3 You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your fellow Israelite owes you.
3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
3 Of a foreigner you may exact it, but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand shall release.
3 You may collect payment from foreigners, but whatever you have lent to your fellow Israelite you must write off.
3 Of a foreigner you may require it; but you shall give up your claim to what is owed by your brother,
3 This release from debt, however, applies only to your fellow Israelites-not to the foreigners living among you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:3
Commentary on Deuteronomy 15:1-11
(Read Deuteronomy 15:1-11)
This year of release typified the grace of the gospel, in which is proclaimed the acceptable year of the Lord; and by which we obtain the release of our debts, that is, the pardon of our sins. The law is spiritual, and lays restraints upon the thoughts of the heart. We mistake, if we think thoughts are free from God's knowledge and check. That is a wicked heart indeed, which raises evil thoughts from the good law of God, as theirs did, who, because God had obliged them to the charity of forgiving, denied the charity of giving. Those who would keep from the act of sin, must keep out of their minds the very thought of sin. It is a dreadful thing to have the cry of the poor justly against us. Grudge not a kindness to thy brother; distrust not the providence of God. What thou doest, do freely, for God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7.