Exodus 22:16-31

Laws About Social Problems

16 "Suppose a man meets a virgin who is not engaged. And he talks her into having sex with him. Then he must pay her father the price for a bride. And he must get married to her.

17 "But suppose her father absolutely refuses to give her to him. Then he must still pay the price for getting married to a virgin.

18 "Do not let a woman who does evil magic stay alive. Put her to death.

19 "Anyone who has sex with an animal must be put to death.

20 "Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than me must be destroyed.

21 "Do not treat outsiders badly. Do not beat them down. Remember, you were outsiders in Egypt.

22 "Do not take advantage of widows. Do not take advantage of children whose fathers have died.

23 "If you do, they might cry out to me. Then I will certainly hear them.

24 And I will get angry. I will kill you with a sword. Your wives will become widows. Your children's fathers will die.

25 "Suppose you lend money to one of my people among you who is in need. Then do not be like those who lend money and charge interest. Do not charge any interest.

26 "Suppose your neighbor owes you money and gives you a coat as a promise to pay it back. Then return it to him by sunset.

27 That coat is the only thing he owns to wear or sleep in. When he cries out to me, I will listen, because I am loving and kind.

28 "Do not speak evil things against me. Do not call down a curse on the ruler of your people.

29 "Do not hold back your grain offerings or wine offerings. "You must give me the oldest of your sons.

30 Do the same with your cattle and sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days. But give them to me on the eighth day.

31 "I want you to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of any animal that has been torn by wild animals. Throw it to the dogs.

Exodus 22:16-31 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.