Daily wages!

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

Deuteronomy 24

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

This chapter is about treating people with justice and compassion. It could be summarized as, "Thou shalt not oppress the poor."

Oddly in contrast to today, the first section (verses 1-4) suggests that while marriage isn't necessarily permanent, divorce is. A man can't remarry a woman he had divorced; he must live with the consequences. 

I believe this actually protects the woman by discouraging divorce even as it's permitted. To be fair to the wife, the husband must think through his actions before divorcing her.

My favorite part of the chapter, however, is the command that wages shall be paid daily. Not weekly, not bi-weekly, not semi-monthly. Daily. 

This should be even easier done today with direct deposit, as no one has to fear being mugged and robbed of their wages on their way home from work.

I also appreciate that the poor and powerless are free to take from the field what hasn't been harvested. 

But since I believe the message of the Bible is allegorical or metaphorical, the LORD represents my highest consciousness. It is not my concern how well my neighbor treats his employees or the less fortunate, it is up to me to treat everyone I meet with justice and charity. 

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)