Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(holding before). [EARNEST.] [LOAN.]
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The taking of articles as security for loans, etc. was very early practiced, and restrictions were given in the law that no unfair advantage should be taken thereby (Ex. 22:26; Deut. 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.”