Pledges and Collaterals (and Today's Demands For Rent Increases) -- Here's How or How Not According to Deuteronomy 24:6

[ source: alternet.org -- check them out ]

A Rule on Lending In Order To Get Along Civilly -- Deuteronomy 24:6-13

Verse 6 talks about 'collaterals' (something pledged as a security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default). There are certain kinds of pledges we are not to ask for or to take. In this case, the text refers to those as a "handmill" or an "upper millstone". You may ask why? Well, the verse goes on to explain because taking one of those is like taking someone's life as a pledge.  Really? How's that?

First, let's look at how Robert Jamieson explains the meaning of the words: "The "upper" stone being concave, covers the "nether" like a lid; and it has a small aperture, through which the corn is poured, as well as a handle by which it is turned. The propriety of the law was founded on the custom of grinding corn every morning for daily consumption. If either of the stones, therefore, which composed the handmill was wanting, a person would be deprived of his necessary provision."

Now more on the why. Here's Chuck Smith on this: "Now the reason why you weren't to take a millstone as a pledge is because people, actually that was their livelihood. You used your millstone to grind your wheat and all. If you don't have your millstone you're out of bread, you know. So you weren't allowed to take these as a pledge for a debt."

David Guzik adds: "This warns Israel against taking advantage of each other in times of great need. We must take care that we never unfairly profit from the poverty or difficulty of others. . .  This command forbids the taking of collateral that would take away a man's ability to provide for his family, and get himself out of debt."

Bottom line, we are not to be taking advantage of someone today through usury. If interest is to be charged at all (and remember the Israelites were forbidden to demand interest from each other), we are to be reasonable in what we charge, ensuring that the person to whom we lend to today will not be burdened to the point of having to declare bankruptcy or being unable to feed his family tomorrow because of our demands.

I am reminded of the circumstances that many store-owners and families are faced with today in the midst of all the lockdowns because of how our governments have chosen to fight the virus. Many small business owners who rent their premises cannot make ends meet. Many people are losing their jobs and in spite of government funds to assist them, they are not earning what they earned prior to all this. So, the cost of rent for stores and for housing goes up, but the funds are not there for many to be able to handle them. For those who own homes, mortgages still have to be paid. So, the question for us is what would the Bible have us do with respect to those people who have been hardest hit, but still need to meet their rent and/or mortgage obligations?

First, I do realize that many are not in a position to help especially if they are only administrators of property rather than owners. Also if you work for a bank that holds a mortgage, you'd have to be pretty high up to change the rules for all those holding mortgages and you'd have to do it fairly and equitably or you may have other problems.

I'm not talking about these folks here.  I'm talking about those of us who can make a decision to go easier on renters and those who owe us monthly payments on loans of any kind. Although, one could argue that if you are in the former group, you could speak to your bosses and see if you could soften their terms for the sake of others. Or alternatively, you may have one or two debtors on whose behalf you may wish to personally pick up some of the hardship. Again, you were blessed to be a blessing. Just saying.]

But for those of us who can make a difference directly because we are the building owners or we hold the loan, here are some ideas:

May I suggest that you approach folks with sincere concern and gentleness. This is much harder for them than it is for you. Much is at stake for them whereas usually for you, it may simply mean less profit for a certain period. And if you're a Christian, you need to keep in mind Who it is that enables you to have property to rent or funds with which to hold a mortgage on someone else's living accommodations. And as mentioned above, like Abraham, you were blessed to be a blessing. Act like it. Talk to these people. See what can be worked out. See how much of a burden you can take off their back for a given period of time.  Care not just about getting your monthly due, but care about the individual and especially their families.

Perhaps I've said enough. But let me tell you that I also have a renter couple and I practice what I preach. Please join me in this or share this with someone who can also bless others in this way during these difficult financial times.  I can't tell you for certain if God had this time in history in mind when He established those rules for the Israelites, but I can tell you this -- God's rules are always solid and they make for a better life for all involved, no matter the age. 

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