Exodus 22:26-31

26 "If you take your neighbor's coat as security, give it back before nightfall;

27 it may be your neighbor's only covering - what else does the person have to sleep in? And if I hear the neighbor crying out from the cold, I'll step in - I'm compassionate.

28 "Don't curse God; and don't damn your leaders.

29 "Don't be stingy as your wine vats fill up.

30 The same with your cattle and sheep - they are to stay for seven days with their mother, then give them to me.

31 "Be holy for my sake. "Don't eat mutilated flesh you find in the fields; throw it to the dogs.

Exodus 22:26-31 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.