v1-3: Every seven years was the year of Jubilee, when all debts between Israelites were to be cancelled. This was a means by which poverty could be relieved, and also a way by which God would bless His people. This is "the Lord's time."

‘Obedience meant putting to one side the natural fallen instinct of people to seek security for their future in this world. God’s laws cut across this desire and asked for self-denial but with the promise attached that abundant blessing would be poured out on those who obeyed.’ (Dewi Hughes)

v4-6: However, if the people truly obeyed the Lord God, then there would be no poor among them. In contrast, the Lord Jesus said, "the poor you will always have with you" (Matt 26.11), perhaps indicating the Israelites' failure to obey. Obedience was not just something personal, but something national; the nation would be blessed abundantly as it obeyed God's laws. The laws given here provided a total framework for life.

Dewi Hughes (God of the Poor) suggests three reasons for being generous:

• God will provide enough for everybody so that there is no need to fear being generous;
• The people have a responsibility to obey God’s commands; and
• The people must trust God’s promise to provide.

v7-8: Where someone did become poor, there was a brotherly responsibility to be open handed.

v9: Beware the deceitful heart; some would use the seventh year law (v1-3) as an excuse not to lend to another, for then it would be a gift if he did not pay it back in time, and the debt would be released. To refuse to give in such circumstances would be a sin, Prov 3.27; James 4.17. God sees our motives and attitudes, as well as our actions.

v10: The Lord's command is to give generously. He will reward such generosity.

v11: The reality, that there would always be poor; Mark 14.7. The people would not be good at obeying, and there would always be an uneven distribution of wealth. Therefore the command to give and to share remains.

v12-18: The seventh year release applied to Hebrew slaves as well.

v12-15: The Israelites had been mistreated as slaves in Egypt. But they were to treat their own slaves well. When the six years of service were completed, the slave was to be set free with a generous gift. The slave will have contributed towards his master's prosperity.

v16-17: The slave had a choice to remain with his master. From a motive of love and devotion he would then stay for the rest of his life. This was a matter of choice, not obligation. His ear was pierced as a mark of his commitment and as a sign that the master was good.

There is a lesson for the Christian to choose to serve God faithfully; but that a real cost is involved.

v18: Fair treatment of a slave was a route to blessing. A good slave was worth twice as much as a hired hand; he was always available, and most likely better motivated to serve.

v19-23: The first born animals were dedicated to God. They would remain in the fields for months as a sign of that dedication.