Justin Houtz

Deuteronomy 15, Galatians 6

DateVersionReading Plan
June 17, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Deuteronomy 15

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD through Moses told the people that there was to be a release year every seven years, a time when “all debts among the children of Israel were to be canceled.” (BBC) (Deut. 15:1). The Jews were required to cancel all debts among each other in the release year but were not required to cancel debts of foreigners (Deut. 15:3). Addressing how the people may change their dealings with others because a release year was approaching, it was commanded that they should not harden their hearts against those in need. They were to give freely because the LORD would bless them in all that they undertake (Deut. 15:7-10).

Hebrew slaves were to serve six years and be released in the seventh year, furnished liberally out of the flock, threshing floor and winepress as the LORD had blessed them (Deut. 15:12-14). They were to remember how they were slaves in Egypt and were redeemed by the LORD their God (Deut. 15:15). If the slave (either male or female) refused to leave out of love for the slave owner and family, they were to be driven through the ear with an awl and shall be their slave forever (Deut. 15:16-17). It was not to be hard for them to let the slave go free, for at half the cost of a hired worker he had served them six years. So the LORD would bless them in all that they do (Deut. 15:18).

All the firstborn males of herd and flock were to be dedicated to the LORD. No work was to be done with these animals, nor were they to be shorn (Deut. 15:19). The people were to eat such animals before the LORD their God year after year in the place the LORD would choose (Deut. 15:20). However, if it had a blemish or was lame or blind, it was not to be sacrificed to the LORD (Deut. 15:21). It was to be eaten in their towns and the unclean and clean alike may eat it (Deut. 15:22). Only the blood was not to be eaten but poured out on the ground like water (Deut. 15:23).

Application

The equitable manner that the people were to treat slaves speaks to the compassion of the LORD for all human life, regardless of status. It is difficult from our modern, Western perspective to see how the chattel slavery of recent centuries could have been condoned based on this and other chapters in the Bible regarding slaves, but does reveal the propensity of eisegetic interpretation. There is a very real danger of cultural and political factors shaping our hermeneutic. Mindful of this, we should earnestly seek the Spirit’s guidance in drawing from text of Scripture what it says and how it can be rightly applied rather than project what we want it to say.

Galatians 6

Observation & Interpretation

Paul exhorts believers to bear each others’ burdens, restoring one another in a spirit of gentleness if caught in any transgression. However, in doing so, they were to be diligent not to succumb to the same sin themselves (Gal 6:1). There was to be humility among the brethren as “Anyone who considers himself superior to a fallen believer is deceiving himself and risks being tempted also.” (CSB Notes).

The one who was taught should share all good things with the one who teaches (Gal. 6:6). The church was not to be certain and not deceived that God is not mocked. Whatever one sows, that will he also reap. “Although others may not notice our neglect of God’s servants, He sees it, and gives a harvest accordingly. We reap what we sow, and we reap in greater quantities than we sow.” (BBC). Therefore, they should were to not grow weary of doing good, for in due season they would reap if they did not give up (Gal. 6:9). Paul exhorted that good was to be done to everyone as opportunities arise and especially to those of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). “Our kindness is not to be limited to believers, but is to be shown to them in a special way.” (BBC).

Paul notes the large letters with which he writes, and with his own hands. “The large letters with which he wrote might have indicated his deep feeling in seeking to combat the legalists and how serious he considered the Judaizing error to be, or that Paul’s eyesight was poor, as many have suggested from this and other passages (the BBC favors the latter view).” (BBC). Paul spoke of how he boasted in nothing but the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world had been crucified to him and him to the world (Gal. 6:14). He makes clear that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision count for anything, but a new creation (Gal. 6:15). All who walk by this rule would be peace and mercy and upon the Israel of God (Gal. 6:16). The BBC notes that this “is the rule of the new creation. [Paul] pronounces the double blessing of peace and mercy on all those who judge teaching by the question—’Is it of the new creation?’—and who reject all that is not.” He spoke of belonging to the Lord, bearing the marks of Jesus, and that no one was to cause him trouble. According to the BBC, these “were the scars which he received at the hands of his persecutors.”

Paul concludes his letter on the same topic it began: grace (see. Gal. 1:3). “It is also significant that in Paul’s last sentence he addresses the Galatians as brothers and sisters. Although they have been tempted by ‘another gospel’ (Gl 1:7), Paul ends this letter in the hope that they remain brothers and sisters.” (CSB Notes)

Application

Worthy of further reflection are Paul’s words that neither circumcision or uncircumcision counts for anything, but a new creation. It is not external expressions but an internal transformation of the heart that marks a child of God. The Holy Spirit quickens the spirit of the elect in such a way that leads to mortification of sin and a complete turning from self to follow Christ in full surrender.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are just and righteous in all Your ways. Father, by Your Spirit, lead the hearts of Your children to approach, comprehend and apply Your Word in faithfulness to what You have graciously provided. How wonderful is Your grace, O Lord, that You would see fit to send and sacrifice Your Son that we would be made a new creation in You.

Resources