Deuteronomy 24:13

be sure to return it to him by sunset, so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you, and this will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God.

Study Bible

be sure to return it to him by sunset
This phrase refers to the practice of taking a cloak as a pledge for a loan. In ancient Israel, a cloak was an essential item, often serving as a person's only covering at night. The law required that such a pledge be returned by sunset to ensure the borrower could sleep comfortably. This reflects God's concern for the dignity and well-being of individuals, emphasizing compassion and justice. The principle of returning the pledge by sunset underscores the importance of timely restitution and respect for others' needs, aligning with the broader biblical theme of loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).

so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you
The cloak provided warmth and protection during the night, and its return would allow the borrower to rest peacefully. This act of kindness could lead the borrower to bless the lender, highlighting the reciprocal nature of generosity and goodwill. The blessing here is not just a verbal expression but a heartfelt gratitude that acknowledges the lender's righteousness. This reflects the biblical principle that acts of mercy and justice lead to blessings, as seen in Proverbs 11:25, which states that a generous person will prosper.

and this will be credited to you as righteousness
The concept of righteousness in this context is tied to fulfilling God's commandments and acting justly towards others. By returning the cloak, the lender demonstrates obedience to God's law and compassion for the borrower. This act is seen as righteousness, not in a salvific sense, but as a reflection of one's faithfulness to God's covenant. This mirrors the broader biblical theme where faith is credited as righteousness, as seen in Genesis 15:6 with Abraham's belief in God.

before the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes that the act of returning the cloak is not just a social or legal obligation but a spiritual one, performed in the sight of God. It underscores the belief that God observes and values acts of justice and mercy. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that such actions are part of one's covenantal relationship with God, who is the ultimate judge of righteousness. This aligns with the biblical teaching that true righteousness involves living in accordance with God's will, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The audience receiving the laws, God's chosen people, preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. The Borrower
An individual who has given his cloak as a pledge for a loan, representing the vulnerable in society.

4. The Lender
The person who has taken the cloak as security, representing those in a position of power or wealth.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who commands justice and compassion.

Teaching Points

Compassionate Justice
The law in Deuteronomy 24:13 emphasizes the importance of compassion in justice. It is not enough to follow the law; one must also consider the well-being of others, especially the vulnerable.

Righteousness Before God
Returning the cloak is not just a legal obligation but an act of righteousness. It reflects a heart aligned with God's values of mercy and justice.

The Importance of Dignity
By ensuring the borrower can sleep in his cloak, the law upholds the dignity of the individual. This teaches us to respect and uphold the dignity of all people in our actions.

Blessings Through Obedience
The passage suggests that obedience to God's commands, especially those concerning justice and mercy, brings blessings. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises.

Practical Love
The command to return the cloak is a practical expression of love and care. It challenges believers to find tangible ways to express love to those in need.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to return the cloak by sunset reflect God's character and priorities?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of compassionate justice in our modern context?

3. How does this passage challenge our understanding of righteousness and its connection to our actions?

4. What are some practical ways we can uphold the dignity of others in our daily interactions?

5. How can we ensure that our acts of obedience to God are motivated by love and compassion rather than mere obligation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22:26-27
This passage also discusses the return of a cloak taken as a pledge, emphasizing the importance of compassion and justice.

Matthew 5:42
Jesus teaches about giving to those who ask and not turning away from those who want to borrow, reflecting the spirit of generosity and compassion.

James 2:15-16
James speaks about the importance of meeting the physical needs of others, aligning with the principle of caring for the vulnerable.