In biblical times, the concept of creditors demanding mortgages on property is addressed within the broader context of debt and financial obligations. The Bible provides guidance on the ethical treatment of debtors and the responsibilities of creditors, emphasizing justice, mercy, and compassion.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of debtors and the handling of property as collateral. In ancient Israel, the land was considered a divine inheritance, and thus, the transfer of property due to debt was a matter of significant concern. The Mosaic Law provided regulations to protect individuals from losing their ancestral land permanently.

One of the key passages addressing this issue is found in the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 states: "When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you. If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you. And it will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God."

This passage highlights the importance of respecting the dignity and rights of the debtor. The creditor is instructed not to invade the debtor's home to seize collateral, and if the collateral is essential for the debtor's well-being, such as a cloak for warmth, it must be returned by nightfall.

Jubilee and Redemption

The concept of the Jubilee year, as outlined in Leviticus 25, further underscores the temporary nature of property mortgages. Every fiftieth year, a Jubilee was to be proclaimed, during which all land was to be returned to its original owners, and debts were to be forgiven. Leviticus 25:23-24 states: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me. Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land."

This provision ensured that families could not be permanently dispossessed of their inheritance, reflecting God's desire for economic justice and the restoration of community balance.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also addressed the issue of creditors exploiting debtors. In the Book of Amos, the prophet condemns those who oppress the poor and seize their property unjustly. Amos 2:6-7 declares: "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of Israel, even for four, I will not revoke My judgment: because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the poor on the dust of the earth and deny justice to the oppressed.'"

Such prophetic warnings serve as a reminder of the moral obligations of creditors to act justly and compassionately, avoiding the exploitation of those in vulnerable positions.

New Testament Principles

In the New Testament, while the specific issue of property mortgages is not directly addressed, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the principles of love, mercy, and forgiveness in all financial dealings. Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 illustrates the importance of showing mercy to others as God has shown mercy to us.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and to act with generosity and kindness. Galatians 6:2 states: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Overall, the biblical perspective on creditors demanding mortgages on property is one that balances the rights of creditors with the need for compassion and justice towards debtors, reflecting God's character and His concern for the well-being of all His people.Nehemiah 5:3
Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayers Answered
... to prayer, relieved his necessities, eased his creditors, gave him ... the clerk of the
creditor with his demand in his ... I wish I was pure; O, that I might get free ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

I am a Christian in debt. What should I do? | GotQuestions.org

Is 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