Exodus 22:22

22 "Never take advantage of any widow or orphan.

Exodus 22:22 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 22:22

Ye shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.
] Who have no friends, husband, or father to be on their side and protect them, and are weak and helpless to defend themselves, and therefore it must be barbarous to do them any injury, either to their persons or property; no one ought to be afflicted and distressed by another, either in body or mind, or substance, and especially such as have no helper, not any to assist them and sympathize with them; for this is a law for every man, as Jarchi observes, is binding upon all; only the Scripture speaks of these, because of their weakness, and because they are more frequently afflicted than others, cruel and unmerciful men taking the advantage of their inability to defend themselves.

Exodus 22:22 In-Context

20 "Whoever sacrifices to any god except the LORD must be condemned and destroyed.

21 "Never mistreat or oppress foreigners, because you were foreigners living in Egypt.

22 "Never take advantage of any widow or orphan.

23 If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.

24 I will become angry and have you killed in combat. Then your wives and children will become widows and orphans.