Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, creditors were individuals or entities to whom money or goods were owed. The concept of creditors is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting the economic practices and social responsibilities of ancient Israelite society. The role and treatment of creditors are significant in understanding the biblical perspective on debt, justice, and mercy.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines regarding the relationship between debtors and creditors. These laws were designed to protect the poor and prevent exploitation. For instance, in Exodus 22:25, the Israelites are instructed: "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest" . This command underscores the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings. The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, further illustrates the biblical approach to debt. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, ensuring that no family would be permanently impoverished due to debt. This practice highlights the principle of economic reset and social equity. Prophetic Warnings The prophets often spoke against the unjust practices of creditors who exploited the vulnerable. In 2 Kings 4:1, a widow cries out to the prophet Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves" . This narrative illustrates the severe consequences that could arise from indebtedness and the need for divine intervention and justice. Similarly, in Nehemiah 5:1-13, Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials for charging interest and taking advantage of their fellow Israelites. He calls for the restoration of fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to their original owners, emphasizing the need for repentance and restitution. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of creditors in His parables and teachings. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Jesus illustrates the importance of mercy and forgiveness. The parable tells of a servant who, after being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. This account underscores the expectation that those who have received mercy should likewise extend it to others. Additionally, in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This petition highlights the spiritual dimension of debt and forgiveness, encouraging believers to reflect God's grace in their relationships. Cultural and Historical Considerations In ancient Israel, the economic structure was primarily agrarian, and debt often arose from the need to borrow seed, livestock, or money to sustain one's family. The biblical laws and teachings regarding creditors were intended to maintain social harmony and prevent the accumulation of wealth at the expense of the poor. The biblical perspective on creditors is rooted in the broader themes of justice, mercy, and community responsibility. While acknowledging the legitimacy of lending and borrowing, the Scriptures consistently call for compassion and fairness, reflecting God's character and His concern for the well-being of all people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philemon 1:18If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on my account; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... Chaldaean Civilization Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Footnotes Resources I am a Christian in debt. What should I do? | GotQuestions.orgIs it right for a church to go into debt? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about lending money? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Creditors were often Defrauded Creditors: God's Claim Upon Men Creditors: Might Demand: Bills or Promissory Notes Creditors: Might Demand: Mortgages on Property Creditors: Might Demand: Pledges Creditors: Might Demand: Security of Others Creditors: Might Take Interest from Strangers Creditors: Often Cruel in Exacting Debts Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Imprisonment Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor or Taking Him for a Servant Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Family Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Property Creditors: Often Exacted Debts: from the Sureties Creditors: Prohibited From: Exacting Debts from Brethren During Sabbatical Year Creditors: Prohibited From: Exacting Usury from Brethren Creditors: Prohibited From: Taking Millstones in Pledge Creditors: Prohibited From: Violently Selecting Pledges Creditors: Sometimes Entirely Remitted Debts Creditors: The Demands of the Law Creditors: To Return Before Sunset, Garments Taken in Pledge Related Terms |
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