Exodus 22:21-27

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

22 You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.

23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.

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

25 If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset,

27 because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for 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.