Deuteronomy 15:1-23, NLT
Deuteronomy 15
Release for Debtors
1“At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money.
4“There should be no poor among you, for the Lord your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession.
7“But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them.
Release for Hebrew Slaves
12“If a fellow Hebrew sells himself or herself to be your servant*15:12 Or If a Hebrew man or woman is sold to you. and serves you for six years, in the seventh year you must set that servant free.
13“When you release a male servant, do not send him away empty-handed.
16“But suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you.
18“You must not consider it a hardship when you release your servants. Remember that for six years they have given you services worth double the wages of hired workers, and the Lord your God will bless you in all you do.
Sacrificing Firstborn Male Animals
19“You must set aside for the Lord your God all the firstborn males from your flocks and herds. Do not use the firstborn of your herds to work your fields, and do not shear the firstborn of your flocks.