Text: Deuteronomy 24:17
OT Text Referred to: Exodus 22:26
Subject: loan collateral regulation
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Exodus 22:26 protects the poor man's garment from being permanently retained as a pledge, and Deuteronomy 24:17 extends this protection specifically to the widow: "You must not... take a widow's cloak as security" (לֹא תַחֲבֹל בֶּגֶד אַלְמָנָה, lo tachavol beged almanah). Deuteronomy identifies the widow as a particularly vulnerable class that receives absolute protection—her garment may not be taken as pledge at all, not merely returned by sunset as in the general Exodus rule. This escalation from conditional protection (return by sunset) to absolute prohibition (never take it) reflects Deuteronomy's characteristic concern for the most defenseless members of the covenant community.