Exodus 22:22-31

22 "You are not to abuse any widow or orphan.

23 If you do abuse them in any way, and they cry to me, I will certainly heed their cry.

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

25 "If you loan money to one of my people who is poor, you are not to deal with him as would a creditor; and you are not to charge him interest.

26 If you take your neighbor's coat as collateral, you are to restore it to him by sundown,

27 because it is his only garment - he needs it to wrap his body; what else does he have in which to sleep? Moreover, if he cries out to me, I will listen; because I am compassionate.

28 "You are not to curse God, and you are not to curse a leader of your people.

29 "You are not to delay offering from your harvest of grain, olive oil or wine. "The firstborn of your sons you are to give to me.

30 You are to do the same with your oxen and your sheep - it is to stay with its mother seven days, and on the eighth day you are to give it to me.

31 "You are to be my specially separated people. Therefore you are not to eat any flesh torn by wild animals in the countryside; rather, throw it out for the dogs.

Exodus 22:22-31 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.