15 If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.
15 Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
15 "You shall not give up to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you.
15 Don't return a runaway slave to his master; he's come to you for refuge.
15 "You shall not give back to his master the slave who has escaped from his master to you.
15 "If slaves should escape from their masters and take refuge with you, you must not hand them over to their masters.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:15
Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:15-25
(Read Deuteronomy 23:15-25)
It is honourable to shelter and protect the weak, provided they are not wicked. Proselytes and converts to the truth, should be treated with particular tenderness, that they may have no temptation to return to the world. We cannot honour God with our substance, unless it be honestly and honourably come by. It must not only be considered what we give, but how we got it. Where the borrower gets, or hopes to get, it is just that the lender should share the gain; but to him that borrows for necessary food, pity must be showed. That which is gone out of thy lips, as a solemn and deliberate vow, must not be recalled, but thou shalt keep and perform it punctually and fully. They were allowed to pluck and eat of the corn or grapes that grew by the road side; only they must not carry any away. This law intimated what great plenty of corn and wine they should have in Canaan. It provided for the support of poor travellers, and teaches us to be kind to such, teaches us to be ready to distribute, and not to think every thing lost that is given away. Yet it forbids us to abuse the kindness of friends, or to take advantage of what is allowed. Faithfulness to their engagements should mark the people of God; and they should never encroach upon others.