Exodus 22:21-24

21 "1You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 "2You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.
23 "If you afflict him at all, and 3if he does cry out to Me, 4I will surely hear his cry;
24 and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, 5and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:21-24 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 5

  • 1. Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:33, 34; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 10:19; Deuteronomy 27:19; Zechariah 7:10
  • 2. Deuteronomy 24:17, 18; Proverbs 23:10, 11; Jeremiah 7:6, 7
  • 3. Deuteronomy 15:9; Job 35:9; Luke 18:7
  • 4. Deuteronomy 10:18; Job 34:28; Ps 10:14, 17, 18; Psalms 18:6; Psalms 68:5; James 5:4
  • 5. Psalms 109:2, 9
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