Definition:
The term "distrain" refers to the act of seizing someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed. In a biblical context, this concept is closely related to the practices of pledges and surety, where property or goods are held as security for a debt or obligation.

Biblical Context:
The practice of distraining, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is reflected in various laws and narratives concerning pledges and the treatment of debtors. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines on how to handle debts and pledges, emphasizing justice and compassion.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the concept of taking a pledge is addressed in several passages. For example, in Exodus 22:26-27 , the law states: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate." This passage highlights the importance of treating debtors with dignity and ensuring their basic needs are met, even when a pledge is taken.

Deuteronomy 24:10-13 further elaborates on this principle: "When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you. If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you. And it will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God." This passage underscores the ethical treatment of debtors and the importance of returning pledged items promptly.

New Testament Considerations:
While the New Testament does not directly address the practice of distraining, it does emphasize principles of mercy, forgiveness, and the ethical treatment of others. Jesus' teachings often focus on the spirit of the law rather than the letter, encouraging believers to act with love and compassion.

In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Jesus illustrates the importance of forgiving debts as we have been forgiven by God. The parable serves as a reminder of the grace and mercy that should characterize the relationships among believers, even in financial matters.

Theological Implications:
The biblical approach to distraining and pledges reflects a broader theological theme of justice tempered with mercy. The laws given to Israel were designed to protect the vulnerable and ensure that economic transactions did not lead to exploitation or dehumanization. This reflects God's character as just and compassionate, and it calls believers to mirror these attributes in their dealings with others.

Practical Application:
In contemporary settings, the principles derived from biblical teachings on distraining and pledges can inform Christian attitudes toward debt, lending, and financial responsibility. Believers are encouraged to act with integrity, fairness, and compassion, recognizing the dignity of all individuals and the importance of supporting those in need.1. (v. t.) To distress; to take possession as security for nonpayment; as, to distrain goods for rent.

2. (v. t.) To press heavily upon; to bear down upon with violence; hence, to constrain or compel; to bind; to distress, torment, or afflict.

3. (v. t.) To rend; to tear.

4. (v. t.) To subject to distress; to coerce; as, to distrain a person by his goods and chattels.

5. (v. i.) To levy a distress.

The Two Debtors
... 'They had nothing to pay.' Well, if there is no money, 'no effects' in the bank,
no cash in the till, nothing to distrain upon, it does not matter very much ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the two debtors.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... God is for a freewill offering. He does not love to be put to distrain. Gospel-mourning
is spiritual; that is, when we mourn for sin more than suffering. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
... are raised from the text as our collectors raise a tax upon indigent, nonsolvent
people, by coming armed with the law and a constable to distrain for that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/children brought to christ and.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... de-pasture it, in the usual course of husbandry, whereby the cattle consume the
tithes; but his remedy is either to bring an action, or to distrain the tithes ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

The Saybrook Platform
... If the receipt was not forthcoming at the appointed time, the secretary of the colony
was empowered to issue, upon application, a warrant to distrain all or ...
/.../chapter vi the saybrook platform.htm

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... and New England only excepted), there to remain seven years; and warrants shall
issue to sequester the profits of their lands, and to distrain and sell their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr john bunyans dying sayings.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... our nakedness; and to put God to it to build his glory, which we denied him, upon
the ruins of our own, which we preferred before him; and to distrain for that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Distrain (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To distress; to take possession as security for
nonpayment; as, to distrain goods for rent. ...Distrain (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/distrain.htm - 7k

Distraction (1 Occurrence)

/d/distraction.htm - 7k

Distress (169 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To compel by pain or suffering. 8. (n.) To seize for debt; to distrain.
Multi-Version Concordance Distress (169 Occurrences). ...
/d/distress.htm - 36k

Drive (132 Occurrences)
... 11. (vi) To press forward; to aim, or tend, to a point; to make an effort; to strive; --
usually with at. 12. (vi) To distrain for rent. 13. (pp) Driven. 14. ...
/d/drive.htm - 38k

Distraught (2 Occurrences)

/d/distraught.htm - 7k

Distrain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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