Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
You may charge interest when lending money to foreigners, but don't charge interest when lending to your fellow Israelites. Do this so that the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do in the land you're going to take possession of.
God is instructing His people to treat fellow believers with special kindness by not charging them interest, while promising His blessing on their work when they follow this command.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing economic laws for their new society. In the ancient Near East, charging interest on loans was common practice, but God wanted His people to create a community marked by compassion and mutual support. The distinction between 'stranger' (foreigner) and 'brother' (fellow Israelite) reflected the special covenant relationship God's people had with each other.
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