No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man’s life to pledge.
No one should take a person's millstone (either the upper or lower grinding stone) as collateral for a loan, because that would be taking away their means of survival.
God is protecting people from losing their basic tools for making food and earning a living when they borrow money.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of Moses, loans were a common practice in a society where people often pledged personal items as collateral to secure debt. Millstones, which were used to grind grain into flour for daily meals, represented a basic tool for survival in an agrarian culture. This law protected individuals from extreme hardship by forbidding creditors from taking such essential items, emphasizing God's concern for the poor and vulnerable.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.