Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

1. Honest courts dealing with the truth of the matter, regardless of a person’s place or station, Exod. 23.2-3, Lev. 19.15; Deut. 10.17-18

2. Honest weights and measures in all business transactions and commercial dealings, Lev. 19.35-36, Prov. 11.1, Amos 8.5

C. Shared resources : in the Sabbatical year, the poor were provided a share of the produce of the fields and vineyards.

1. No sojourner was to be oppressed or harmed in the covenant community, Exod. 23.9-11.

2. For the Sabbath year, provision was to be made for servants and sojourners as well as family, Lev. 25.3-6.

D. Interest forbidden : the people of God were forbidden to charge usury (interest), and garments pledged had to be returned before the sun went down.

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1. No interest to be exacted from the poor person, Exod. 22.25-27

2. The pledge of clothing was to be returned the same day “as the sun sets,” Deut. 24.10-13.

E. Fair, timely payment for a day’s work : wages were to be paid to the day laborer before the sun went down.

1. Wages to be paid on the same day, before the sun sets, Deut. 24.14-15