5 A newly married man will not have to go out with the army or undertake any business, but may be free for one year, living in his house for the comfort of his wife. 6 No one is to take, on account of a debt, the stones with which grain is crushed: for in doing so he takes a man's living. 7 If a man takes by force one of his countrymen, the children of Israel, using him as his property or getting a price for him, that thief is to be put to death: so you are to put away evil from among you. 8 In connection with the leper's disease, take care to keep and do every detail of the teaching of the priests, the Levites: as I gave them orders, so you are to do. 9 Keep in mind what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way, when you came out of Egypt. 10 If you let your brother have the use of anything which is yours, do not go into his house and take anything of his as a sign of his debt; 11 But keep outside till he comes out and gives it to you. 12 If he is a poor man, do not keep his property all night; 13 But be certain to give it back to him when the sun goes down, so that he may have his clothing for sleeping in, and will give you his blessing: and this will be put to your account as righteousness before the Lord your God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:5-13
Commentary on Deuteronomy 24:5-13
(Read Deuteronomy 24:5-13)
It is of great consequence that love be kept up between husband and wife; that they carefully avoid every thing which might make them strange one to another. Man-stealing was a capital crime, which could not be settled, as other thefts, by restitution. The laws concerning leprosy must be carefully observed. Thus all who feel their consciences under guilt and wrath, must not cover it, or endeavour to shake off their convictions; but by repentance, and prayer, and humble confession, take the way to peace and pardon. Some orders are given about pledges for money lent. This teaches us to consult the comfort and subsistence of others, as much as our own advantage. Let the poor debtor sleep in his own raiment, and praise God for thy kindness to him. Poor debtors ought to feel more than commonly they do, the goodness of creditors who do not take all the advantage of the law against them, nor should this ever be looked upon as weakness.