Usury

In biblical times, usury referred to the practice of charging interest on loans, particularly when such interest was excessive or exploitative. The Bible addresses the issue of usury in several passages, reflecting a concern for justice, compassion, and the well-being of the community.

The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited the Israelites from charging interest on loans to their fellow countrymen. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "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 support within the community, especially towards those in financial distress.

Leviticus 25:35-37 further elaborates on this principle: "If your brother becomes impoverished and cannot support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining the dignity and livelihood of the impoverished, reflecting God's desire for His people to act with mercy and righteousness.

The prohibition against usury was not extended to foreigners, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:19-20 : "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land you are entering to possess." This distinction highlights the special covenantal relationship among the Israelites and the expectation of mutual care and support.

Debt Slavery

Debt slavery, or the practice of selling oneself or one's family into servitude to repay a debt, was a reality in the ancient Near East, including among the Israelites. The Bible provides regulations to mitigate the harshness of this practice and to protect the dignity and rights of those who found themselves in such circumstances.

In Exodus 21:2 , the law states, "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything." This regulation ensured that debt slavery was not a permanent condition and that individuals had the opportunity to regain their freedom and start anew.

Leviticus 25:39-41 further emphasizes the temporary nature of debt slavery: "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his forefathers." The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fifty years, was a time of liberation and restoration, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

The Bible also calls for fair treatment of servants, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:12-15 : "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today." This passage underscores the importance of generosity and remembrance of God's deliverance, encouraging the Israelites to act with compassion and justice.

The biblical teachings on usury and debt slavery reflect a broader divine mandate for social justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable within the community. These principles continue to inform Christian ethics and the understanding of economic justice in contemporary society.