Deuteronomy 15:10

'The Lord loveth a cheerfui giver.'

1. The ideal state of matters is contemplated in Deuteronomy 15:4 : here we have the actual fact. There will always be poor people, but poverty will be exceptional, if this injunction is conscientiously carried out: see Deuteronomy 15:4; Deuteronomy 15:5.

12-18. See also Exodus 21:2; Leviticus 25:39. The subject of slavery is connected with that of poverty, as it is implied here that the poor person has been sold as a slave for debt. Every seventh year the slave has to be released. He is not to be sent away empty, as the probable result would be a return to slavery. He is to be liberally furnished, so as to be in a position to earn a livelihood and make a fresh start in life. This is a very wise as well as humane prescription.