Leviticus 25:35

“And if thy brother be waxen poor, etc.] An Israelite, as Aben Ezra, be reduced to a low estate, through afflictions in body, or in family, or through losses in trade, or want of business, or through one providence or another: and fallen in decay with thee; in his worldly substance: or “his hand wavers”, or “fails” f885; so that he cannot support himself and his family, has not a sufficiency, or it is not in the power of his hands to do it; and it is not owing to sloth and negligence, but to unavoidable want and necessity: then thou shalt relieve him; not merely by sympathizing with him, but by communicating to him, and distributing to his necessities; holding him up that he may not utterly…”

“if thy brother be waxen poor, . . . relieve him--This was a most benevolent provision for the poor and unfortunate, designed to aid them or alleviate the evils of their condition. Whether a native Israelite or a mere sojourner, his richer neighbor was required to give him food, lodging, and a supply of money without usury. Usury was severely condemned (Psa 15:5; Eze 18:8, Eze 18:17), but the prohibition cannot be considered as applicable to the modern practice of men in business, borrowing and lending at legal rates of interest.”

“Rather, And if thy brother (an Israelite) becomes poor and falls into decay with thee, thou shalt assist him and let him live with thee like a resident foreigner. He was not to be regarded as an outcast, but was to be treated with the same respect and consideration as a resident foreigner who, like him, could possess no land, but could accumulate property and live in comfort as a free man. See Leviticus 16:29 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A sojourner - Understand it of proselytes only, for of other strangers they were permitted to take usury, Deu 23:20. Leviticus 25:36”

“25:35 Impoverished Israelites first looked to family for help (see study note on 25:25). Second, they relied on the community, which was commanded to help them rather than exploit their vulnerability.”

“thy brother: Lev 25:25; Deu 15:7, Deu 15:8; Pro 14:20, Pro 14:21, Pro 17:5, Pro 19:17; Mar 14:7; Joh 12:8; Co2 8:9; Jam 2:5, Jam 2:6 fallen in decay: Heb. his hand faileth then: Psa 37:26, Psa 41:1, Psa 112:5, Psa 112:9; Pro 14:31; Luk 6:35; Act 11:29; Rom 12:13, Rom 12:18, Rom 12:20; Co2 9:1, Co2 9:12-15; Gal 2:10; Jo1 3:17 relieve: Heb. strengthen a stranger: Lev 19:34; Exo 23:9; Deu 10:18, Deu 10:19; Mat 25:35; Heb 13:2 Leviticus 25:36”