You asked

how did the israelites prevent widespread abuse or exploitation of this 'release' practice?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 15:1-3

“At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. This is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed. Of a foreigner you may exact it, but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.”

This passage is part of Moses' address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land, outlining laws and expectations for their society. It details the practice of a 'release' of debts every seven years, designed to prevent perpetual poverty among fellow Israelites.

What systems does our society have, or lack, that prevent people from falling into unending cycles of debt or hardship?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:8-17
This passage describes the Year of Jubilee, a larger-scale release every 50 years that includes land and enslaved people.
Nehemiah 5:1-13
This account shows Nehemiah confronting leaders who were exploiting the poor through high interest rates, leading to forced debt and enslavement.
Matthew 6:12
The Lord's Prayer includes a petition to 'forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,' linking spiritual and financial release.

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