Justice and Generosity
For Meditation (Corey Widmer)
Throughout Deuteronomy, we’ve seen that God is forming a counter-cultural community—a people grounded in love for God and neighbor. Central to this vision is God’s concern for the vulnerable: the orphan, widow, immigrant, and poor. Israel was called to build a society of justice and compassion, so that the nations would see in them a reflection of God’s own generous and merciful character (Deut 4:6-8).
In Deuteronomy 15, this vision takes on social and economic form. Every seventh year, the “year of release,” those who were burdened by debt or bound in servitude were to be set free. This radical practice placed limits on greed and accumulation, reminding the powerful that all wealth ultimately belongs to God.
But God’s concern went deeper than economic policy. He longed for a people whose hearts mirrored his own—open-handed, not tight-fisted (v.10). The command to generosity flowed from memory: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you” (v.15). Their liberation was to shape how they treated others. Grace received was to become grace extended—personally, socially, and communally.
In worship today, we remember that we, too, have been set free by God’s grace in Christ. And we ask: how might our life together reflect the same economy of mercy and generosity that lies at the heart of God’s kingdom?
Reflection / Discussion Questions
What does the “year of release” reveal about God’s character and his vision for human community?
Why do you think God tied generosity not just to actions but to the heart (“do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted”)?
How does remembering our own experience of grace free us to practice generosity and justice toward others?
In what ways might our church embody an “economy of grace” that values people over profit, and compassion over output?
What practices—personal or communal—could help you live with more open hands in a world shaped by fear and scarcity?
Deuteronomy 15:1–15
At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your fellow Israelite owes you. However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.
If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.
Read along with us this fall! Download our Deuteronomy Reading Guide here.