Exodus 22:27-30

27 because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
28 “Do not blaspheme God[a] or curse the ruler of your people.
29 “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.[b]“You must give me the firstborn of your sons.
30 Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.

Exodus 22:27-30 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 9

  • 1. Deuteronomy 24:13,17; Job 22:6; Job 24:7; Job 29:11; Job 31:19-20; Ezekiel 18:12,16
  • 2. Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 4:31; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 99:8; Psalms 103:8; Psalms 116:5; Psalms 145:8; Joel 2:13; John 4:2
  • 3. S Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 24:11,16
  • 4. 2 Samuel 16:5,9; 2 Samuel 19:21; 1 Kings 21:10; 2 Kings 2:23; Psalms 102:8
  • 5. Ecclesiastes 10:20; Acts 23:5*
  • 6. Ex 23:15,16,19; Exodus 34:20,26; Leviticus 19:24; Leviticus 23:10; Numbers 18:13; Numbers 28:26; Deuteronomy 18:4; Deuteronomy 26:2,10; 1 Samuel 6:3; Nehemiah 10:35; Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:10
  • 7. S Exodus 13:2; Numbers 8:16-17; Luke 2:23
  • 8. Exodus 34:19; Exodus 13:12; Deuteronomy 15:19
  • 9. Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3; Leviticus 22:27

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or "Do not revile the judges"
  • [b]. The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
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