In the context of the Old Testament, the term "alien" refers to foreigners or non-Israelites living among the Israelites. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines on how the Israelites were to interact with these individuals, particularly in matters of finance and lending.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 23:20 : "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 to which you put your hand in the land you are entering to possess."

This verse clearly delineates the distinction between Israelites and foreigners regarding the practice of usury. The Israelites were prohibited from charging interest to their fellow countrymen, emphasizing a sense of community and mutual support among the people of God. However, they were permitted to charge interest to foreigners, which reflects the different social and economic relationships that existed between Israelites and non-Israelites.

2. Exodus 22:25 : "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest."

This passage reinforces the principle of not charging interest to fellow Israelites, particularly those who are poor. The emphasis is on compassion and support within the covenant community, ensuring that financial transactions do not become burdensome or exploitative.

3. Leviticus 25:35-37 : "If your brother becomes impoverished and cannot support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit."

This passage further underscores the prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites, highlighting the importance of maintaining the welfare and dignity of the community. The Israelites were called to fear God and act justly, ensuring that their economic practices reflected their covenant relationship with Him.

Theological Implications:

The permission to charge interest to foreigners, while prohibiting it among Israelites, can be understood within the broader context of Israel's covenant identity. The Israelites were set apart as God's chosen people, and their economic practices were to reflect their unique relationship with Him. By allowing interest to be charged to foreigners, the law acknowledged the different social and economic dynamics at play, while still maintaining the integrity and unity of the Israelite community.

The distinction also served as a reminder of the Israelites' own history as aliens in Egypt, where they experienced oppression and hardship. By treating their fellow Israelites with compassion and fairness, they were to embody the justice and mercy of God, who had delivered them from bondage.

Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern societies, lending and borrowing were common practices, often necessary for survival and economic stability. The Israelites, like their neighbors, engaged in these practices, but the Mosaic Law provided a framework that emphasized ethical conduct and social responsibility. The permission to charge interest to foreigners reflects the practical realities of economic interactions with those outside the covenant community, while the prohibition among Israelites reinforced the values of kinship and mutual aid.

Overall, the biblical guidelines on usury highlight the importance of justice, compassion, and community solidarity, principles that continue to resonate in discussions of economic ethics and social responsibility today.Deuteronomy 15:3
Of a foreigner you may exact it again: but that which is your with your brother your hand shall release;
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 23:20
To a stranger you may lend on usury; but to your brother you shall not lend on usury: that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you set your hand to in the land where you go to possess it.
Nave's Topical Index

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