Deuteronomy 15:18
“It shall not seem hard to you, when you let him go free from you; for he has been double value of a hired hand as he served you six years. Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do.”
What does Deuteronomy 15:18 mean?
When someone has served you faithfully for six years—giving you work that was worth far more than what you'd pay a hired worker for that same time—releasing them shouldn't feel like a loss. The passage is encouraging generosity by reminding us that we've already received far more value than we gave up. Behind this teaching is the deeper promise that God blesses those who choose fairness and kindness, even when it costs us something tangible in the moment. It's an invitation to trust that generosity doesn't leave us poorer, but actually opens the door to God's provision and favor in everything we do.