5 " When a man takes a new wife , he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty ; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken . 6 "No one shall take a handmill or an upper millstone in pledge , for he would be taking a life in pledge . 7 " If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countrymen of the sons of Israel , and he deals with him violently or sells him, then that thief shall die ; so you shall purge the evil from among you. 8 " Be careful against an infection of leprosy , that you diligently observe and do according to all that the Levitical priests teach you; as I have commanded them, so you shall be careful to do . 9 "Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way as you came out of Egypt . 10 " When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort , you shall not enter his house to take his pledge . 11 "You shall remain outside , and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you. 12 "If he is a poor man , you shall not sleep with his pledge . 13 " When the sun goes down you shall surely return the pledge to him, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you; and it will be righteousness for you 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.