Leviticus 25:36 – “Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 25:36 instructs the Israelites not to charge interest or make a profit from lending money to their fellow Israelites who have fallen into poverty. This command emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion toward those in need, rather than exploiting their difficult situation for personal gain. The focus is on fearing God and acting in a way that reflects His heart, ensuring that the poor can continue to live among the community without being burdened by excessive debt.
The verse calls for a different approach to lending, one that is rooted in care for others rather than personal profit. It reflects the principle that relationships within the community should be marked by generosity and support, not by taking advantage of someone’s hardship. By refraining from charging interest, the lender helps the borrower regain stability and dignity, keeping the community strong and united.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, lending money was often a necessity for those who were struggling due to various reasons like crop failures, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Unlike today’s banking systems, where interest on loans is standard, the Israelites were commanded to avoid exploiting those who were already in a vulnerable position. This was especially important in a community where everyone was connected, and the well-being of one person affected the entire group.
God’s laws were designed to foster a community where the rich did not oppress the poor, and where everyone had the opportunity to recover from hard times. The prohibition against charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites ensured that lending was done as an act of kindness, not as a way to make money off someone’s misfortune. This approach protected the integrity of the community and promoted a culture of mutual care and respect.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 25:36 reveals God’s concern for justice, mercy, and the proper treatment of the poor. Theologically, this verse teaches that God’s people are called to reflect His character in their dealings with others, particularly in how they handle matters of money and support. Charging interest to the poor would add to their burdens, but God’s command to avoid this practice reflects His desire for His people to act with compassion.
This verse also underscores the fear of God as a guiding principle in relationships. The instruction to “fear your God” serves as a reminder that our actions toward others are ultimately a reflection of our reverence for God. When we treat others with kindness and fairness, especially in financial matters, we honor God and align ourselves with His heart for justice and mercy.
Literary Analysis
The language in Leviticus 25:36 is straightforward, with a clear command not to take interest or profit from the poor. The phrase “fear your God” emphasizes that this instruction is not just a social rule but a spiritual one, rooted in a deep respect for God’s authority. The verse connects financial practices directly to faith, showing that how we handle money is a reflection of our relationship with God.
This verse fits within the broader context of Leviticus 25, which focuses on laws about property, redemption, and care for the poor. The specific command against charging interest highlights the importance of economic justice and reflects a key theme of the chapter: maintaining a compassionate and supportive community. The focus on helping others continue to live among the people underscores the value of unity and the shared responsibility for one another’s well-being.
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,” reinforcing the command against exploiting the poor through lending practices.
- Deuteronomy 23:19-20: Prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites, allowing it only when lending to foreigners, highlighting the special care God commands within the community.
- Psalm 15:5: Describes a righteous person as one who “lends money to the poor without interest,” illustrating that godly character includes just financial practices.
- Proverbs 28:8: Warns that gaining wealth through charging interest or excessive profit will ultimately benefit those who are kind to the poor.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 25:36 challenges us to consider how we approach financial matters, especially when it comes to helping others. This verse teaches us to prioritize mercy over profit and to act in ways that reflect God’s love and care for those in need. It encourages us to be generous and fair, avoiding any practice that would exploit or burden others who are already struggling.
This verse also reminds us that our financial decisions are a part of our spiritual life. It’s not just about money—it’s about how we reflect God’s character in our actions. Leviticus 25:36 calls us to be mindful of how we treat others, ensuring that our dealings are marked by kindness, generosity, and respect for the dignity of all people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 25:36 reflects God’s loving nature by setting boundaries that protect the poor from further hardship. God’s command to avoid charging interest is a direct expression of His care for the vulnerable, showing that He values their well-being and seeks to create a community where no one is taken advantage of. This verse illustrates that God’s love is not just a feeling but is demonstrated through practical guidelines that promote justice and mercy.
God’s love is seen in His desire for His people to live in a community that mirrors His heart. By instructing the Israelites to avoid making a profit from the poor, God was teaching them to act with compassion and to prioritize relationships over financial gain. This command shows that God’s love is deeply concerned with how we treat each other, especially in moments of need.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ embodies the principles found in Leviticus 25:36 through His teachings and actions. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and acting with generosity. In Luke 6:34-35, Jesus instructs His followers to lend without expecting anything in return, reflecting the same spirit of mercy and generosity that Leviticus 25:36 promotes.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of giving without expecting anything in return. He gave His life freely, offering redemption and restoration to all who would receive it. Just as Leviticus 25:36 calls for mercy in financial dealings, Jesus’ life and death call us to show grace and compassion in every aspect of our lives, reflecting God’s heart toward others.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 25:36 challenge you to think about your financial dealings, especially when it comes to helping others in need?
- In what ways can you reflect God’s heart for mercy and compassion in your approach to money and generosity?
- How does this verse encourage you to prioritize relationships over financial gain, especially when dealing with those who are struggling?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect the fear of God, especially in how you treat those in vulnerable situations?
- How does understanding Jesus’ example of giving without expecting anything in return inspire you to live with greater generosity and kindness?
Leviticus 25:36 calls us to live with a heart of compassion, treating others with the same kindness and fairness that God shows to us. Through Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God’s mercy, inviting us to reflect His love in every part of our lives, including our financial decisions.