Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 15:7 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible speaks often about how we should treat the poor and those in need. Deuteronomy 15:7 is one of the most direct and powerful verses on this topic. It teaches us not to be selfish or hard-hearted, but to be open and generous. This verse comes from a chapter that focuses on compassion, mercy, and justice in the life of God’s people.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:7 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, or Torah, written by Moses. The name “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is a restatement and explanation of the law that God gave to Israel.
Moses is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Before they cross over, he gives them God’s commandments again so they will remember how to live as God’s holy people in a new land. These laws are not just rules—they are expressions of God’s heart for His people and for how they should live together in community.
Deuteronomy 15 and the Year of Release
Chapter 15 of Deuteronomy focuses on the Sabbatical Year—a year that came every seventh year. In that year, debts were to be canceled, and slaves were to be freed. This was called “the Lord’s release” (Deuteronomy 15:2).
God did not want His people to live in long-term poverty or oppression. He made provisions in His law to help people have a fresh start. But He also knew that some people might become stingy or selfish—especially when the year of release was near.
The Command to Be Generous
That’s where verse 7 comes in. God tells His people how they should respond when they see someone in need. He warns them not to be hard-hearted or close their hands to the poor. Instead, He calls them to be open-handed and compassionate.
Deuteronomy 15:7 (KJV)
Let’s look at the verse in the King James Version:”If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:” — Deuteronomy 15:7, KJV
This is a direct command. God addresses how we should treat those who are in financial or personal need. The verse uses strong language: do not harden your heart, and do not shut your hand. These are powerful images that help us understand God’s concern for the poor and how seriously He takes our response to them.
Deuteronomy 15:7 Meaning
Let’s break the verse down piece by piece to understand what it really means.
“If there be among you a poor man”
This is referring to someone within the community of Israel who is struggling financially. God acknowledges that poverty may still exist, even though His plan is to bless His people. Jesus also said in Matthew 26:11, “For ye have the poor always with you.” This reminds us that the presence of poverty is not a surprise to God. What matters is how we respond.
“Of one of thy brethren”
The word “brethren” here means fellow Israelites—people within the same covenant family. In the New Testament context, this would be fellow believers, but the principle also applies broadly to how we treat all people. Everyone is made in God’s image, and we are called to love our neighbor.
“Within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee”
The phrase “within any of thy gates” means in any town, city, or community where Israelites lived. God reminds them that the land they have is a gift. It belongs to Him, and He has given it to them. Therefore, they should be generous with what He has entrusted to them.
God is saying, “This land is mine. I gave it to you. Now treat others the way I treated you—with grace and kindness.”
“Thou shalt not harden thine heart”
This phrase refers to our attitude. A hardened heart is cold, uncaring, and closed off. When we see someone in need and choose to ignore them or look down on them, we are hardening our hearts. God commands us to have soft hearts—hearts that feel compassion and are moved to help.
This is similar to what Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). Religious leaders walked past a wounded man, but the Samaritan had a tender heart and helped him.
“Nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother”
This part refers to our actions. A shut hand means a person is unwilling to give. It is the opposite of generosity. God commands us to have an open hand, ready to share and bless others. This means giving not only out of abundance, but also with love and faith.
In biblical times, people gave food, clothing, and even shelter. Today, we are called to do the same—with money, time, kindness, and practical support.
Deuteronomy 15:7 Application in Life
Though this verse was spoken thousands of years ago, it still speaks to us today. God’s heart for the poor has not changed. Let’s look at how this verse can guide our lives now.
1. See the Needs Around You
We must first open our eyes to the needs of others. Many people are struggling—some financially, others emotionally or spiritually. Like the verse says, these people are within our gates—meaning they are near us. We should not wait for them to come to us. We must take the first step.
2. Keep a Soft Heart
God tells us not to harden our hearts. A hard heart is one that doesn’t care. It might say:
- “They made bad choices.”
- “It’s not my problem.”
- “Someone else will help.”
But a soft heart is filled with God’s love. It sees the poor as brothers and sisters. It asks, “How can I show God’s love today?”
Ezekiel 36:26 says,”A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”
Ask God to soften your heart every day.
3. Open Your Hand
Don’t just feel compassion—act on it. Open your hand. Share what you have. You may not be able to solve every problem, but you can make a difference. You can give money, time, food, or just a listening ear.
As Proverbs 19:17 says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
When we give to others, we are actually giving to God. And He promises to reward our kindness.
4. Trust God’s Provision
Some people hesitate to give because they are afraid they won’t have enough. But we must remember what this verse says: “the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Everything we have comes from God. He is our source, not our paycheck or savings.
When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us. He blesses those who bless others.
As 2 Corinthians 9:7–8 says,”God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…”
God will always take care of those who obey Him.
5. Reflect God’s Heart
We are called to reflect God’s character. He is merciful, generous, and compassionate. When we help the poor, we show the world what God is like.
Psalm 146:7–9 describes God this way: “He giveth food to the hungry… the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down… the Lord preserveth the strangers…”
Let us be His hands and feet on earth.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15:7 is more than an Old Testament law—it is a timeless command to love and care for others. This verse teaches us that we are not to live selfish lives. God has given us blessings not just for ourselves, but so we can bless others. Whether someone is financially poor, emotionally hurting, or spiritually lost, we are called to show compassion. Remember, God notices how we treat the poor. He honors those who care for the least among us. Let us live out the message of Deuteronomy 15:7 every day—with hearts that care, hands that give, and faith that trusts in the goodness of God.
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