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how do jesus' teachings on wealth and lending compare with this law from deuteronomy?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

“If there is with you a poor man, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he wants. Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand”; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.””

This passage is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It outlines ethical responsibilities within their community, emphasizing care for the vulnerable and establishing principles for economic justice, particularly concerning lending and debt. It connects their prosperity and God's blessing to their treatment of the poor.

What does it look like to 'open your hand wide' to those in need today, beyond simple financial transactions?

Then — the setting

Deuteronomy, likely compiled over centuries before reaching its final form in the 7th-5th centuries BCE, reflects the social and economic concerns of an agrarian society entering a settled life. The laws were intended to create a just society where poverty was not permanent, and community members cared for one another, especially through the 'sabbatical year' (every seven years) which included debt release. This system aimed to prevent extreme wealth disparities and protect the vulnerable within the Israelite covenant community. The call to 'open your hand' was a direct command against exploitative practices and a reminder that their prosperity was a gift from Yahweh, to be shared.

Across the Testaments

This Deuteronomy passage, from the Old Testament, sets a clear precedent for economic justice and care for the poor within the covenant community. Jesus, in the New Testament, both affirms and expands upon these principles. He affirms the spirit of generosity (e.g., 'give to everyone who asks you,' Luke 6:30) and repeatedly challenges attitudes of greed and self-interest, echoing the 'hardened heart' warning. He broadens the scope of 'neighbor' (Luke 10:29-37, Parable of the Good Samaritan) beyond the immediate community and emphasizes an inner transformation that fuels radical generosity, often pushing beyond the letter of the law to its compassionate intent. For instance, while Deuteronomy commands lending, Jesus goes further in some teachings to suggest giving without expecting anything back (Luke 6:34-35), or even selling possessions to give to the poor (Mark 10:21).

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:35-37
Another Old Testament law prohibiting interest on loans to fellow Israelites and commanding support for the poor.
Luke 6:34-36
Jesus expands on lending, encouraging lending without expecting repayment, and linking it to generosity like God's.
Matthew 25:34-40
Jesus connects acts of mercy towards the 'least of these' directly to serving him, which often involves material needs.

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