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what was the purpose of the 'year of release' in ancient israelite society for the poor?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Deuteronomy 15:1-11

“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. However, there will be no poor with you; for Yahweh will greatly bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, if only you will listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you today. For Yahweh your God will bless you, as he promised you: and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you. If there is with you a poor man, any 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 wide to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in that 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.””

Deuteronomy, meaning 'second law,' is presented as Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the promised land. He's reminding them of God's laws and covenant, emphasizing obedience and justice as foundational for their new society. This passage addresses social justice regarding debt and poverty.

What systems or practices in our communities today genuinely reduce the burden of persistent debt and poverty for those most vulnerable?

Then — the setting

This passage from Deuteronomy dates to the 7th century BCE, though it reflects much older traditions. It's presented as part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, as they prepare to enter Canaan. The 'year of release' (Shemitah) was intended to be observed every seven years in the agricultural and social life of the Israelite nation. Its purpose was to prevent the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few and to ensure that the poor and disadvantaged had opportunities for a fresh start, preventing perpetual servitude or landlessness. The audience was the entire Israelite community, from leaders to common people, establishing a vision for a just society under God's covenant.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament concept of the 'year of release' (Shemitah) is rooted in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing social justice, economic re-balancing, and trust in God's provision. It's part of a broader framework, including the Sabbath and Jubilee years, designed to prevent endemic poverty and maintain equitable access to resources. In the New Testament, while a literal 'year of release' for debts isn't explicitly mandated, the underlying principles are powerfully echoed in Jesus's teachings on radical generosity, forgiveness of debts (Matthew 6:12, 18:21-35), and care for the poor. The early Christian community's practice of sharing resources (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35) can be seen as a fulfillment of the spirit of these Old Testament laws, transforming a periodic legal requirement into an ongoing communal ethic of mutual support.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:8-17
This passage outlines the Jubilee year, a similar, larger-scale release of land and people every fifty years.
Nehemiah 5:1-13
This historical account shows Nehemiah addressing social injustice and debt among the people after their return from exile, implementing principles of release.

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