What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 23:20? You may charge a foreigner interest • The verse begins by permitting Israel to add interest when lending to outsiders. This is a straightforward allowance, not a loophole. God distinguishes between commercial dealings with nations that do not share the covenant and family-style care inside the covenant. • Foreigners were welcome to trade (Deuteronomy 14:21), but they were not part of the household of faith. Business with them operated under ordinary market practice—interest was acceptable, much like Paul later assumed normal commerce with unbelievers in 1 Corinthians 5:12. • The principle is protective, not predatory. Israel was never authorized to exploit foreigners; justice for the stranger is repeatedly commanded (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34). Yet the distinct status of covenant and non-covenant people meant lending rules differed, as echoed again in Deuteronomy 15:3. but not your brother • “Brother” points to any fellow Israelite. Within God’s family, loans were to be interest-free (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37). This preserved dignity and prevented cycles of poverty. • The expectation was generosity that mirrors God’s own grace (Luke 6:34-35 reflects the same heartbeat). • Nehemiah rebuked leaders who ignored this statute and burdened fellow Jews with interest (Nehemiah 5:7-11); revival began when they repented. • The contrast to the previous clause is intentional: family care is sacrificial, commerce with outsiders is ordinary. Both situations remain under God’s moral eye. so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand • Obedience to this financial boundary invited comprehensive blessing—“everything” echoes covenant promises in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. • Blessing here is not a mechanical prosperity plan but a relational outcome: honoring God’s social order triggers His favor (Psalm 1:1-3; Malachi 3:10). • The verse ties spiritual faithfulness to everyday work—fields, flocks, trades. When Israel refused to squeeze brothers for profit, God pledged to multiply their efforts (Proverbs 11:24-25). in the land that you are entering to possess • The command anticipates Israel’s settled life in Canaan, where wealth and opportunity could tempt them to forget the giver (Deuteronomy 8:11-18). • Land possession was gift, not entitlement; therefore economic practice had to reflect covenant mercy. • This land clause grounds the statute in real soil and borders, yet the principle travels. Wherever God’s people dwell, they model a kingdom ethic that values community over gain (Acts 2:44-45 shows the early church living the same spirit). • Joshua 1:3 reminds Israel that the land was God’s, and they were stewards. An interest-free loan to a brother was one way to steward the inheritance faithfully. summary Deuteronomy 23:20 sets two clear lanes: interest may be charged to outsiders, never to covenant kin. By drawing that line, God shields family members from exploitation, cultivates generosity, and promises to reward such obedience with broad blessing in the promised land. The verse calls believers today to handle money in a way that protects the household of faith and showcases the kindness of the King we represent. |
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