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nence of the Hittites as agents in the transaction, point to an ancient
biblical tradition.7.1.2 Sale of persons arose through debt (see 7.4 below).
7.2 Loan^61
Loans in the Bible are poverty loans; commercial arrangements
between merchants are not dealt with. Loans enable the poor to
stave offdisaster (Deut. 15:7–8; Prov. 3:27–28). One is to lend money
freely even when the Sabbatical year is approaching and debts will
be canceled (Deut. 15:7–11).7.2.1 Terminology
The terminology of loans is complicated. The creditor himself is a
no“eh. Two words describe the loans, ̇abol and 'abo†. The verb from
'abo†means “to lend,” the verb from ̇abol“to seize,” but the two
words do not indicate different pledges.7.2.2 Interest^62
Loans to Israelites were never to be made at interest (Exod. 22:24).
This included loans of silver or food (Lev. 25:35–38), interest taken
in silver or anything else, and interest deducted in advance (ne“ek)or
collected at repayment (tarbit) (Deut. 23:20). Deuteronomy does allow
ne“ekto be collected from a foreigner (nokri: Deut. 23:21).7.2.3 Repayment
Loans are repaid at harvest. Amos is angry that loans are collected
in grain (Amos 5:11): payment should only be collected if the bor-
rower has enough surplus to be able to convert some into silver to
repay the debt. Someone who has to pay in grain suffers hardship
through repayment.7.2.4 Loan of an animal for use is regulated by Exodus 22:13–14.
If the animal is injured or died, the borrower must make full resti-
tution to the owner, unless the owner was also with the animal.(^61) Frymer-Kensky, “Israel.”
(^62) Gamoran, “Loans on Interest”; Neufeld, “Prohibitions against Loans.. .”; See-
ligman, “Lending, Pledge and Interest...”
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