Exodus 22:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Those who fail to return their loans to the impoverished are also judged by God, and a warning is directed towards them. It is declared: When the one who has not had their loan restored calls out to Me, I will answer them, for I am compassionate. Additionally, it was perilous and unlawful to harvest the remnants after the initial gathering or to gather grapes and olives a second time, as these were meant to be left for the needy. If such instructions were given to those bound by the law, what then for those who dwell in Christ? The Lord instructs them, ‘Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven’ (Matthew 5:20). Homily on mercy and judgement.

In Deuteronomy 24:6 and 10-13, the guidelines regarding pledges are articulated with a focus on compassion, reflecting the intent to foster moral integrity within Israel. Thus, in spite of the repeated command to return a poor brother's pledged garments before nightfall, the creditor is prohibited from entering the home from which the pledged items are taken. He is required to remain outside so that the basest instincts of the human heart—such as eagerness and arrogance—do not lead him to exploit his brother’s plight for his own gain. These admirable principles have no equivalent in the legal frameworks of the ancient civilizations.