Deuteronomy 24:12

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وإِن كانَ رَجُلًا فَقيرًا، فلا تَنَمْ ورَهنُه عِندَكَ،

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy says if a person is poor, you should not keep their belongings overnight as a pledge or collateral. It's a command from God, instructing how to treat the poor with kindness and fairness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who doesn’t have much. If they borrow something from you, this verse says you should give it back right away. It’s like saying, 'Don’t make things harder for someone who’s already struggling.'

Historical Background

Deuteronomy was written by Moses around 1200-1000 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing God's laws and commands. The cultural context highlights the importance of fair treatment and compassion towards the poor.

Living It Out Today

In today’s context, this verse might apply to how we treat people who are in difficult financial situations. For example, if a tenant cannot pay rent and offers a valuable item as security, returning it promptly shows compassion and fairness.

Topics

• justice
• poverty
• compassion
• fairness
• community
• God's commands

Related Verses

• Exodus 22:25
• Proverbs 20:16
• Matthew 5:42
• Luke 6:30
• James 2:1-4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to return a pledge promptly?

Returning a pledge promptly ensures that the poor have access to their belongings, which might be essential for their daily needs and survival.

What if the pledge is valuable?

Even if the pledge is valuable, the command in Deuteronomy 24:12 still applies. The value of the item should not delay its return to the poor person.

Does this apply to all loans?

This principle generally applies to all loans, emphasizing fair treatment, especially for those who are less fortunate.

How can businesses implement this principle?

Businesses can implement this by ensuring fair lending practices and being compassionate towards clients in financial hardship, reflecting the spirit of Deuteronomy 24:12.