{"id":47091,"date":"2023-03-30T20:32:18","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T17:32:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=47091"},"modified":"2025-05-25T17:15:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:15:29","slug":"why-did-god-forbid-taking-a-millstone-as-collateral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2023\/03\/30\/why-did-god-forbid-taking-a-millstone-as-collateral\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Did God Forbid Taking a Millstone as Collateral?"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Deuteronomy 24:6)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scripture Reference:<\/strong>
\n\u201cDo not take a pair of millstones not even the upper one as security for a debt, because that would be taking a person\u2019s livelihood as security.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Deuteronomy 24:6, NIV<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is wrong to take a set of millstones, or even just the upper millstone, as security for a loan, for the owner uses it to make a living.\u201d <\/em>Deuteronomy 24:6, NLT<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Historical and Cultural Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In biblical times, the millstone was a vital household tool used for grinding grain to make flour an essential part of daily life. It was composed of two stones: a lower (stationary) stone and an upper (rotating) one. This tool was not a luxury it was as essential as a cooking pot or a stove is today.<\/p>\n

Because it was central to survival, particularly for poor families who ground their own grain for daily meals, God strictly prohibited it from being taken as collateral for a loan.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s law in Deuteronomy 24:6<\/strong> reveals His heart for justice and compassion especially for the poor and vulnerable. Taking a millstone as a pledge wasn\u2019t just seizing a piece of property it was equivalent to taking someone\u2019s very life, because it deprived them of their ability to feed themselves and their family.<\/p>\n

This aligns with other laws found in the Torah that protect human dignity, even in economic transactions:<\/p>\n

Exodus 22:26-27 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you take your neighbor\u2019s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, because that cloak is the only covering your ne<\/em><\/p>\n

ighbor has… When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Leviticus 25:35-37 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIf any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves… do not take int<\/em><\/p>\n

erest or any profit from them, but fear your God…\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

These laws collectively point to a key biblical principle: economics must never override mercy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Practical and Spiritual Lessons<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. God Prioritizes Human Life Over Financial Gain<\/strong>
    \nThe law protects the poor by ensuring that their basic tools for survival aren’t confiscated. This shows that God values life more than material repayment.<\/li>\n
  2. Lending Should Be Anchored in Compassion<\/strong>
    \nAs Christians, we are encouraged to lend generously without expecting anything in return, especially when helping those in dire need.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cGive to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.\u201d<\/em> \u00a0Matthew 5:42 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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    1. Faith That Reflects God\u2019s Justice and Mercy<\/strong>
      \nBelievers are called to mirror God\u2019s character not just in worship, but in daily interactions, including business and finance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u201cLearn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.\u201d<\/em> \u00a0Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      God’s command not to take a millstone as a pledge isn’t just about ancient lending practices it reveals a divine standard of mercy, justice, and compassion. We are reminded that helping the poor should come from a heart of love, not from a desire for profit. When we reflect this grace, we honor God and make our faith attractive to others.<\/p>\n

      May the Lord bless you as you walk in His wisdom and love.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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