“At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, and it contains the second giving of the law to the Israelites. It includes various statutes and commandments given by Moses to the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. This particular verse is part of a section discussing various social and economic laws and practices.
Meaning and Significance: Deuteronomy 24:15 emphasizes the fair treatment of workers and serves as a reminder of the importance of economic justice and compassion. Let’s break down the verse to understand its meaning more deeply:
“At his day thou shalt give him his hire”: This statement stresses the importance of paying workers promptly for their labor. It implies that workers should receive their wages on the day they have earned them. This commandment ensures that employers do not withhold or delay the compensation due to their employees.
“Neither shall the sun go down upon it”: This phrase reinforces the urgency of paying workers promptly. It signifies that the payment should not be postponed even until the end of the day. Instead, employers should fulfill their obligation without unnecessary delay.
“For he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it”: This phrase highlights the vulnerability of the worker who relies on their wages to sustain their livelihood. For someone living in poverty, receiving timely payment becomes crucial, as they depend on it for their basic needs and survival.
“Lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee”: Here, the verse warns that if a worker is wronged by not receiving their due wages, they have the right to cry out to the Lord, seeking justice. Failing to pay workers their rightful wages is considered a sin before God. It emphasizes the responsibility of employers to act justly and treat their workers with fairness.
Lessons and Applications:
- Economic Justice: Deuteronomy 24:15 highlights the importance of economic justice. It reminds employers and society at large to treat workers fairly, ensuring timely payment for their labor. This principle extends beyond the specific context of the verse and can be applied to various employment situations today.
- Compassion for the Poor: The verse draws attention to the vulnerable position of the poor. It calls for empathy and compassion toward those who rely on their wages to sustain themselves and their families. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the economic struggles faced by others and to act in ways that alleviate their burden rather than adding to it.
- Honoring Commitments: The verse emphasizes the importance of honoring commitments and fulfilling obligations. Just as workers are expected to complete their assigned tasks diligently, employers are reminded of their responsibility to compensate employees fairly and promptly.
- Seeking Divine Justice: The verse suggests that those who are mistreated or denied their rightful wages can seek justice from the Lord. This highlights the belief that God cares about the well-being and rights of individuals, especially the marginalized. It encourages individuals to trust in God’s justice while also inspiring them to work towards creating a just and equitable society.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 24:15 underscores the significance of fair treatment, prompt payment, and economic justice. It serves as a reminder to act with compassion, honor commitments, and seek justice for those who are vulnerable. These principles continue to hold relevance in contemporary contexts as we strive to build a just society where everyone’s dignity and rights are respected
