"Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it."
This verse addresses the practice of lending money with interest, commonly known as usury. However, it distinguishes between lending to a stranger and lending to one’s brother.
Lending to a stranger:The verse allows lending money on interest to a stranger. In the context of ancient Israel, a stranger referred to a foreigner or someone from a different community or nation. This practice was permitted because foreigners did not fall under the same social and religious obligations as the Israelites. It was considered a business transaction, where the lender could charge interest on the loan. This verse acknowledges the potential economic benefit of lending to strangers.
Lending to a brother:In contrast to lending to a stranger, lending money on interest to a fellow Israelite, referred to as a brother, was prohibited. This prohibition aimed to promote compassion, solidarity, and mutual support within the community of God’s chosen people. By refraining from charging interest to their brothers, the Israelites were encouraged to help one another in times of financial need.
The verse concludes with the reason for this distinction: “that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Here, the Israelites are reminded that by obeying this commandment and treating their fellow Israelites with generosity and kindness, they would receive God’s blessings upon their endeavors in the land they were about to possess.
It is important to note that the concept of usury has evolved over time, and its modern understanding may differ from its ancient context. In biblical times, the prohibition against charging interest within the community was primarily intended to foster social cohesion and compassion, whereas lending to strangers with interest was seen as a legitimate business practice.
Overall, Deuteronomy 23:20 provides guidance on lending and borrowing practices within the Israelite community, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another while recognizing the practical considerations involved in transactions with outsiders.
