Exodus 22:17-27

17 But if her father refuses to allow his daughter to marry him, the man must still give the usual payment for a bride who has never had sexual relations.

18 "Put to death any woman who does evil magic.

19 "Put to death anyone who has sexual relations with an animal.

20 "Destroy completely any person who makes a sacrifice to any god except the Lord.

21 "Do not cheat or hurt a foreigner, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

22 "Do not cheat a widow or an orphan.

23 If you do, and they cry out to me for help, I certainly will hear their cry.

24 And I will be very angry and kill you in war. Then your wives will become widows, and your children will become orphans.

25 "If you lend money to one of my people who is poor, do not treat him as a moneylender would. Charge him nothing for using your money.

26 If your neighbor gives you his coat as a promise for the money he owes you, you must give it back to him by sunset,

27 because it is the only cover to keep his body warm. He has nothing else to sleep in. If he cries out to me for help, I will listen, because I am merciful.

Exodus 22:17-27 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.