You asked

how common was perpetual debt in ancient near eastern societies outside of israel?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2

“At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. This is the custom of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.”

This passage is part of Moses' address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It outlines laws and customs for their society, emphasizing social justice and communal well-being within their covenant relationship with God.

How might societies balance the need for credit and economic stability with the potential for oppressive debt?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:8-13
Describes the Jubilee year, a larger cycle of release that included returning land and freeing slaves, further addressing long-term debt and inequality.
Nehemiah 5:1-13
Illustrates a situation where debt led to severe social hardship, prompting Nehemiah to intervene and enforce a release of debts.
Matthew 6:12
Part of the Lord's Prayer, which links forgiveness of sins to the forgiveness of debts, emphasizing spiritual and material release.

Ask your own follow-up