Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the treatment of servants and laborers was governed by a set of ethical and legal standards that reflected the broader moral imperatives of the Mosaic Law. One such standard was the prohibition against withholding the wages of hired workers overnight. This commandment is rooted in the broader biblical principle of justice and compassion towards one's neighbor, particularly those who are economically vulnerable.The primary scriptural basis for this prohibition is found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This verse underscores the importance of prompt payment for services rendered, reflecting a concern for the immediate needs of workers who depended on daily wages for their sustenance. The commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 24:14-15 , which provides further clarity and emphasis: "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise, he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This passage highlights the moral obligation to ensure that workers receive their due compensation without delay, recognizing their reliance on daily earnings for survival. The prohibition against withholding wages overnight is not merely a legalistic requirement but is deeply rooted in the character of God as just and compassionate. It reflects the broader biblical theme of caring for the marginalized and ensuring that justice is upheld in all economic transactions. The commandment serves as a reminder of the Israelites' own experience of oppression in Egypt, where they were once slaves and subject to harsh treatment. As such, it calls the people of Israel to a higher standard of ethical conduct, one that mirrors the justice and mercy of God. In the prophetic literature, the failure to adhere to this commandment is condemned as a social injustice. Malachi 3:5 warns, "Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers, against oppressors of the widows and the fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who refuse to fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts." This verse places the withholding of wages alongside other serious offenses, indicating the gravity of such an act in the eyes of God. The New Testament continues to affirm the ethical principles underlying this commandment. James 5:4 echoes the Old Testament's concern for justice in labor relations: "Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage reinforces the idea that God is attentive to the plight of the oppressed and will hold accountable those who exploit or defraud workers. In summary, the biblical injunction against keeping the wages of servants overnight is a reflection of God's justice and compassion. It underscores the importance of fair and timely compensation for labor, recognizing the dignity and needs of every individual. This commandment serves as a timeless reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany economic transactions and the call to love one's neighbor as oneself. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 19:13You shall not defraud your neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with you all night until the morning. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Kings. The Book of Jubilees Two Essential Things The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Christian Behavior Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Exposition of the Moral Law. An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources What does it mean that Jesus will return like a thief in the night? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.org Why would God's law command a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night to be stoned to death? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |
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