Millstones

Jewish law held a deep respect for human dignity and life, and it was closely connected to the daily lives of the Israelites. The law also provided safeguards for the vulnerable and poor in Jewish society. For example, Deuteronomy 24:6 states: “Do not take a pair of millstones—even the upper one—as security for a loan, because that would be taking a person’s livelihood as security.” (Security here refers to an item used as collateral for a loan).

Household millstones were a necessity for ancient Israelite families, usually made from basalt. They consisted of two parts: a lighter, rotating upper millstone and a heavy, stationary lower one. Grain was placed on the surface of the lower stone, and the lighter upper stone was rotated over it to grind the grain into flour. At that time, Israelite households would only grind enough flour for that day; they would grind two days’ worth before the Sabbath. Taking the millstones as security for a loan, or even just one of them, would make the entire set unusable. This would prevent the family from grinding the flour needed for their daily bread, which is why the law states that it would be “taking a person’s livelihood as security.”

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.