thinking bible.

You asked

how does this command compare to other parts of the torah that discuss lending or debt?

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

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

You shall not lend on interest to your brother: interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest. To a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land into which you are going to possess it.

This passage is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy, a book that records Moses' final speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. He is reminding them of the laws and covenant obligations that will shape their new society, including ethical guidelines for economic interactions within their community and with outsiders.

What does this passage reveal about the economic and social values Moses was trying to instill in the Israelite community?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Exodus 22:25

    This earlier law also prohibits lending at interest to the poor among the Israelites.

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    This passage similarly forbids taking interest from an Israelite, especially one who has become poor.

  • Nehemiah 5:1-11

    This account shows Nehemiah rebuking wealthy Israelites for charging excessive interest to their poor compatriots.

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