God’s desire is for His covenant people to emulate His compassion by refraining from oppressive financial practices.
Leviticus establishes guidelines for how the Israelites should live in covenant community with one another. In the midst of these instructions, Moses writes, “Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you” (v.36). By commanding the Israelites not to charge excessive or unfair interest, the LORD underscores the importance of compassion and fairness among covenant family members. Moses, traditionally dated around the 15th century BC, received such divine instructions at Mount Sinai in the Sinai wilderness, a region located between present-day Egypt and the southern areas of modern Israel. This desert expanse served as the crucible where the newly freed Israelites learned to walk in obedience to God.
When the verse says, “but revere your God” (v.36), it places moral weight behind these financial restrictions. Revering God implies recognizing the LORD as the ultimate provider, and it calls upon God’s people to embody His righteousness in their dealings. By refraining from exploitative lending, the Israelites were reminded that reflecting God’s character involves treating each other with kindness, rather than placing undue burdens upon those already in need. Jesus later echoed similar principles of compassion and mercy, calling on His followers to care for one another without expecting worldly gains (Luke 6:34-35).
Moreover, “that your countryman may live with you” (v.36) reveals God’s heart for unity and holistic well-being within the community. The people of Israel were not to push any of their fellow countrymen into perpetual poverty or despair. Instead, they were to nurture a society where everyone could thrive under God’s provision. This verse directly connects to broader biblical themes of loving one’s neighbor and acting justly, themes that Jesus ultimately fulfilled and taught during His ministry, emphasizing that our spiritual relationship with God should manifest in tangible acts of mercy and support for others (Matthew 25:35-40).
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 25:36 meaning
Leviticus establishes guidelines for how the Israelites should live in covenant community with one another. In the midst of these instructions, Moses writes, “Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you” (v.36). By commanding the Israelites not to charge excessive or unfair interest, the LORD underscores the importance of compassion and fairness among covenant family members. Moses, traditionally dated around the 15th century BC, received such divine instructions at Mount Sinai in the Sinai wilderness, a region located between present-day Egypt and the southern areas of modern Israel. This desert expanse served as the crucible where the newly freed Israelites learned to walk in obedience to God.
When the verse says, “but revere your God” (v.36), it places moral weight behind these financial restrictions. Revering God implies recognizing the LORD as the ultimate provider, and it calls upon God’s people to embody His righteousness in their dealings. By refraining from exploitative lending, the Israelites were reminded that reflecting God’s character involves treating each other with kindness, rather than placing undue burdens upon those already in need. Jesus later echoed similar principles of compassion and mercy, calling on His followers to care for one another without expecting worldly gains (Luke 6:34-35).
Moreover, “that your countryman may live with you” (v.36) reveals God’s heart for unity and holistic well-being within the community. The people of Israel were not to push any of their fellow countrymen into perpetual poverty or despair. Instead, they were to nurture a society where everyone could thrive under God’s provision. This verse directly connects to broader biblical themes of loving one’s neighbor and acting justly, themes that Jesus ultimately fulfilled and taught during His ministry, emphasizing that our spiritual relationship with God should manifest in tangible acts of mercy and support for others (Matthew 25:35-40).