Exodus 22:25-29

25 "If you lend money to any of my people who are poor, do not act like a moneylender and require him to pay interest. ¹

26 If you take someone's cloak as a pledge that he will pay you, you must give it back to him before the sun sets, ²

27 because it is the only covering he has to keep him warm. What else can he sleep in? When he cries out to me for help, I will answer him because I am merciful.

28 "Do not speak evil of God, and do not curse a leader of your people. ³

29 "Give me the offerings from your grain, your wine, and your olive oil when they are due. "Give me your first-born sons.

Exodus 22:25-29 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

• 1. 22.25Leviticus 25.35-38;Deuteronomy 15.7-11; 23.19, 20.
• 2. 22.26, 27Deuteronomy 24.10-13.
• 3. 22.28Acts 23.5.

Footnotes

• [a]. God; [or] the judges.