Deuteronomy 15

2 shall release [it]. It is now generally agreed that this precept relates only to the enforcement of such claims during the Sabbatical year, and not to the total remission of them. The harsh custom of selling the debtor and his family into slavery was in part prevented; whilst, by subsequent laws (12), its hardships were mitigated.

It is called the Lord’s release. “For there has been proclaimed a release to the Eternal.”

4 there shall be no poor. See ver. 11. The tendency of the law was to prevent pauperism; but these Divine commands could only be expected to accomplish their ends in case of the perfect obedience of the people. The presence of poor might remind them how far they fell short. But the Jews are notable for their care of their poor.

9. Beware, etc. The ill-disposed may evade the best social regulations, especially such as aim at the higher kinds of good. The observance of these, therefore, God takes under His own cognisance, enforcing them by special warnings and commands, and promising a peculiar blessing to those who conscientiously regard them.

12 thou shalt let him go free. This would apply to those who sold themselves for servants, or had been sold, either by their parents through extreme poverty, or as a punishment for some offence against the law.

18 it shall not seem hard unto thee. These laws and regulations respecting slaves are a contrast to those of the Spartans, Romans, and other ancient nations; amongst whom neither the person nor the life of the slave had any protection.