Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite society, the practice of charging interest, or usury, on loans was a significant ethical and religious issue. The Mosaic Law, as recorded in the Old Testament, explicitly forbade the Israelites from charging interest on loans to their fellow countrymen. This prohibition was rooted in the principles of community solidarity, compassion, and the recognition of God's provision for His people.The primary biblical injunction against charging interest to fellow Israelites is found in the Book of Exodus. Exodus 22:25 states, "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 treating fellow Israelites with kindness and generosity, especially those who are in financial distress. Further elaboration on this principle is provided in 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." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining the dignity and welfare of the impoverished brother, ensuring that financial transactions do not exploit his vulnerable situation. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 further reinforces this prohibition: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. 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 passage highlights a distinction between Israelites and foreigners, allowing interest to be charged to non-Israelites but not to fellow members of the covenant community. The rationale is tied to the covenantal relationship and the blessings promised by God for obedience. The prohibition against usury among Israelites reflects a broader biblical theme of justice and mercy. It is a call to uphold the welfare of the community and to act in a manner that reflects God's character. By forbidding interest on loans to fellow Israelites, the law sought to prevent the accumulation of wealth at the expense of the poor and to promote a society where mutual aid and support were paramount. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets also addressed issues of economic exploitation, including usury, as part of their broader calls for social justice and righteousness. For example, Ezekiel 18:8-9 describes a righteous man as one who "does not lend at interest or take a profit, but withholds his hand from injustice and executes true justice between men." In summary, the biblical prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites is a reflection of the covenantal values of compassion, justice, and community responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the ethical obligations that accompany the blessings of living in accordance with God's law. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 23:19You shall not lend on usury to your brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent on usury: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Commerce The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Iranian Conquest Resources Topical Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is usury in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian use a credit card? | 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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