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 unaccep...