Exodus 22:26-31

26 If you take someone's cloak as a pledge that he will pay you, you must give it back to him before the sun sets, 1
27 because it is the only covering he has to keep him warm. What else can he sleep in? When he cries out to me for help, I will answer him because I am merciful.
28 "Do not speak evil of God, and do not curse a leader of your people. 2
29 "Give me the offerings from your grain, your wine, and your olive oil when they are due. "Give me your first-born sons.
30 Give me the first-born of your cattle and your sheep. Let the first-born male stay with its mother for seven days, and on the eighth day offer it to me.
31 "You are my people, so you must not eat the meat of any animal that has been killed by wild animals; instead, give it to the dogs. 3

Exodus 22:26-31 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 3

  • 1. 22.26, 27Deuteronomy 24.10-13.
  • 2. 22.28Acts 23.5.
  • 3. 22.31Leviticus 17.15.

Footnotes 1

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.