Overview
In biblical times, hocking referred to leaving personal property as collateral for a debt. God's law emphasized compassion toward those in financial hardship, prohibiting the taking of essential items and requiring the return of pledged garments used for daily survival.
Key Scriptures
"If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him" (Exodus 22:25, ESV). "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else would he sleep?" (Exodus 22:26-27, ESV). "The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives" (Psalm 37:21, ESV).
Application
When facing financial need, seek wise counsel and community support rather than compromising essential possessions, and treat others' pledged items with the respect and urgency God's law demands.