N6
We are not to exploit a neighbor's weakness to gain advantage, but are rather to help him to overcome.
Category: Neighbours & Brothers
Type: Negative
Form: Explicit
Source dataset: Old Testament
Uniqueness: Not unique
Classical commandment: Yes
New Covenant Literal Application
Applies to Person Categories: Not specified
Literal Application: Not specified
More explanation about New Covenant Literal Application
The New Covenant Literal Application Code (NCLA) is an interpretive guide used by the authors to indicate which person categories a mitzvah applies to, and at what level of literal compliance.
It combines person categories such as Jewish, K'rov Yisrael, and Gentile, together with male/female distinctions and an application level such as mandated, recommended, optional, or prohibited.
This code reflects the authors' interpretive opinion and is provided for prayerful consideration. On this page, the technical code is summarized into plain language to help new readers understand it more easily.
Bible references
Key NT Scriptures
- James 1:27
- Matthew 9:35
- Matthew 10:1
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Key OT Scriptures
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Deuteronomy 24:14
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Exodus 22:21
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Exodus 22:22-23
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Isaiah 10:1-2
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Psalms 35:10
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Psalms 68:6
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Zechariah 7:10
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Commentary
Rabbi Michael Rudolph
In ancient times, widows, orphans, and the poor were the principal disadvantaged classes, so when we read commandments related to them, it is fair to interpret them to include persons with other disadvantages and weaknesses brought about by circumstance. Scripture is clear that God is against anyone who exploits such persons or causes them harm. Indeed, they are to be protected and ministered to so that they may overcome their respective weaknesses or even be delivered from them. This is a proactive responsibility related to loving the stranger, our neighbor and even our enemy, helping our neighbor who is in need, and giving charity. It is not sufficient to merely do them no harm; it is required that we seek to improve their condition to the extent possible. Deuteronomy 24:14 makes it clear that we are not to exploit a poor and needy worker whether he is a brother or a stranger, and the examples of Yeshua and His disciples are that they did not distinguish between brothers and strangers in who they attempted to proactively help. As in the giving of charity, the Holy Spirit must be consulted to determine the level of help that is reasonable and required of us in each circumstance that comes to our attention. It is important to keep in mind that exploitation is not just benefitting from a person; it is deriving benefit from another unfairly by preying on his weakness. Not only does Scripture demand that we not do this, but it requires the opposite - that we seek to help disadvantaged persons and, to the extent that we are able, give them relief from their disability.
Classical commentators
One can derive this Mitzvah by piecing together a number of the classical ones, but the single closest classical mitzvah is Maimonides' RN256 that prohibits our dealing harshly with widows and orphans. HaChinuch's C65 terms it "afflicting", and Meir's MN51 terms it "inflicting suffering". None of these deal explicitly with exploitation, and Deuteronomy 24:14 that does prohibit exploitation of the poor and needy worker is not referenced by any of the classical commentators.
Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2
Classical sources
Maimonides
Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 12th century) organized all 613 Torah commandments into a structured list. These linked items show where this Law of Messiah commandment overlaps with that classical framework.
Meir of Rothenburg
Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg (13th century, Germany) was a leading Talmudic authority. These reference numbers link this commandment to his halachic rulings.
MN51
Source and License
Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.
License: CC BY-ND 4.0 (Attribution required, NoDerivatives). CC BY-ND 4.0
Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.
Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 1 & 2
Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2