Topical Bible: Usury: Exaction of, Rebuked

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Usury, the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, is a topic addressed multiple times in the Bible, often with strong rebuke. The term "usury" in biblical contexts typically refers to any interest charged on a loan, especially when it exploits the borrower. The Bible provides clear guidance on this issue, emphasizing fairness, compassion, and justice in financial dealings.

Old Testament Teachings

The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibits the Israelites from charging interest to their fellow countrymen. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "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 command underscores the importance of compassion and support within the community, especially towards those in need.

Leviticus 25:35-37 further elaborates on this principle: "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 countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining the dignity and well-being of the impoverished, reflecting God's desire for His people to act with mercy and justice.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 provides additional instruction: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, 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 passage distinguishes between fellow Israelites and foreigners, allowing interest to be charged to the latter but not to one's own people, highlighting the covenantal relationship among the Israelites.

Prophetic Rebukes

The prophets also addressed the issue of usury, often in the context of social injustice and exploitation. In Ezekiel 18:13 , the prophet condemns those who engage in usury: "He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head." This severe warning reflects the gravity of exploiting the vulnerable through financial means.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 22:12 , the prophet lists usury among the sins of Jerusalem: "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest; you make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." The inclusion of usury alongside other grave sins underscores its seriousness in the eyes of God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury in the same manner as the Old Testament, the principles of love, generosity, and fairness continue to be emphasized. Jesus' teachings on loving one's neighbor and helping those in need align with the Old Testament's prohibitions against exploitative financial practices. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus instructs, "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

The early Christian community also practiced these principles, as seen in Acts 4:32-35 , where believers shared their possessions and ensured that no one among them was in need. This communal approach reflects the biblical ideal of supporting one another without seeking personal gain through usury.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on usury is clear: it is rebuked as an unjust practice that exploits the vulnerable and contradicts the principles of love, justice, and community support. The teachings found in both the Old and New Testaments call believers to act with compassion and fairness in all financial dealings, reflecting the character of God and His desire for His people to live in harmony and mutual care.

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Nehemiah 5:1-13
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
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