Today I read Deuteronomy 15, about the seventh years or sabbath years of release including release from debt and freeing Hebrew slaves. The Israelites were also instructed to yearly offer the male firstlings of their flock to God. Today I considered that sometimes countries laws have followed the Bible like the seven years for reporting old debit to credit bureaus.
Release Years and Yearly Offerings
The Israelites had a special forgiveness every seven years and special offerings every year (Deuteronomy 15:1-23). The Israelites had the Lord’s release meaning releasing debt from their relatives and neighbors every seven years. The release does not apply to foreigners or if no one is poor. Even if a poor relative comes asking in need right before the seven-year release, the Israelites were to give the relative what they needed. God will bless the givers in everything they do because they gave to the poor and needy. The release includes freeing Hebrew slaves. Hebrew slaves that served six years are to be given part of the owner’s wealth when they leave. If the Hebrew slave asks to stay because they love it there, they will be a slave forever and have awl pierce their ear. Israelites are to set aside and not work the firstborn males of the flock because they are to bring them to eat before God each year, unless the firstborn is badly blemished. The blemished are to be eaten at home.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Some countries laws did agree with the Bible at one point. The United States is an example with the Fair Credit Reporting Act . The USA used to have rules about old bad credit not being reportable by the credit bureaus after seven years, but the time has been extended to ten years now.
What other laws in your country agree with the grace given in the Bible?