Exegenesis of Deuteronomy 15:1-18

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EXEGESIS OF DEUTERONOMY 15: 1-18
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EXEGESIS OF DEUTERONOMY 15: 1-18
Introduction
The book of Deuteronomy primarily aims to address the social and economic components of the Israelites. While the people were initially independent, they now live in an economy influenced by monetary exchange. Moreover, there was an advanced breakdown of the communal ethos that defined relationships between the Israelites and other members of the society. Deuteronomy is regarded as a sermon, or a set of sermons, that Moses preached before he died. Through the text, we can see that Moses urges the people to remain faithful and obedient. Numerous themes affirm the importance of the Israelites' relationship with God, promises and blessings associated with obedience, and the curses followed by any form of rebellion against God. Therefore, there are clear social and economic implications associated with this text's set out.[Richard D. Nelson, Deuteronomy: A Commentary (Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 2004), 188.]
In Deuteronomy 15:1-18, there are specific orders that are outlined concerning the economic and social affairs of the people. First, Moses outlines issues concerning the release of debts every seventh year, warning the people that this should never limit any activities of charity. Other issues addressed centers on the release of servants or slaves after they serve their masters for seven years. These are important aspects that were expected to govern the people's affairs and ensure that there was harmony in how people live. The life of the people was expected to reflect their love for God.[Gerhard Von Rad, Deuteronomy: A Commentary (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1966), 106.]
As the chosen people of God, Moses understood the importance of exhibiting godly virtues on how people related with each other. The goals were for the people to shun from oppressing those who were poor. Therefore, the benefits of the sabbatical year were never to be taken away from debtors. In this regard, it was unlawful for the debtor to be pressured to compensate the payment. The paper will exegetically analyze the text and highlights the major themes and their applicability to the contemporary society.
Socio-Historical Analysis
Through the book of Deuteronomy, we can get a history of the past mistakes by the people of Israel. Therefore, there is an exhortation never to repeat these mistakes after entering the promised land. Since the economic and social conditions of the people had changed, many were forced to borrow in order to meet their daily needs. Therefore, there is a strong urgency to address the emanating issues from the ways things were running. Moses, discerning this specific need, exhorts the Israelites to consider the poor. Many people were borrowing to survive or had been enslaved by the affluent members of the society. Through the text, we can perceive that Moses aimed to address the perpetual poor class within the society. He acknowledged the importance of mercy and ensuring that people exhibited the love of God to their most immediate neighbors. Although the solutions that are outlined herein might be unacceptable to the contemporary society, they exhibit the core issues that affected the Israelites at the time.[Andrew D. H. Mayes. Deuteronomy (Oliphants, 1979), 426-254.]
The book was written when the Israelites had camped in plains of Moab, as they continued their journey toward Canaan. Through the sermons presented, Moses' aim was to undo the ills that were advanced by the people and ensure that there was equality in the society. It was a means to limit the tyranny of debt against the debtors. Moreover, it was ungodly for people to live in misery and hopelessness because they had been economically paralyzed by the presence of debts. With the unique power of the wealthy members of the society, Deuteronomy aimed to challenge and reform how they approached issues of lending and slave ownership.[Blessing O. Bologe, “Deuteronomy 15:1–11 and its socio-economic blueprints for community living,” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 74(1). a5147, https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v74i1.5147]
One of the most important aspect about Deuteronomy is that it is considered as Moses' last book shortly before his death. As it can be noted, Moses outlines a godly vision of the Israelites society, amidst a polytheist society. The passage (Deut 15: 1-18) is considered a utopia by many scholars. There are also other scholars who consider the regulations explained within the passage as ideal for a godly society. One of the social challenges that was prevalent at the time was high rate of poverty. Therefore, avoidance of poverty and advancing an equal and merciful society was important. The problems had resulted from a primitive capitalist financial policy that were practiced by the Israelites. Discerning how these issues were oppressive and against the laws of God, Moses had to elaborate further how debts should be treated. There was a visualization of a better society where people were not dependent on debts on become salves for the entire lives.
There are two important social regulations that are presented through the chosen passage. Deut 15: 1-18 also affirms how these social regulations can never be separated from each other. First, the idea of remission, which is explained from verse 1 through 6. The concept of lending is explained from verse 7 through 11. While entering the land of promise, it was important to regulate these affairs to ensure that everyone enjoys the blessings pronounced in the promise. The daily affairs of Israel are regulated concerning slave ownership and debts. These can be perceived as ideas that would allow the rich members of the society assist those who are incapacitated. Historically, the text falls within the period of the Sabbath year which was elaborated in Exodus 23 from verse 10 through 17. This is also implied or mentioned in Leviticus chapter 23 and 25. The most important traits of the Sabbath year was that land, slaves, and other important aspects in the economic sphere would be purchased and released at particular periods. Through Deut 15:1-18, we can see that Moses mandates the privileged members of the society to considerate of how they deal with the poor. The care to landless people and slaves was a way of measuring how faithful the Israelites were to God. Exhibiting justice, mercy, and live in the social affairs of the people would affirm that the people feared God and were ready to serve him in the promised land. Particularly, the Israelites were surrounded by people who never practiced these virtues. Therefore, this would be the only basis to set them apart and ensure that they remain consistent in serving God, particularly by minding the welfare of the poor members of the community.[Walter Brueggemann. Deuteronomy (Abingdon Press, 2001), 165.]
Another historical aspect that is exhibited within the text is that the Sabbath year was to bring relief to the people. Deut 15: 2-3 also shows that the years was defined by great distress, and the release of slaves and debts alleviates the burdens of the people. It was also an exhibit of the compassion and forgiveness that the people received from God, despite sinning against him. During sabbaths, the social ethics mandated those who were rich to assist the poor as well as refrain from any form of oppression, such as requiring them to pay the debts. Those who had entered into slavery because of incurring debts would be freed during the sabbatical year. After their release, the slaves and debtors had no other obligation towards the lenders and slave masters. This social edict would create a harmonious society where oppression was never cyclic to certain members of the society.[Patrick D. Miller. Deuteronomy (John Knox Press, 1990), 138.]
Moreover, we also see the idea of brotherhood advanced through the text, especially in verses 2-3. These are important verses that showcase the power of communal love and a society guided by values of caring for each other. We can see that the people who are in need of assistance are referred as [brother, neighbor, friend, fellow]. There were also differentiated law when dealing with foreigne...