Why does Deuteronomy 23:20 differentiate between Israelites and foreigners regarding interest? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “‘You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.’” (Deuteronomy 23:20) Zooming Out: What Was Happening in Deuteronomy • Moses was restating the Law for a redeemed but still nomadic people poised to enter the Promised Land. • Chapters 23 and 24 list community-life statutes meant to preserve purity, compassion, and justice among God’s covenant people. • The command about interest sits among rules for protecting the vulnerable—fugitive servants, the poor, and even laborers who needed same-day wages. Covenant Family versus Non-Covenant Neighbors • “Your brother” = every Israelite, regardless of tribe or economic status. • “Foreigner” (nokri) = non-Israelite sojourner or trader passing through; not bound to Israel’s covenant obligations (Exodus 12:48-49). • Scripture consistently distinguishes covenant responsibilities toward family members from dealings with outsiders (Leviticus 25:35-37; Nehemiah 5:1-13). Why God Forbade Interest within Israel • Family solidarity: Israel was a single “house” rescued from Egypt; charging interest inside that family would re-create bondage (Exodus 22:25). • Protection of the poor: Interest quickly multiplies debt; forbidding it shielded Hebrews who had fallen on hard times (Leviticus 25:35-38). • Reflection of divine mercy: God gave land, crops, and freedom freely; His people were to mirror that grace (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). • Social reset every Jubilee: Interest would undermine the 50-year release of debts and property (Leviticus 25:8-17). Why Interest Was Allowed with Foreigners • Commercial reality: Foreign traders engaged in profit-driven transactions; interest was a normal business tool. • Distinct witness: Israel’s no-interest rule inside the family was a testimony of God’s generosity; by contrast, normal commerce with outsiders did not misrepresent His character. • Covenant blessings: “So that the LORD your God may bless you” implies obedience brought material and spiritual favor—even income from foreign interest could become provision for national worship and welfare (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Not a License for Exploitation • All dealings, even with outsiders, had to remain just (Proverbs 11:1). • Foreigners dwelling long-term under Israel’s roof shared certain protections (Deuteronomy 24:17-18). • God judged oppressive nations (Amos 1:3-2:3); Israel was never free to imitate them. God’s Heart on Interest Echoed Elsewhere • “He who does not lend at usury… will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:5) • Nehemiah rebuked nobles for charging interest to fellow Jews returning from exile (Nehemiah 5:9-12). • Jesus broadened the principle to radical generosity toward all (Luke 6:34-36). Living It Out Today • Care for the household of faith first, yet “do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). • Let business practice reflect God’s character—profit may be legitimate, but mercy must govern every transaction. • Remember we, too, were debtors set free (Colossians 2:13-14); refusing to profit from a brother’s hardship proclaims that gospel. |
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