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 that you are entering to possess. You may charge a foreigner interest,Loans to foreigners commonly belonged to trade and commercial exchange in the ancient world. Israel was not forbidden to conduct business with surrounding peoples, yet its internal life was to display a different standard. The permission did not cancel broader commands for honesty, justice, and mercy toward resident foreigners. Deu 15:3 You may collect something from a foreigner,… but not your brother, Fellow Israelites were bound together as members of the covenant people and heirs of the same promised land. A loan to an impoverished brother was to provide relief rather than become a means of profit. God required His people to preserve one another from exploitation, remembering that He had redeemed them from slavery in Egypt (Leviticus 25:35–38; Exodus 22:25). Neh 5:7 and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials… so that the LORD your God may bless you Obedience in financial matters belonged to Israel’s worship of the Lord. His blessing was not earned by generosity, but He promised to prosper a people who trusted His provision enough to obey Him. Care for the needy revealed faith in the God who owned the land and supplied its increase. Deu 15:10 Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved… in everything to which you put your hand The Lord’s blessing encompassed Israel’s labor, harvests, households, and lawful enterprises. Israel’s prosperity was never meant to produce self-reliance or oppression, but gratitude and faithful service to God. Deu 2:7 Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you… in the land that you are entering to possess. Canaan was the inheritance God gave Israel according to His covenant promises to Abraham. Remaining secure and fruitful in the land required covenant faithfulness. The promised inheritance also points beyond itself to the lasting rest God provides through Christ, who calls His people to live as a redeemed community marked by mercy and love. Deu 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe primary audience of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are God's chosen people, receiving laws and instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 2. Foreigners Non-Israelites living among or interacting with the Israelites. They are subject to different regulations compared to the Israelites themselves. 3. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the verge of entering and possessing this land. 4. Moses The leader and prophet who delivers God's laws and instructions to the Israelites in Deuteronomy. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who provides laws and promises blessings for obedience. Teaching Points Principle of BrotherhoodThe command to not charge interest to a fellow Israelite underscores the importance of treating fellow believers as family, fostering a community of support and care. Economic Justice This law promotes fairness and prevents exploitation within the community, ensuring that those in need are not further burdened by debt. Blessings of Obedience The promise of God's blessing for obedience serves as a reminder that following God's commands leads to prosperity and success in the land. Distinction in Relationships The allowance to charge interest to foreigners highlights the different expectations and relationships between the covenant community and outsiders. Generosity and Trust in God By not charging interest, Israelites are encouraged to trust in God's provision and blessings rather than relying on financial gain from their brethren. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of not charging interest to fellow believers apply to our financial dealings today?2. In what ways can we foster a sense of community and support within our church or Christian community, similar to the brotherhood among the Israelites? 3. How does the concept of economic justice in Deuteronomy 23:20 challenge our current societal norms and practices? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate generosity and trust in God in our financial decisions? 5. How can we balance the distinction between relationships within the Christian community and those outside, as seen in the allowance to charge interest to foreigners? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 22:25This verse also addresses the prohibition of charging interest to fellow Israelites, emphasizing the importance of compassion and community support. Leviticus 25:35-37 These verses expand on the theme of supporting fellow Israelites in need without charging interest, highlighting the principle of brotherly love and care. Matthew 5:42 Jesus' teaching on giving to those who ask and not turning away from those who want to borrow, reflecting the spirit of generosity and compassion.
People Aram, Balaam, Beor, MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Mesopotamia, PethorTopics Bless, Blessing, Brother, Business, Charge, Countrymen, Enter, Entering, Foreigner, Forth, Goest, Heritage, Interest, Israelite, Lend, Mayest, Nations, Possess, Possession, Puttest, Putting, Settest, Stranger, Undertake, Usury, WhitherDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 23:19-20Library Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning … Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. Here Then Shall These Persons in their Turn be in Another More Sublime Degree... Lessons for Worship and for Work Introductory Note to the Works of Origen. Excursus on Usury. Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in Such an Engagement in War, and Associate with the Malignant Party. Canaan Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence. Commerce Nature of Covenanting. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Tenth Commandment Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 23:20 NIVDeuteronomy 23:20 NLT Deuteronomy 23:20 ESV Deuteronomy 23:20 NASB Deuteronomy 23:20 KJV Deuteronomy 23:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |