Exodus 22:22

22 “You must not exploit a widow or an 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 “Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.

21 “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.

22 “You must not exploit a widow or an orphan.

23 If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.

24 My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.