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what were common lending practices in the ancient near east that this law might be pushing against?

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

Exodus 22:25

““If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor; neither shall you charge him interest.””

This verse is part of a collection of laws given to the people of Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, found in the book of Exodus. These laws, often called the 'Book of the Covenant,' describe how the community should live justly and relate to God and one another.

How does recognizing the economic realities of a society influence our understanding of its ethical guidelines?

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Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    This passage reiterates and expands on the prohibition of charging interest to fellow Israelites in need.

  • Deuteronomy 23:19-20

    This law makes a distinction, allowing interest to foreigners but not to fellow Israelites.

  • Nehemiah 5:1-13

    This narrative shows a real-life struggle with debt and usury among the returned exiles in Judah.

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