Deuteronomy 24:12 - If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge.
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What does "Deuteronomy 24:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 24:12 states: "If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge."
This verse is part of a broader section (Deuteronomy 24:10-13) dealing with ethical lending practices, specifically when a lender takes a pledge (collateral) from a borrower.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"If he is a poor man...": The law is specifically addressing situations where the borrower is vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.
"...you shall not sleep with his pledge.": This is the core of the verse. It means the lender must return the pledge to the borrower by nightfall, especially if the pledge is something the borrower needs for basic survival.
Interpretation and Significance
Compassion and Protection: The verse emphasizes compassion and protects the basic needs of the poor. Taking a person's essential clothing, for instance, and keeping it overnight when they need it for warmth would be considered oppressive.
Fair Lending: The principle promotes fair lending practices, ensuring that the loan does not deprive the borrower of essential items needed for daily living, such as shelter or the means to keep warm.
Return of Essential Items: The underlying idea is to return the pledge so the person can use it again. For example, if the pledge was a cloak, the lender had to return it so the borrower could have it to sleep under that night.
Focus on Livelihood: The verse is not against the concept of taking pledges in general. It's about preventing the lender from using the pledge to further impoverish the borrower. The purpose is to protect the borrower's ability to sustain themself.
In summary, the verse mandates that a lender, when taking a pledge from a poor person, must return it by nightfall, especially if it is something that the borrower needs for their basic survival. This demonstrates the biblical concern for the poor and the need for ethical and compassionate treatment in financial dealings.
Deuteronomy 24:12 - If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge.
What does "Deuteronomy 24:12" mean?
Deuteronomy 24:12 states: "If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge."
This verse is part of a broader section (Deuteronomy 24:10-13) dealing with ethical lending practices, specifically when a lender takes a pledge (collateral) from a borrower.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"If he is a poor man...": The law is specifically addressing situations where the borrower is vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.
"...you shall not sleep with his pledge.": This is the core of the verse. It means the lender must return the pledge to the borrower by nightfall, especially if the pledge is something the borrower needs for basic survival.
Interpretation and Significance
Compassion and Protection: The verse emphasizes compassion and protects the basic needs of the poor. Taking a person's essential clothing, for instance, and keeping it overnight when they need it for warmth would be considered oppressive.
Fair Lending: The principle promotes fair lending practices, ensuring that the loan does not deprive the borrower of essential items needed for daily living, such as shelter or the means to keep warm.
Return of Essential Items: The underlying idea is to return the pledge so the person can use it again. For example, if the pledge was a cloak, the lender had to return it so the borrower could have it to sleep under that night.
Focus on Livelihood: The verse is not against the concept of taking pledges in general. It's about preventing the lender from using the pledge to further impoverish the borrower. The purpose is to protect the borrower's ability to sustain themself.
In summary, the verse mandates that a lender, when taking a pledge from a poor person, must return it by nightfall, especially if it is something that the borrower needs for their basic survival. This demonstrates the biblical concern for the poor and the need for ethical and compassionate treatment in financial dealings.