The title of Deuteronomy refers to the repetition of the law, or a copy of the law. The subject of the book is the Law and its importance in national life and in the life of the individual.
One issue in the law is addressed in this section, and this concerns questions of the owing of money. The law states that every seven years, a release is to be granted by all creditors to those who owe them money. Because this is a prescription from the Lord, the creditor shall not exact money from the person who has borrowed or from any of his relations.
This provision applies to one's neighbor, meaning a countryman, but it does not apply to foreigners. They will still have to pay back what they owe.
There need be no fear that this will create a new class of poor people because the Lord assures that He will provide if the laws are kept.
By becoming a nation that lends money, Israel is to be made powerful because it will have power over other nations. Israel is not to become a borrower, however, for this would give power to the other nations over Israel, and God does not want this to be the power relationship created.
Within the community, it is important to provide for the needs of the poor and not to harden your heart or shut your hand against a brother.
The structure of Deuteronomy repeats the Laws, as might be expected in a book that means "second law." Chapters 12 through 26 contain a listing of laws, but the subject prior to that is the meaning of the Law and how it is to be applied, referring to the Law of Moses. Part of the giving of that law is the Covenant God made with Israel. One element in Deuteronomy involves the repetition of the terms of the Covenant and the acceptance of the Covenant by the people of Israel.
The repetition of the law in Deuteronomy and the recollection of the terms of the Covenant may be seen as a necessary rea
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