Abstract:
Biblical criticism regards biblical books as fundamental texts expressing and embodying the
core of faith and practice of a believing community. Thus, in line with canonical criticism, this
article assumes the Book of Deuteronomy as a basic text, cherished and believed by those who
practice the Jewish and Christian faiths. Primarily, the article analyses the text of Deuteronomy
15:1–11 against the background of its social vision for community living in ancient Israel. The
potential significance of this humanitarian and/or brotherly ethics and its associated benefits
are the secondary concerns of the article. The article, however, does not preclude reflection on
scholarly discussions regarding Deuteronomy’s compositional history, though with limited
focus. The article holds that a practical understanding and appropriation of Deuteronomy’s
radical humanitarian vision will not only help in raising a healthy community which functions
as an alternative to poverty but also reinvigorate commitment to a mission of social
responsibility for God’s people living in covenant and/or faith communities.
