Exodus 22:22-24

22 ¹You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

23 If you do mistreat them, and they ²cry out to me, I will surely ³hear their cry,

24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and ⁴your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:22-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 22

This chapter contains various laws concerning theft, Ex 22:1-4, concerning damage done to fields and vineyards by beasts, and to corn in stacks or standing, by fire, Ex 22:5,6, concerning anything or creature deposited in the hands of a neighbour, and they be stolen or lost by one means or another, Ex 22:7-13, concerning anything borrowed, and it comes to any damage, Ex 22:14,15, concerning fornication, Ex 22:16,17 concerning witchcraft, bestiality, and idolatry, Ex 22:18-20 concerning oppression, and affliction of the stranger, fatherless, and widow, Ex 22:21-24 concerning taking usury and pledges, Ex 22:25-27, concerning irreverence to magistrates, Ex 22:28, concerning the offering of firstfruits to God, Ex 22:29,30 and the chapter is concluded with a prohibition of eating anything torn by beasts, Ex 22:31.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 27:19; Psalms 94:6; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 10:2; Ezekiel 22:7; Zechariah 7:10; James 1:27
• 2. Job 34:28; Luke 18:7
• 3. Psalms 18:6; Psalms 145:19; [James 5:4]
• 4. Psalms 109:9; Lamentations 5:3