Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 15:18 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Word of God is filled with deep wisdom, even in the smallest verses. Deuteronomy 15:18 is one of those verses that teaches us about justice, mercy, and how to treat others fairly. Although it is found in the Old Testament law, its principles still apply to our lives today.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:18 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible. It is part of the Torah or Pentateuch, the five books written by Moses. These books are foundational to understanding God’s laws and His covenant with Israel. Deuteronomy means “second law.” It is a repetition and expansion of the laws God gave earlier in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.
In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of God’s commandments and encourages them to obey so they will be blessed.
The Chapter Overview: Deuteronomy 15
Deuteronomy chapter 15 focuses on mercy, justice, and kindness. God gives instructions for the Sabbatical Year, which is every seventh year. In this year, debts are to be canceled, and Hebrew servants are to be set free.
If a Hebrew man or woman had to sell themselves as a servant to repay a debt, they were to serve for six years. On the seventh year, they were to be released.
But God does not stop there. He commands the Israelites to send the servant away with gifts, not empty-handed. God also reminds them to treat the servant well.
The chapter teaches us that freedom should be paired with provision. It is not enough to simply release someone; God wants His people to help others start a new life with dignity and support.
Deuteronomy 15:18 (KJV)
Let us read the verse in the King James Version:“It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.”
This verse continues the thought from the previous verses. God encourages the people not to see the act of releasing a servant as a burden or a loss. Instead, they should recognize the value the servant has brought and trust that God will bless them for doing what is right.
Deuteronomy 15:18 Meaning
“It shall not seem hard unto thee…”
God starts the verse by addressing the attitude of the master. He tells the master not to feel bad or reluctant about releasing the servant. Sometimes, when we lose a good worker or helper, we may feel disappointed. But God is saying, “Don’t let it be hard for you.”
This part of the verse deals with the heart. God is not just interested in our actions, but also in our attitude. He wants us to give and release cheerfully.
This reminds us of 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul says:“God loveth a cheerful giver.”
God doesn’t want us to give or serve with resentment. He wants us to be joyful, knowing that doing good is always right.
“…when thou sendest him away free from thee;”
The word “free” here is very important. It shows that God values freedom. The servant is no longer bound; he has completed his service, and now it is time for him to begin again. This is a beautiful picture of grace—a new beginning given with honor and dignity.
God reminds the people not to hold back someone who has earned their freedom. They are to respect the servant’s time and effort.
“…for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee…”
This phrase shows the value of the servant. A Hebrew servant was not a slave in the way we think of slavery today. He or she was a person who served to pay off debt, and they worked hard. God says that such a servant has been “worth double.”
This means the servant has probably worked with more loyalty and dedication than a regular hired worker. The servant stayed for six full years, working faithfully. This was no small contribution.
God is reminding the master of the servant’s faithfulness and worth. He is saying, “You have already received much from this servant. Now, bless him as he goes.”
“…and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.”
This is a promise. God tells His people that when they act justly and generously, He will bless them. We must remember that generosity does not leave us empty. In fact, giving invites God’s blessings.
Proverbs 11:25 says:“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
When we help others succeed, God will help us succeed. When we give with a joyful heart, God sees it and rewards us.
Deuteronomy 15:18 Application in Life
1. Release Others Without Regret
One of the first lessons from this verse is about letting go without regret. Sometimes we hold on to people, things, or situations out of fear or selfishness. But there are times when God calls us to release someone—for their good and ours.
Whether it’s an employee moving on, a child going to college, or someone leaving our care, we should release them with grace and joy. We should trust that God has a plan for both them and us.
Let us not make it “seem hard” in our hearts to do what is right. Let us release freely and bless others as they go.
2. Recognize the Value of Service
This verse also teaches us to recognize and honor the value of those who serve us. Many people help us daily—employees, caregivers, pastors, teachers, and volunteers. Their efforts may go unseen or unappreciated.
But God sees, and He reminds us to be grateful. He says the servant is “worth double.” That means we should treat people with honor, pay them fairly, and bless them generously.
When someone has served us well, we should not hesitate to show our appreciation. Whether through words, gifts, or support, we should honor faithful service.
3. Give Without Fear of Loss
Sometimes we fear that if we give too much, we will lose. But God says the opposite. When we give generously, He blesses us. He is the ultimate provider.
If you feel hesitant to help someone or to release something good from your life, remember this promise: “The Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.”
God is not blind to your sacrifices. He sees your faith, and He rewards it.
4. Serve with a Cheerful Heart
The heart of the verse is also about the attitude of the master. He should not see the act of setting someone free as a loss. Instead, he should see it as an act of love and obedience to God.
In our own lives, when we serve or give, let us do it cheerfully, not grudgingly. When we volunteer, tithe, or help someone in need, we should not count it as a burden. It is a joy and a privilege.
This reflects the character of God, who gives us grace freely and generously.
5. Trust God’s Blessing in Your Obedience
This verse ends with a promise of blessing. God always rewards obedience. When we do what is right—even when it costs us something—God will bless us.
This does not always mean money. It may be peace, relationships, protection, or joy. God’s blessings are rich and many.
When we live with open hands and open hearts, God fills our lives in ways we cannot imagine.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15:18 is a small verse with a big message. It reminds us that serving others, releasing them with joy, and honoring their value is close to the heart of God. As Christians, we are called to reflect the kindness, mercy, and justice of our God. This verse reminds us to live generously and to value every person who walks into our lives. May we never hesitate to do good. May we never see kindness as a burden. And may we always trust that when we follow God’s commands, He will bless the work of our hands.
You Might Be Interested In: