In what ways can we apply Leviticus 25:47 to modern financial practices? Verse in Focus “ ‘If a foreigner or temporary resident among you prospers, but your brother among you becomes poor and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner’s clan,’ ” (Leviticus 25:47) Historical Context • Israel’s economy was agrarian; land and personal freedom were tied together. • The Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55) reset debts and restored family property. • Verse 47 spotlights a safeguard: even if an Israelite fell into deep debt and had to hire himself out, his kinsmen were obliged to redeem him so he would not become a permanent slave. Timeless Principles Unearthed • God values people above profits (cf. Deuteronomy 15:7-11). • Debt must never become a life-long chain (Leviticus 25:10, 39-41). • Prosperity carries responsibility toward the vulnerable (Proverbs 14:31). • Community, not just the individual debtor, shares the duty of redemption (Galatians 6:2). Modern Financial Applications • Design lending products that help rather than trap. – Avoid predatory interest rates (Exodus 22:25). – Offer clear, honest terms (Proverbs 11:1). • Build “jubilee moments” into budgets and institutions. – Provide periodic debt-forgiveness programs or interest-free repayment windows. – Encourage sabbatical savings practices—living below means to create margin for generosity. • Strengthen community safety nets. – Churches can establish benevolence funds that retire medical bills or high-interest payday loans. – Employers can create hardship grants rather than advances that deepen debt. • Mentor and restore, not just relieve. – Pair financial gifts with stewardship training (Proverbs 27:23). – Offer employment and skill-building to those emerging from bankruptcy or incarceration. • Advocate for righteous policies. – Support legislation that caps usurious interest. – Promote affordable housing initiatives that prevent families from “selling themselves” to cycles of rent debt. Practical Steps for Today 1. Review your own lending and borrowing; eliminate contracts that could enslave. 2. Allocate a “redeemer fund” in your budget—money reserved to set someone else free. 3. Partner with ministries that purchase and erase medical or educational debt. 4. If you employ others, institute fair-wage policies that keep workers from desperate credit. 5. Participate in community credit unions that practice ethical, low-interest lending. Encouragement to Act Jesus proclaimed “the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19), echoing Jubilee. Living out Leviticus 25:47 today means turning that proclamation into tangible financial mercy—so no brother or sister must ever “sell” freedom, dignity, or future for lack of help. |
    |