Deuteronomy 24:6
French (La Bible expliquée)
On ne doit pas exiger en gage de quelqu'un sa meule à blé, même pas la pierre supérieure de la meule, car ce serait le priver de ses moyens d'existence. L'objectif commun entre toutes ces prescriptions est d'assurer la protection des pauvres et des plus faibles: endettés (v. 6, 10-13), esclaves (v. 7), malades (v. 8-9), travailleurs journaliers (v. 14-15), famille d'un condamné (v. 16), étrangers, veuves et orphelins (v. 17-22). Ces mesures de justice ou de générosité sont toujours enracinées dans l'expérience historique du peuple d'Israël, qui a connu l'esclavage et a été libéré par la générosité de Dieu (v. 22). La question de la lèpre (v. 8-9), importante dans le Lévitique (Lév 13–14), est ici relativisée: il faut s'en tenir aux décisions rendues par les prêtres-lévites. La loi de la responsabilité personnelle (v. 17) s'oppose à une autre conception, largement répandue, celle de la responsabilité collective (Nomb 16). Cette loi fut appliquée par le roi Amassia à l'encontre des meurtriers de son père (2 Rois 14.5-6), et le fait devait être assez exceptionnel puisque l'histoire l'a noté. Jérémie et surtout Ézékiel insistent vigoureusement sur la responsabilité de chaque personne par rapport à ses actes (Jér 31.28-34 Ézék 18.2-21).
What Does This Mean?
This verse in Deuteronomy says that no one should take a person's millstone as collateral for a loan. The millstone is crucial for grinding grain, and taking it away is like taking away a person's ability to feed themselves and their family.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special toy that you use to make your favorite snack. This verse is like saying, 'Don't take away someone's special toy if they can't pay you back, because that toy helps them eat and live.'
Historical Background
Moses spoke these words to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The instruction reflects the cultural importance of food security and the moral imperative to protect the poor and vulnerable in the community.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse reminds us to treat others with compassion and to avoid taking away essentials that sustain someone's livelihood, such as their car if they rely on it for work.
Topics
justicecompassionpovertycommunityprotectionmorality
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the millstone so important in this verse?
The millstone was essential for grinding grain into flour, which was a primary food source. Taking it away would severely impact a family's ability to feed themselves.
What does 'taking a man's life to pledge' mean?
It means that by taking away the millstone, you are essentially taking away the means of life, which is akin to taking a person's life itself.
Is this verse only about millstones?
The verse specifically mentions millstones, but it's a broader lesson about protecting the essentials that sustain life and livelihood.
How does this verse apply to our modern financial practices?
It teaches us to avoid taking away essentials that someone needs to survive or to make a living, such as not repossessing a car from someone who relies on it for their job.