Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the practice of charging interest, or usury, on loans was subject to specific regulations as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew term often translated as "usury" refers to the practice of charging interest on borrowed money. The Bible provides clear distinctions between how Israelites were to treat fellow Israelites versus foreigners in financial dealings.Biblical Regulations: The Mosaic Law explicitly permitted the Israelites to charge interest on loans to foreigners, while prohibiting the same practice among fellow Israelites. This distinction is rooted in the covenantal relationship among the people of Israel and their unique identity as God's chosen people. The relevant biblical passages provide insight into this practice: 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 allowance for charging interest to foreigners, while simultaneously forbidding the practice among Israelites. The underlying principle is one of community solidarity and mutual support among the covenant people, reflecting God's desire for a society marked by justice and compassion. 2. Exodus 22:25 : "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This command underscores the prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites, particularly those who are poor. The emphasis is on protecting the vulnerable within the community and ensuring that financial transactions do not lead to exploitation or further impoverishment. 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 reinforces the call to support fellow Israelites in need without seeking personal gain through interest or profit. The directive to "fear your God" serves as a reminder of the divine mandate to uphold justice and mercy within the community. Theological and Social Implications: The allowance for charging interest to foreigners can be understood within the broader context of Israel's relationship with surrounding nations. While the Israelites were to maintain a distinct identity and uphold God's laws, they were also engaged in economic interactions with non-Israelites. The permission to charge interest to foreigners reflects a pragmatic approach to these interactions, allowing for economic growth and stability while maintaining the integrity of the covenant community. The prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites highlights the importance of community welfare and the ethical treatment of one's neighbor. It serves as a safeguard against the potential for economic oppression and ensures that the community remains a reflection of God's justice and compassion. In summary, the biblical regulations concerning usury and interest reveal a nuanced approach to financial dealings, emphasizing the protection of the vulnerable and the maintenance of a just and compassionate society. The distinction between Israelites and foreigners in these matters underscores the unique covenantal relationship among God's people and their call to reflect His character in all aspects of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 23:20To 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Commerce Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers. Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Iranian Conquest Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What does the Bible say about going into debt? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about lending money? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.org Usury: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Usury or Interest: Illustrative of the Improvement of Talents Received from God Usury or Interest: Judgments Denounced Against Those Who Exacted Unlawful Usury or Interest: The Curse Attending the Giving or Receiving of Unlawful, Usury or Interest: The Jews: Allowed to Take, from Strangers Usury or Interest: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, from Brethren Usury or Interest: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, from Brethren Specially when Poor Usury or Interest: The Jews: Often Guilty of Taking Usury or Interest: The Jews: Required to Restore Usury or Interest: The Lending of Money or Other Property for Increase Usury or Interest: Those Enriched by Unlawful, not Allowed to Enjoy Their Gain Usury or Interest: True and Faithful Israelites Never Took, from Their Brethren Usury: Authorized, of Strangers (Foreigners) Usury: Just Men Innocent of the Vice of Requiring Related Terms |
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