Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Unshaken Daily Devotional #141 Evil Eye or Open Hand
What if every seven years, all your debts were wiped clean and you were given a total fresh start? In Deuteronomy 15, God introduces the "Lord’s Release"—a visceral symbol of grace that was meant to eliminate poverty in Israel. Discover why the "Sabbath Year" isn't just about money, but about a "release" from everything that keeps us from being fully satisfied.
Summary: In this episode, Jared Halverson analyzes Deuteronomy 14–18, moving from the dietary and tithing laws of a "Peculiar People" to the weightier matters of justice and prophecy. We explore the transition from an "evil eye" to an "open hand," the importance of the three Pilgrimage Festivals, and the specific laws meant to keep kings and prophets humble. We also deep-dive into the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15—the coming of a Prophet like unto Moses—a scripture quoted by Peter, Stephen, Nephi, Jesus, and even the Angel Moroni.
Key doctrinal insights include:
The Peculiar People: An analysis of Deuteronomy 14:2. We discuss why being "different" is a prerequisite for being holy. From what we eat to how we spend our money, God asks us to separate ourselves from the world so He can bless "all the work of thine hand."
The Default Position: Understanding the "Open Hand." We analyze Deuteronomy 15:7–8, showing that while "hardening the heart" is a choice, the natural state of a disciple should be an open hand, providing "sufficient for the needs" of the marginalized.
The "Evil Eye" Warning: Why we sometimes fear being too generous as the "Year of Release" approaches. We discuss the danger of justifying a lack of charity and how to turn a "loan" into a "gift" in our hearts.
The Prophet Like Unto Moses: A look at the most-quoted prophecy in the New Testament and Book of Mormon. We discuss how Jesus Christ fulfilled this role as the ultimate Lawgiver and Deliverer.
Kings and the Law: Why Israel's leaders were required to write their own copy of the scriptures. We discuss the warning against multiplying "horses, wives, and gold" and the importance of remaining a "brother" to those you lead.
Discerning the Voice: How do we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? We analyze the relationship between prophetic fallibility and our own need to be moved upon by the Holy Ghost to recognize truth.
The Counterfeit Tree of Life: Why God forbade planting "groves" near His altar. We discuss the danger of mixing the philosophies of Babylon with the ordinances of Zion.
This lesson serves as a powerful reminder that "every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord." God doesn't want our "leftovers"—He wants us to bring our best to "the place" He has chosen. Whether you are seeking a "release" from your own burdens or looking to "open your hand" to a brother in need, this video will help you see the "Prophet of good things to come."
Call-to-Action: Deuteronomy 15 says we should "open our hand wide" to the poor. Is there someone in your "gates"—your neighborhood, your ward, or your family—whose needs you’ve been overlooking? How can you turn your heart toward them this week? Share your thoughts on "the Lord's release" in the comments! Like and Subscribe to Unshaken for more deep-dive scripture study!
Tags:
Deuteronomy 14, Deuteronomy 15, Deuteronomy 16, Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18, Book of Deuteronomy, Year of Release, Tithing, Peculiar People, Moses, Law of Consecration, Jared Halverson, Unshaken, LDS Scripture Study, Old Testament 2026, True and False Prophets, Jesus Christ in the Old Testament, Social Justice in the Bible, Come Follow Me
Unshaken Daily Devotional #141 Evil Eye or Open Hand
What if every seven years, all your debts were wiped clean and you were given a total fresh start? In Deuteronomy 15, God introduces the "Lord’s Release"—a visceral symbol of grace that was meant to eliminate poverty in Israel. Discover why the "Sabbath Year" isn't just about money, but about a "release" from everything that keeps us from being fully satisfied.
Summary: In this episode, Jared Halverson analyzes Deuteronomy 14–18, moving from the dietary and tithing laws of a "Peculiar People" to the weightier matters of justice and prophecy. We explore the transition from an "evil eye" to an "open hand," the importance of the three Pilgrimage Festivals, and the specific laws meant to keep kings and prophets humble. We also deep-dive into the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15—the coming of a Prophet like unto Moses—a scripture quoted by Peter, Stephen, Nephi, Jesus, and even the Angel Moroni.
Key doctrinal insights include:
The Peculiar People: An analysis of Deuteronomy 14:2. We discuss why being "different" is a prerequisite for being holy. From what we eat to how we spend our money, God asks us to separate ourselves from the world so He can bless "all the work of thine hand."
The Default Position: Understanding the "Open Hand." We analyze Deuteronomy 15:7–8, showing that while "hardening the heart" is a choice, the natural state of a disciple should be an open hand, providing "sufficient for the needs" of the marginalized.
The "Evil Eye" Warning: Why we sometimes fear being too generous as the "Year of Release" approaches. We discuss the danger of justifying a lack of charity and how to turn a "loan" into a "gift" in our hearts.
The Prophet Like Unto Moses: A look at the most-quoted prophecy in the New Testament and Book of Mormon. We discuss how Jesus Christ fulfilled this role as the ultimate Lawgiver and Deliverer.
Kings and the Law: Why Israel's leaders were required to write their own copy of the scriptures. We discuss the warning against multiplying "horses, wives, and gold" and the importance of remaining a "brother" to those you lead.
Discerning the Voice: How do we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? We analyze the relationship between prophetic fallibility and our own need to be moved upon by the Holy Ghost to recognize truth.
The Counterfeit Tree of Life: Why God forbade planting "groves" near His altar. We discuss the danger of mixing the philosophies of Babylon with the ordinances of Zion.
This lesson serves as a powerful reminder that "every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord." God doesn't want our "leftovers"—He wants us to bring our best to "the place" He has chosen. Whether you are seeking a "release" from your own burdens or looking to "open your hand" to a brother in need, this video will help you see the "Prophet of good things to come."
Call-to-Action: Deuteronomy 15 says we should "open our hand wide" to the poor. Is there someone in your "gates"—your neighborhood, your ward, or your family—whose needs you’ve been overlooking? How can you turn your heart toward them this week? Share your thoughts on "the Lord's release" in the comments! Like and Subscribe to Unshaken for more deep-dive scripture study!
Tags:
Deuteronomy 14, Deuteronomy 15, Deuteronomy 16, Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18, Book of Deuteronomy, Year of Release, Tithing, Peculiar People, Moses, Law of Consecration, Jared Halverson, Unshaken, LDS Scripture Study, Old Testament 2026, True and False Prophets, Jesus Christ in the Old Testament, Social Justice in the Bible, Come Follow Me
