Read Deuteronomy 15 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew Paragraphs:
15:1-6 {s} Seventh (Sabbath) year release of debts
15:7-11 {s} Lend generously to the poor even when the Sabbath year approaches
15:12-18 {p} Seventh (Sabbath) year release of servants
15:19-23 {p} The firstborn are holy to YHVH
Deu 15:1-18 is the first section explaining the fourth commandment, Honor the Sabbath day. There is nothing about resting on the seventh day in this section, but rather it is about resting in the seventh year; more specifically, being released from debt and bondage–that which enslaves. The seventh day Sabbath is a Prophetic Type for the gospel of grace, for we do not engage in painful labor (the result of sin and the fall) on the day of rest. As soon as God’s people were set free from slavery, He taught them to rest on the seventh day. Rest on the Sabbath is the occupation of the free men of His kingdom and not slaves. Likewise, in the seventh year, if His people have become enslaved again, they are to be released from their slavery and set free.
Deu 15:1-18 makes this Chiastic Structure:
If there are questions, this is a good resource:
Sabbath Index of Studies – Christine Miller
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