The Old Testament also says that Usary (interest) is sinful and that charging interest when loaning to the poor is wrong. Something tells me that that idea isn’t exactly a popular one nowadays, least of all here.
Actually, unless I am mistaken, the Word only forbids charging usery to brethren. I do not think it addresses charging interest to those outside of God's family. This fits in also with making a slave out of a brethren who is poor. It is only for a few years, and then they are set free. Unless they choose to stay with you after that.
I don't think I have ever read in Scripture where it says that lending to the poor and charging interest to those outside of the family of God is wrong, in context. Perhaps it is there, but I have not seen it. I find it interesting that this point is rarely brought up.
You are right. Usury is about ‘oppressing other people & in particular oppressing the poor.’ When interest is charged, it must not oppress people.
In Matthew25:27 (Jesus speaking),”should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with >interest on my return?”
This parable is told before the explanation about the Judgment of Nations when God is looking for acts of Corporal Mercy on Judgment Day. “All parables are an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning.” >All the Commandments can be summarized by: “Love God above all things & love your neighbor as yourself.”