debts, security or a better life

-Given rights, included into the Sabbath

Sabbatical year is needed as context for servant expectations

V.13-14. Not empty-handed: always an intention for thriving after their service time… and generously at that

-How did Israel leave Egypt?

What should this list bring to mind? All blessings of God in the land

-All needed to proper in the land

V.15. This verse is vital, why? (also 5:15)

-Must be understood in light of redemption

V.16. Love is the driving factor here… because he lit. “is good with you” - familial bond

But often then never could get out of debt and may realize this is the best option they have

But often then never could get out of debt and may realize this is the best option they have

-No upward mobility

V.17. Formal, public ceremony… permanent

-Nailed to the house for life

Slave: slave, servant, worker, minister… different functions, wide ranging meaning

V.17.

Female slave: maid, handmaid

Female slave: maid, handmaid

V.18. Hebrew idiom: “do not be hard in your eye”

-Who was hardness associated with?

Because you got a great deal

Blessing is the motivation for doing it (14), and the result

V.19. Firstborn males? Significance to Israel?

Dedicate/No work: sound familiar? 2 concepts from DT.

-What connects sabbath and tithing? A portion of what God has given you, dedicated to Him, time and treasures.

Dedicated means no work, personal gain etc...

V.22. Not acceptable to the Lord, but still fine for consumption… since it is not set apart, anyone can eat it (Ch. 14)

V.23. Theological centrality of the blood!

Parallel: . More details, different purpose

. Would you give unacceptable offerings to a governor?

With God: do we give him best? Or leftovers, rejects?

One another: put biblical slavery and it’s compassion in context in our conversations

Must be kept in context of 4-5 and 12, can’t expect these principles outside of obedience and brotherhood

Deuteronomy: An Introduction and Commentary (Woods) a. The Law of the Firstborn (15:19–23)

But more subtle links can be made here with the idea of exemption from work (cf. the service of the slave in v. 18 with the work of the ox in v. 19, using the same root word used for Israel’s bondage in Egypt). Also, in the sabbatical year the debtor was not to be ‘pressed’ (tiggōś) for payment (vv. 2–3), just as the firstborn sheep was not to be ‘fleeced’ (tāgōz) (McConville 1984: 95–98).

The New American Commentary: Deuteronomy (6) Tribute to the Sovereign (14:22–16:17)

In one or two instances “Hebrew” describes people who clearly are not Israelites. The classic case is that of the narrative of 1 Sam 13:1–14:46, where Hebrews are explicitly distinguished from Israelites. First Samuel 14:21 is especially relevant: “Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.” With many scholars we suggest that “Hebrews” here refers to ʿapiru, remnants of which had survived from the Late Bronze era and which continued to occupy themselves in their traditional way as mercenaries.