Deuteronomy 15 teaches a plain, practical, and merciful economy for a covenant people. It draws a careful distinction between two kinds of poverty and prescribes two different responses. One response is charity without expectation of repayment; the other is an interest-free, compassionate loan with the expectation of repayment. Both responses display mercy, but each fits a different need and both honor God’s wisdom about work, stewardship, and neighbor-love.