23:17,18
We can easily understand that these rules are right, though there are elements of society that wish to treat prostitution as “sex-work”, somehow dignifying it. Prostitution is not good, it exploits and degrades women, it also exploits and degrades men, but women are the ones who suffer the most. Prostitution was often linked with pagan religious practices. There was to be no such thing in Israel. Money earned from prostitution was not to be offered to God, for it was detestable to Him. We might think it was obvious that such things should not be done, but there is a continual temptation to follow the ways of society, as much of the church sadly demonstrates today.
23:19,20
They were not to charge Israelites interest on anything at all, but were allowed to charge foreigner’s interest. If they followed this instruction then they would be blessed by the Lord, and things would work. The corollary is that if they didn’t do this then things would not work. This distinction between Israelites and foreigners probably worries us. I can think of two possible explanations. One is the distinction between those who are in the kingdom and those who are not, and we need to remember that there are other instructions about treating foreigners or sojourners well. Another possibility is that loans to fellow Israelites might well be linked to everyday essentials, while foreigners would be engaging in trade, so the loan would be more of a commercial proposition.
No comments:
Post a Comment