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Safekeeping, Borrowing, and Rental

Tyndale House, 36 Selwyn Gardens, Cambridge CB3 9BA

In general, a person who is entrusted with someone else’s property—whether for safekeeping, borrowing, or rental—is expected to take good care of it. On the basis of this assumption, provisions are made in various ancient law collections for dealing with problems that may arise: for example, the loss or damage of such property. This article examines the laws on care of other people’s property in the ancient Near East and the Old Testament, especially Exod. 22.7-15 (Heb. 22.6-14), showing that they have much in common, but also that there are significant differences. One particular feature of biblical law which distinguishes it from other ancient (and modern) laws is its emphasis on borrowing, without payment, rather than rental. This may be compared with the laws on interest-free loans in the Old Testament, which are also unique in the ancient Near East.

Key Words: safekeeping • borrowing • rental • property • loan • interest • law

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