The taking of articles as security for loans, etc. was very early practised, and restrictions were given in the law that no unfair advantage should be taken thereby. Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:10-17; Job 22:6; Job 24:3,9; Amos 2:8 . In 2 Kings 18:23 and Isaiah 36:8 the sense is 'to make an engagement or treaty.'