Another important law is known as the Year of Release, which provided that at the end of each six-year period, all property that had been forfeited to satisfy debts should be returned to its original owners. This law was intended not only to prevent an undue accumulation of wealth on the part of a few but also to provide new opportunities for those who had been deprived of their possessions through unfortunate circumstances over which they had no control. Other laws were designed to protect people who had been falsely accused. By fleeing to one of the cities of refuge, the accused person would be safe until the charge had been thoroughly investigated.
Not all of the laws in Deuteronomy are of an ethical nature. Ritualistic requirements, such as the prohibition of eating certain kinds of meat, sowing mixed seed in the same field, purification rites, and numerous ceremonies, are included along with the other laws. The nationalistic character of this legislation is illustrated in the fact that Hebrews and non-Hebrews are not subject to the same requirements. For example, animals that died a natural death could not be sold to the Hebrews for food but could be sold to foreigners. The treatment of slaves was another instance in which Israelites were entitled to privileges denied to foreigners.
The introduction to the law codes is presented as an address given by Moses. The motive that should prompt obedience to these laws is gratitude for the way in which Yahweh delivered his people from bondage in Egypt. The Sabbath, for example, should be observed as a memorial to the people's deliverance and should constantly remind them of their obligation to treat with kindness the laborers in their employ. Later additions supplement the earlier portions of Deuteronomy by placing all the laws under the same historical setting. Blessings are pronounced on people who obey all the statutes and ordinances of the book; those who refuse to obey are cursed.
