What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 24:6? Do not take a pair of millstones • A millstone set—both lower and upper—was the basic household tool for grinding grain into flour. Without it, a family could not bake daily bread. • By forbidding seizure of these stones, the Lord protects an Israelite’s capacity to feed his family. Similar concern appears in Exodus 22:26-27, where a debtor’s cloak must be returned before nightfall. • God affirms that debts must not be collected in ways that destroy the debtor’s ability to survive (Leviticus 25:35-37). Or even an upper millstone • The upper stone is smaller and movable, yet still indispensable. The command drills down to the smallest piece that makes the tool function. • Scripture anticipates the temptation to rationalize: “I’m only taking the top stone, not the whole set.” The Lord closes that loophole. • This reflects the same heart seen in Isaiah 58:6-7, where true righteousness is measured by how we treat the vulnerable, not by technical compliance. As security for a debt • A pledge was a common way to guarantee repayment (Deuteronomy 24:10-13). God does not forbid pledges, but He regulates them so mercy prevails over profit. • People, not property, are the Lord’s priority. Proverbs 19:17 reminds that lending to the poor is lending to the Lord Himself. • The New Testament echoes this principle: believers should lend hoping for nothing in return (Luke 6:34-35). Because that would be taking one’s livelihood as security • Removing a worker’s tools removes his income. Proverbs 22:22-23 warns against robbing the poor at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause. • Amos 2:8 condemns those who trample the needy while reclining on garments taken as pledges. God sees such exploitation and promises judgment. • Practical takeaways: – In business, set terms that allow the other party to keep earning a living. – In personal lending, avoid collateral that cripples the borrower’s future. – Trust God’s provision: generosity is never loss (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). summary Deuteronomy 24:6 commands believers to show tangible compassion in financial dealings. God forbids taking any part of a household’s millstones as collateral because that would strip the debtor of the means to make daily bread. The verse upholds both justice (debts are real) and mercy (debts must never crush life). It calls us to protect, not jeopardize, a neighbor’s livelihood, reflecting the Lord’s own gracious care for all who depend on Him. |
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