Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Don't charge your fellow Israelite interest on money you lend him, and don't try to make a profit from him. Instead, respect and honor God, so that your brother can survive and live alongside you.
God is telling His people not to charge interest when lending money to fellow believers who are struggling, but instead to help them with reverence for God so they can get back on their feet.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of ancient Israel, God gave laws through Moses to the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land, emphasizing economic justice and care for the community. Leviticus 25 specifically addresses the Year of Jubilee, a periodic reset where debts were forgiven and land returned to original owners, with this verse prohibiting the charging of interest on loans to fellow Israelites to prevent exploitation and promote equality. This command was part of a broader system designed to reflect God's holiness and protect the vulnerable from falling into perpetual poverty.
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