In the biblical context, the concept of hire, particularly concerning hired property, is addressed within the legal and ethical framework of the Mosaic Law. The laws governing hired property are primarily found in the Pentateuch, specifically in the Book of Exodus. These laws reflect the principles of justice, responsibility, and fairness that are central to the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Exodus 22:14-15 :
"When a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while its owner is not present, he must make full restitution. If the owner was present, no restitution is required. If the animal was hired, the fee covers the loss."

This passage outlines the responsibilities and liabilities associated with borrowing and hiring property. The distinction between borrowing and hiring is significant. When an item is borrowed, the borrower assumes full responsibility for its care and must compensate the owner if it is damaged or lost, provided the owner is not present. This underscores the principle of stewardship and accountability in handling another's property.

However, if the item is hired, the payment made for its use is considered to cover potential losses. This implies a contractual understanding where the risk is mitigated by the hire fee, reflecting a fair exchange between the parties involved. The presence of the owner during the incident absolves the borrower of liability, indicating a shared responsibility when the owner is involved in the oversight of the property.

Leviticus 19:13 :
"You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker must not remain with you until morning."

This verse, while addressing the broader topic of hired labor, emphasizes the ethical treatment of hired workers and, by extension, the fair treatment in all hiring agreements. The prompt payment of wages is a reflection of integrity and respect for the laborer, which can be extrapolated to the fair and timely compensation for hired property.

The laws concerning hired property are deeply rooted in the broader biblical themes of justice and righteousness. They serve as a guide for maintaining harmonious relationships within the community by ensuring that transactions are conducted with honesty and fairness. These principles are timeless, offering a foundation for ethical conduct in both ancient and modern contexts.Exodus 22:14,15
And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... Him from heaven, Who made the law concerning things given ... Therefore the Law made
unsuitable provision in this matter. ... a workman offers his work for hire, so do ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

Of Love to God
... of it, let us notice these five things concerning love to ... In the old law, a high
priest was not to marry with a ... You need not hire a mother to love her child: a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

Letter Xlvi. (AD 398. )
... therefore judged it right to "seek the law at the ... have occasion to pass through their
country hire them, as ... from using meat set before him, concerning which it ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xlvi a d 398.htm

The Lost Sheep.
... own property, and their produce constitutes his hire. ... who, in ignorance of God's
law, count themselves ... troubled by doubt or difficulty concerning this doctrine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxii the lost sheep.htm

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... a practical declaration of what Paul teaches concerning the spiritual ... And yet he
imposes no harder law on his ... one, which the Pope may well hire such patrons to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... interesting to note that with them the law was very ... The other three contain much
legislation concerning social, civil, and ... codes: Ham.249, "If a man hire an ox ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... interpretation, [678]304; "went forth to hire labourers" in ... own sake, [1439]398;
the Law not written ... of, [1472]403; groundless calculation concerning period of ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... For since He is about to give commandment concerning mercy, to ... they disobeyed him,
and hearkened unto the law of God ... having to lay out money, nor to hire a beast ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... text of the so-called Sumerian Laws concerning the Organization ... The law took no
individual account of them ... some few consolations: they could hire themselves out ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... Not only was it customary to hire weeping women ... the punishment fixed by the law for
blasphemy ... Memphite period, the Heliopolitan beliefs concerning the wanderings ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

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Hire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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