What are the three requirements for paying off a mortgage in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament economy, a mortgaged property could be paid off by going to a next of kin. That kinsman had to have the wherewithal, meaning funds and wealth, and he had to be willing to pay. These three requirements were the next of kin, sufficient resources, and willingness.
Les explains that mortgages were not new; ancient Israel, especially in the time of Ruth and Boaz, could mortgage property. If an Israelite got into a bind and the mortgage came due without ability to pay, he would either lose his property or go to a next of kin. Les says going to a next of kin was paramount and was one of the first requirements. The next of kin also had to have the wherewithal—the funds and wealth—and he had to want to do it. Those are the three requirements Les identifies for paying off a mortgage in that Old Testament setting.