Exodus 22:21-27

Laws Protecting the Vulnerable

21 "You must not exploit a foreign resident or oppress him, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

22 "You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

23 If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to Me, and I will certainly hear their cry.

24 My anger will burn, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.

25 "If you lend money to My people-to the poor person among you, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest.

26 "If you ever take your neighbor's cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset.

27 For it is his only covering; it is the clothing for his body.^[a] What will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will listen because I am compassionate.

Exodus 22:21-27 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit skin