In biblical terms, the concept of "exacts" often relates to the practice of demanding or collecting what is due, particularly in the context of taxes, debts, or other obligations. This term can be associated with the broader themes of justice, fairness, and mercy as outlined in Scripture.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the practice of exacting debts or taxes is addressed in various laws and narratives. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines on how debts were to be handled, emphasizing fairness and compassion. For instance, in Exodus 22:25, the Israelites are instructed, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This law underscores the importance of mercy and fairness in financial dealings.

The prophets also spoke against unjust exaction. In Isaiah 58:3, the people of Israel complain, "Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?" The Lord responds by highlighting their failure to act justly, including their practice of exacting labor from their workers. This passage illustrates the disconnect between religious observance and ethical behavior, particularly in economic matters.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the issue of exacting is addressed in the context of tax collection and the treatment of debtors. Tax collectors, often viewed negatively in Jewish society, are mentioned in several passages. In Luke 3:12-13, tax collectors come to John the Baptist and ask, "Teacher, what should we do?" He replies, "Collect no more than you are authorized." This instruction emphasizes honesty and integrity in financial dealings.

The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35 also touches on the theme of exacting debts. In this parable, a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. The master's response highlights the expectation of mercy and forgiveness, reflecting the broader biblical principle that those who have received grace should extend it to others.

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of exacting debts and obligations reflects a balance between justice and mercy. While the Bible acknowledges the legitimacy of fulfilling obligations, it also calls for compassion and fairness. This balance is rooted in the character of God, who is both just and merciful. Believers are encouraged to emulate these attributes in their dealings with others, recognizing that all are accountable to God for their actions.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the biblical teachings on exacting can inform ethical financial practices. This includes fair treatment of employees, honest business dealings, and a compassionate approach to those in financial distress. The call to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8) remains relevant, challenging believers to reflect God's character in all areas of life, including economic interactions.

Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent?
... Reply to Objection 1: In this passage usury must be taken figuratively for the increase
of spiritual goods which God exacts from us, for He wishes us ever to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is a sin.htm

1 John iv. 17-21
... I have said, most sweet in exacting, because where charity is not, he that exacts
is bitter: but where charity is, both he that exacts is sweet, and he of whom ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily ix 1 john iv.htm

Whether He Sins who Demands an Oath of a Perjurer?
... to be at fault, if he demands an oath of a person, whether he knows that he will
swear falsely or truly, because seemingly it is not he that exacts the oath ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether he sins who demands.htm

John Chapter vii. 14-18
... It is faith itself then that God exacts from us: and He finds not that
which He exacts, unless He has bestowed what He may find. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxix john chapter vii.htm

Epistle xxx. The Roman Clergy to Cyprian.
... Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father and before
His angels." [2348] For God, as He is merciful, so He exacts obedience to ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxx the roman clergy.htm

Tertullian, Having Shown his Defence to be Consistent with ...
... Scripture founds the law; Nature joins to attest it; Discipline exacts it. Which
of these (three) does a custom founded on (mere) opinion appear in behalf of? ...
/.../on the veiling of virgins/chapter xvi tertullian having shown his.htm

Elucidations.
... between Ecclesiastical Absolution and that of Him who alone "seeth in secret;"
(4) it admits no compromise with attrition, but exacts the contrite heart and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on repentance/elucidations.htm

The Formation of Habits.
... submitting to rule. When they are old they will not depart from it. God
has His laws. God exacts their obedience. They learn now ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiv the formation of habits.htm

Of the Power of Prayer.
... For what has God, who exacts it ever denied [8945] to prayer coming from "spirit
and truth?" How mighty specimens of its efficacy do we read, and hear, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxix of the power of.htm

Letter Xlviii to Magister Walter De Chaumont.
... to you? If He shall find your hand empty, who, though a liberal bestower
of His gifts, exacts a strict account of their use! "For ...
/.../letter xlviii to magister walter.htm

Exacts (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exacts (3 Occurrences). ... For true wisdom has two sides.
Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves. ...
/e/exacts.htm - 7k

Usurer (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) One who lends money at a rate of interest beyond that established by law;
one who exacts an exorbitant rate of interest for the use of money. ...
/u/usurer.htm - 7k

Reverence (42 Occurrences)
... veneration; an obeisance. 3. (n.) That which deserves or exacts manifestations
of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state. 4. (n.) A ...
/r/reverence.htm - 21k

Exactor (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who exacts or demands by authority or right;
hence, an extortioner; also, one unreasonably severe in injunctions or demands. ...
/e/exactor.htm - 9k

Exactress (1 Occurrence)

/e/exactress.htm - 6k

Exaggerate (1 Occurrence)

/e/exaggerate.htm - 6k

Deserves (25 Occurrences)
... of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts
of you less than your iniquity deserves. (WEB RSV). Job ...
/d/deserves.htm - 13k

Secrets (26 Occurrences)
... For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your
iniquity deserves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/secrets.htm - 14k

Less (93 Occurrences)
... For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less
than your iniquity deserves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/l/less.htm - 35k

Iniquity (299 Occurrences)
... For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than
your iniquity deserves. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/i/iniquity.htm - 43k

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