Deuteronomy 15

Deuteronomy 15:1

A Release] or intermission: this was the Sabattical yeare; so called, because that in it the lands were left at a stay; and it was not lawfull to call in debts; and the Jewish slaves were set at liberty.

Deuteronomy 15:2

Shall release it] It is is not-likely that this precept intended to make the creditor lose his debt quite, but only to give for that year some release and repute to debtors, from the troubles and taxes of their creditors:

Deuteronomy 15:3

Of a sorraigner] In Religion, rather than in Nation: so that in these offices of piety, and brotherly charity God hath made some difference between those that are of the houshold of faith, and strangers, Deuteronomy 23:20,

Deuteronomy 15:4

There shall be] Take heed lest through thy cruelty any one fal into extreame want: and if he do, provide thou so for his wants, that hee be not driven to beg shamefully.

Deuteronomy 15:9

The yeare] Which yeare I shall not get mine owne at my pleasure, verse 2 Thine eye] doe not shew thy selfe cruell, hard, carelesse of other mens miseries, or sorrowfull for their well-doing; see Deut. 28. 54. 56. Prov. 23. 6. and 28. 22. Matthew 20:15.

Deuteronomy 15:14

Wine-presse] Or the Tun or Fat.

Deuteronomy 15:17

For ever] Untill the Jubile, Exodus 21:6 Maiservant] That is an Israelite. Hènce it appeares, that which was set downe, Exodus 21:7. Not to be an expresse command, but onely a silent inducement, and exhortation to the Master, to espouse, or cause to be espoused by his sonne, the said maid-servant, for the safeguard of her honesty.

Deuteronomy 15:18

A double] It is gathered by Isa. 16. 14. and 21, 16. that the time of hiring mercenary servants was to be for a year at least, and at the most for three years.

Deuteronomy 15:19

The firstling] What firstlings are here meant you may see Deuteronomy 12:6.

Deuteronomy 15:20

Year by year] in solemne feasts, Deuteronomy 16:1-22. i. 14.

Deuteronomy 15:21

Ill blemish] Not a small imperfection, or accidentall, or externall deformity, but some ill disdisposition of the body, or some notable defect, as Deuteronomy 1:1-46. 〈◊〉Sacrifice t〈…〉 For a Sacrifice of thanksgiving, of whose flesh these banquets or feasts were made.