Chapter Summary

Laws concerning Sabbatic year and bondservants.

Discussion Questions for Deuteronomy, Chapter 15

1. The art of forgiving debts is one that is lost on society. How can you be a shining example of forgiveness to your unbelieving friends, coworkers and family members this week?
2. In light of all that you've been forgiven, what do you need to forgive? What will you forgive this week?
3. Why does verse 4 (CSB) say that "there will be no poor among you," due to their success in the land, while verses 7-11 tell us how to deal with poor people? What is the key to understanding this tension?
4. The concept of the "seventh year" (verse 9 CSB) can be a little foreign, so what might some modern examples of this look like? How can you live out this principle in your life this week?
5. Have you ever been the recipient of a gift from a person with a stingy heart? How did you feel to recieve that gift? How can you ward off a stingy heart in yourself?
6. Why would God, who waged war against Egypt and their use of slaves, permit the Hebrews to have slaves themselves?
7. How does God's restrictions on slavery contrast with the slavery the Israelites experienced in Egypt? How can we take this principle into our workplaces today?
8. Why might a slave want to serve their master for the rest of their lives? Are you marked as a servant of Christ for life like these slaves? How do people know?
9. What is the significance of consecrating the firstborn male of the herds and flocks? What could a modern equivalent of herds and flocks be? How can you consecrate that to the Lord?
10. What theme is present during verses 1-18? How can you live out this theme in your life this week?

Key Words/Phrase

Release, v. 1.

Characters

God, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 7, 8, 10.