thinking bible.

You asked

what distinguished a 'brother' from a 'foreigner' in this ancient israelite context?

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 where you go in to possess it.

This passage is part of the Deuteronomic law code, presented as Moses's final instructions to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. It outlines principles for community life, including financial practices within the Israelite community and in interactions with those outside it.

How do modern economic systems and global interactions challenge or reinforce our understanding of 'brother' and 'foreigner' in financial ethics?

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Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    This passage similarly prohibits interest on loans to fellow Israelites, linking it to care for the poor.

  • Exodus 22:25

    This law specifically forbids charging interest to the poor among the Israelite people.

  • Matthew 5:43-48

    Jesus's teaching expands the concept of neighbor and calls for love towards enemies, challenging exclusive communal boundaries.

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