What were the three requirements for paying off a mortgage in ancient Israel?
In ancient Israel, paying off a mortgage required a next of kin, sufficient wealth or wherewithal, and willingness to act. If those three conditions were met, the redeemer could pay the mortgage and keep the property within the family inheritance.
Les explains that the redeemer had to meet three requirements: there had to be a next of kin, he had to have the wherewithal, and he had to be willing. Then he could pay off the mortgage, and the next of kin could keep it in the family. This was the whole idea in Israel, that families would keep their inheritances. The same picture appears in the scroll sealed with seven seals: no one in heaven, earth, or under the earth was able to open it because no one had the next of kinship, the wherewithal in wealth, or the willingness. John wept much because no one was found worthy to open, read, or look on the scroll.
More Questions
What were the three requirements for a next of kin to pay off a mortgage in the Old Testament?
For a next of kin to pay off a mortgage in the Old Testament, three requirements had to be met: he had to be the next of kin, have enough funds/wealth, and be willing to do it.