In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.
You must return his coat or cloak to him when the sun sets, so he can sleep in his own clothes and bless you. This will be counted as doing what's right in the sight of the LORD your God.
God is commanding His people to show compassion by returning a poor person's coat each evening so they can stay warm while sleeping.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israelite society, as outlined in the book of Deuteronomy, people often pledged their outer garments as collateral for loans, which were essential for daily life and protection from the elements. Moses delivered these laws to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing God's commands for justice and compassion toward the poor to prevent exploitation. This specific instruction ensured that borrowers could retrieve their pledges by sunset to use them as bedding, reflecting a cultural context where such items were vital for survival.
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