A man was not to take a millstone as collateral because doing so would deprive another person of a basic means of survival. The millstone was essential for grinding grain, which was necessary for daily food. Taking it as security for a loan was considered unjust and oppressive.
“No man shall take the lower or the upper millstone in pledge, for he takes one’s living in pledge.” (Deuteronomy 24:6)
This command protected the poor and preserved their ability to provide for themselves and their families. By taking a millstone, a lender would be taking more than a possession, he would be taking away a person’s capacity to eat and live. It was essentially a form of economic oppression.
God’s law consistently upheld the dignity of each person, even in financial dealings. While pledges were allowed in some situations, this law set a boundary when a pledge would cause harm or endanger life. It reminded Israel to act with compassion and restraint, not using leverage to harm those already in need.
This principle carries forward in how believers today are to handle finances and lending… with integrity, mercy, and a commitment to uphold the well-being of others.
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