Scripture: If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. If ever you take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. Exodus 22:25-27 ESV
Observation: Having addressed proper care of widows, orphans, and sojourners, the Lord instructs Moses to tell the people not to exact interest on loans to the poor (another segment of society deemed vulnerable to abuse). With this in mind, they must not take essential survival items as collateral without returning them when needed (before sunset regarding the poor person’s cloak, which is their only means of staying warm). Finally, as a word of caution, the Lord adds that if Israel violates this precept, the cries of the poor will garner his attention because he is compassionate (above verses).
Like many other elements of God’s commandments, this precept intends to ensure that Israel would thrive in the Promised Land. As Matthews, Chavalas, and Walton contend (Bible Background Commentary of the Old Testament), the neighboring merchants of established, city-based civilizations often unscrupulously negotiated with the poorer farmers (see Hosea 12:7–8). Hence, to prevent future animosity between the haves and the have-nots, all lenders must refrain from charging interest or taking sorely needed collateral. Meanwhile, they could charge interest to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:20).
Takeaway: Once again, we see the underlying purpose of God’s laws: to set them apart from the corrupt business practices employed in the Ancient Near East and thus consecrate Isreal as his holy people. It is no different for us. Indeed, Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, takes it a step further: “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). And during his Sermon on the Plain, Jesus adds, “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Luke 6:30).
Does this mean we indiscriminately loan or give money without forethought to its use? Of course not. Having overseen discretionary funds as a pastor, I quickly learned that con artists prey on well-meaning Christians. And sadly, addicts can convincingly hustle family and friends to buy their drugs. But when we prudently follow this command (as Ruth and I have with our children and friends), it will bring us much joy to know that we are paying forward the blessings God has bestowed on us. Indeed, as Paul cites the words of Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Prayer: Father, you are a generous and compassionate God who has blessed us with the gift of your Son, who paid our debt in full. Would you please help us discern and follow your will in passing on the blessings of interest-free loans and debt-forgiveness to those in need? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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