Deuteronomy 15:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 15:14
14 Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 15 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, obedience. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 15:14
14 Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him.
Analysis
Of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him—The motivation for generosity: you're redistributing God's blessing, not surrendering your achievement. This destroys pride: What hast thou that thou didst not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). The master's wealth came from God's blessing, making stinginess toward the freed servant ingratitude toward God.
The Greek word koinonia (κοινωνία, 'fellowship, sharing') describes the early church: All that believed were together, and had all things common (Acts 2:44). This wasn't communism but recognition that the earth is the LORD's (Psalm 24:1). We're stewards, not owners. The servant law embodied 'kingdom economics': abundant grace produces generous giving, creating flourishing community.
Historical Context
In agrarian Israel, livestock, grain, and wine represented capital, not mere commodities—the means of production. Giving these to freed servants transferred wealth-generating capacity, not just consumables. This radical generosity distinguished Israelite society from surrounding cultures.
Reflection
- How does viewing your resources as 'God's blessing to redistribute' rather than 'my achievement to protect' change your generosity?
- What capital goods (wealth-generating assets, skills, connections) could you share to empower others' flourishing?
- In what ways does Acts 2:44's 'all things common' reflect this Deuteronomic principle of covenant generosity?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)