Translations
Original
Notes
The purpose of a loan was to help a poor person financially recover, not to profit from their vulnerability. Israelites could not charge interest on loans to Israelites. But Israelites could charge interest on loans to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:19–20).
Just as seven days made a week ending in a Sabbath day, every seven years ended with a Sabbath year. After seven Sabbath years, or 49 years, came a special year called the Year of Jubilee. Like so many holy days, these times were meant for reflecting on Israel's shared identity and their relationship with God.
Every Israelite, both free and servant, had a place in God’s kingdom. So, those bound in servitude were set free during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:39–43). To reduce poverty and protect families, land sales were limited to fifty years. After that, the land returned to the original owner's family or clan.
The land belonged to God, and the Israelites were only "residents" (25:23). But it is unlikely that they actually used these laws. The best land ended up belonging to wealthy landowners (Isaiah 5:8–10; compare Amos 5:11).
Glossary
Beggar Biblical Concept of Law Brother Debt Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel History of Israel Jubilee Year Leviticus, Book of Neighbor Ransom Sabbath
Topics
Bankruptcy Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Charging Interest Creditor: Laws Concerning Creditors: Prohibited From: Exacting Usury from Brethren Debtor: Laws Concerning Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Helping the Homeless Interest Jubilee: Laws Concerning Lending: General Scriptures Concerning Poor: Duty To Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Strangers: Kindness to the Poor of, Required The Poor: Take No Usury From Usury or Interest: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, from Brethren Specially when Poor Usury: Forbidden