Deuteronomy 24:14

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.

Study Bible

Do not oppress
The Hebrew root for "oppress" is "עשק" (ashaq), which conveys the idea of exploiting or taking advantage of someone. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this command is a call to justice and fairness, particularly towards those who are vulnerable. The Bible consistently emphasizes God's concern for the oppressed, and this command reflects His character as a just and compassionate God. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to reflect God's justice in their dealings with others.

a hired hand
The term "hired hand" refers to a laborer who works for wages. In ancient Israel, hired workers were often poor and dependent on their daily wages for survival. The Mosaic Law provided specific protections for such workers, recognizing their vulnerability. This phrase underscores the importance of fair treatment and timely payment, as these workers relied on their wages for their daily sustenance.

who is poor and needy
The description "poor and needy" highlights the socioeconomic status of the hired hand. The Hebrew words "עני" (ani) and "אביון" (evyon) are often used in the Old Testament to describe those who are economically disadvantaged and in need of assistance. This phrase emphasizes God's special concern for the poor and His desire for His people to act with compassion and justice towards them.

whether he is a fellow Israelite
This phrase indicates that the command applies to fellow members of the covenant community. The Israelites were to treat each other with fairness and justice, reflecting their shared identity as God's chosen people. This internal community ethic was meant to foster unity and mutual care among the Israelites.

or a foreigner residing in one of your towns
The inclusion of "a foreigner" (Hebrew: "גר" ger) demonstrates the universality of God's justice. Even those who were not part of the covenant community were to be treated with fairness and respect. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's love and concern for all humanity, and it challenges believers to extend justice and compassion beyond their immediate community.

in one of your towns
The phrase "in one of your towns" situates the command within the local community context. It implies that the principles of justice and fairness are to be practiced in everyday life, within the places where people live and work. This localization of justice underscores the idea that God's laws are not abstract but are meant to be lived out in tangible ways within the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The primary audience of Deuteronomy, God's chosen people, who are being instructed on how to live righteously.

3. Hired Hand
Refers to laborers who work for wages, particularly those who are poor and needy.

4. Foreigners
Non-Israelites residing among the Israelites, who are also to be treated justly.

5. Towns of Israel
The various settlements where these laws are to be applied, emphasizing community responsibility.

Teaching Points

Justice and Fairness
God commands His people to act justly, especially towards those who are vulnerable, such as the poor and foreigners. This reflects God's character and His concern for all people.

Community Responsibility
The instruction is given to the entire community, indicating that social justice is a collective responsibility. Each person is accountable for ensuring fair treatment of others.

Equality Before God
The inclusion of both "brother" and "foreigner" highlights the equality of all people before God. Our actions should reflect this divine perspective.

Compassionate Living
This command encourages believers to live with compassion and empathy, recognizing the struggles of others and responding with kindness and fairness.

Economic Integrity
The verse underscores the importance of integrity in economic dealings, reminding us that our business practices should honor God and respect others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 24:14 reflect God's character and His expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of not oppressing the poor and needy in our modern context?

3. How does the inclusion of both "brother" and "foreigner" challenge us to think about our treatment of those who are different from us?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure fairness and justice in our workplaces and communities?

5. How do the teachings in Leviticus 19:13 and James 5:4 reinforce the message of Deuteronomy 24:14, and what do they add to our understanding of God's justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:13
This verse also commands against oppressing neighbors and withholding wages, reinforcing the principle of justice and fairness.

James 5:4
The New Testament echoes this command by condemning the withholding of wages from laborers, highlighting the continuity of God's concern for justice.

Proverbs 14:31
This verse connects the treatment of the poor with honoring God, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of justice.