Deuteronomy 24:13
You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse reveals a beautiful, often missed, dynamic: the poor person's blessing isn't just a nice thank-you, but is understood to actually bring down God's blessing upon the creditor. It highlights that acts of mercy are not merely good deeds, but are counted as righteousness in God's sight, directly impacting the giver's standing before Him.
This passage appears in a section of Deuteronomy dealing with laws to protect the vulnerable, following instructions about divorce and remarriage. It specifically addresses the practice of taking a pledge from someone who owes you money. The surrounding verses in this chapter also touch on social justice issues, reinforcing a theme of care for the less fortunate within the Israelite community.
Imagine losing not just your money, but your very means to stay warm or presentable. This law reveals God's concern for the vulnerable.
In ancient Israel, a pledge could be a vital necessity – a cloak for warmth or a garment to maintain dignity. Deuteronomy 24:13 commands the lender to return such essential items by sunset. This wasn't about inconvenience; it was about preserving the borrower's basic human needs and preventing utter destitution.
This command isn't just about rules; it's about fostering a community where acts of mercy lead to divine favor.
The act of returning the pledge has two profound outcomes: the borrower's blessing and the lender's righteousness. God designed this law to create a positive cycle of compassion and gratitude.
Understand the original words
śalmâ · Hebrew Noun
An outer garment, often a large rectangular cloth used for warmth during the day and as a blanket/covering at night.
ṣĕdāqâ · Hebrew Noun
The state or quality of being right, just, and in conformity with God's standards, often expressed through acts of kindness and obedience to His law.
This passage lays the groundwork for the principle found in Deuteronomy, emphasizing that if a poor person cries out to God because their pledge has been withheld, God will hear them, highlighting the divine concern for the vulnerable.
Proverbs 11:24-25These verses speak directly to the generosity described in Deuteronomy, stating that a liberal person will be enriched and that one who blesses others will be blessed in return, echoing the idea of 'righteousness' from giving mercy.
Matthew 5:7Jesus's teaching on the Beatitudes states, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,' connecting the act of showing mercy in practical ways, like returning a pledge, to receiving God's favor.
Luke 6:38This verse encourages generous giving ('Give, and it will be given to you'), reinforcing the spiritual principle that acts of kindness and mercy towards others are met with divine blessing and reward.
James 2:13James powerfully connects judgment and mercy, declaring that 'mercy triumphs over judgment,' underlining that compassionate actions, like those commanded in Deuteronomy, are a demonstration of true faith and pleasing to God.
pooleDeuteronomy 24:13: "In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God."
Bless thee, instrumentally, as ministers are said to convert and save sinners, to wit, bring down the blessing of God upon thee by his prayers; for though his prayers, if he be not a good man, shall not avail for his own behalf, yet they shall avail for thy benefit. Righteousness u…
gillDeuteronomy 24:13: "In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God."
In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again, when the sun goeth down,.... If it was a night covering, as Jarchi remarks; but if it was his day clothes, he was to return it in the morning, when the sun arose; and this was to be done every day, which resist occasion a great d…
This verse reveals a beautiful, often missed, dynamic: the poor person's blessing isn't just a nice thank-you, but is understood to actually bring down God's blessing upon the creditor. It highlights that acts of mercy are not merely good deeds, but are counted as righteousness in God's sight, directly impacting the giver's standing before Him.
This passage appears in a section of Deuteronomy dealing with laws to protect the vulnerable, following instructions about divorce and remarriage. It specifically addresses the practice of taking a pledge from someone who owes you money. The surrounding verses in this chapter also touch on social justice issues, reinforcing a theme of care for the less fortunate within the Israelite community.
This passage appears in a section of Deuteronomy dealing with laws to protect the vulnerable, following instructions about divorce and remarriage. It specifically addresses the practice of taking a pledge from someone who owes you money. The surrounding verses in this chapter also touch on social justice issues, reinforcing a theme of care for the less fortunate within the Israelite community.
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"You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God." — This verse reveals a beautiful, often missed, dynamic: the poor person's blessing isn't just a nice thank-you, but is understood to actually bring down God's blessing upon the creditor. It highligh…
