Deuteronomy 23:20 – “You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 23:20 provides specific instructions regarding lending practices among the Israelites. God commands that they must not charge interest to their fellow Israelites but are permitted to charge interest to foreigners. This distinction emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spirit of generosity, compassion, and mutual support within the community of God’s people. The purpose of this command is to foster unity and protect those who might be in financial need within the community.
However, when it comes to foreigners—those not part of the covenant community—the Israelites were allowed to engage in standard business practices, including charging interest. This difference highlighted the special bond and responsibility the Israelites had toward one another. God’s promise attached to this command is clear: if the Israelites obeyed, God would bless them in their endeavors and in the land He was giving them.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, lending and borrowing were common practices, often involving interest rates that could be quite burdensome. High interest rates could trap borrowers in cycles of debt, leading to economic hardship and exploitation, particularly for the poor. In Israel, however, God established a different standard for how His people were to treat one another. Charging interest to fellow Israelites was forbidden to prevent financial exploitation and to promote a sense of family and community care.
For foreigners, normal business practices, including the charging of interest, were allowed. This was partly because the Israelites were to function as a distinct community under God’s laws, separate from the surrounding nations. By commanding this, God was ensuring that His people did not exploit one another and instead cared for the most vulnerable among them.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights God’s concern for justice, mercy, and community integrity. It reflects the principle that God’s people are called to treat one another with fairness and generosity, prioritizing relationships over profit. God’s command not to charge interest among His people demonstrates His desire for His community to be marked by kindness and mutual support.
This verse also teaches that God’s blessings are tied to obedience. God promised to bless the Israelites if they followed His commands, showing that their success was not merely a result of their own efforts but a response to living according to His principles. God’s commands were designed not just for economic reasons but to foster a community that reflects His values of generosity and care for one another.
Literary Analysis
Deuteronomy 23:20 is presented in a straightforward, instructional style typical of the laws given in Deuteronomy. The verse directly contrasts the way Israelites were to treat one another compared to how they could engage with foreigners. This contrast emphasizes the unique relationship within the covenant community and the expectation of higher standards among God’s people.
The structure of the verse includes both a command and a promise. The command is to avoid charging interest within the community, and the promise is that God will bless them in their endeavors if they obey. This combination of instruction and incentive underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God’s provision.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 22:25 – “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.” This reinforces the principle of lending without expecting financial gain among God’s people.
- Leviticus 25:35-37 – These verses command the Israelites to support their fellow countrymen without charging interest, further highlighting the expectation of generosity.
- Proverbs 28:8 – “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” This verse speaks against exploiting the poor through financial practices.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 23:20 is a reminder of the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness, and generosity, especially within the community of believers. It challenges us to prioritize relationships over financial gain, ensuring that our actions reflect God’s heart for justice and compassion. This principle extends beyond financial transactions to how we engage with and support one another in all aspects of life.
The verse also encourages us to trust in God’s provision rather than relying on exploitation or unfair practices to achieve success. Christians are called to be a people who bless others through their actions, reflecting God’s love and care. By living generously and ethically, we honor God and create a community that mirrors His values.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in setting standards that protect His people from exploitation and encourage mutual care. God’s command not to charge interest among His people was rooted in His desire to create a just and supportive community. His love is seen in how He designed His laws to foster relationships built on trust, generosity, and compassion rather than financial gain.
God’s promise to bless the Israelites if they followed His commands shows His active involvement in their lives. He was not just giving rules to follow but inviting His people to live in a way that would bring them into the fullness of His blessings. This verse highlights that God’s love is practical, shaping the way we interact with others and guiding us toward a life that reflects His goodness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of generosity, selflessness, and care for others. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught about the importance of loving one another, helping the needy, and being generous without expecting anything in return. In Luke 6:34-35, Jesus instructs His followers to lend without expecting repayment, echoing the spirit of Deuteronomy 23:20.
Jesus’ life and teachings challenge us to go beyond legal requirements and live with hearts that reflect God’s generosity. He demonstrated this through His sacrificial love on the cross, giving everything for us without asking anything in return. In Christ, we find the perfect example of how to treat others—with grace, kindness, and an open hand, just as God has treated us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about your own financial dealings with others, especially those within your community?
- Are there ways in which you might need to prioritize generosity and kindness over personal gain?
- How can you reflect God’s love and care in your interactions, not just financially but in all areas of life?
- In what ways does Jesus’ example of selfless giving inspire you to live with a spirit of generosity and compassion?
Deuteronomy 23:20 calls us to live with a heart of generosity and fairness, valuing relationships over profit and trusting in God’s provision. It reminds us that how we treat others reflects our faith and our understanding of God’s love. In Christ, we see the perfect model of generosity and kindness, inviting us to follow His lead in every aspect of our lives.