Exodus 22: Laws of Justice and Compassion
- MIJN Team
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Key Verse: Exodus 22:21"You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt."
God continues to give His people practical laws—laws that protect the vulnerable, promote justice, and reflect His character.
Justice and Restitution
These laws ensure that wrongdoing has consequences.
If someone steals, they must repay more than they took. (v. 1)
If someone causes damage to another’s property, they are responsible for making it right. (v. 5-6)
If a person deceives or takes advantage of another, there are consequences. (v. 7-9)
God is showing Israel that sin is not just personal—it affects the community. Justice isn’t about punishment alone; it’s about restoration.
Compassion for the Weak
God’s heart is especially clear in His commands to protect the vulnerable.
The foreigner—because Israel was once a foreigner in Egypt.
The widow and orphan—because they have no one to protect them.
The poor—because their dignity matters.
"If you lend money to any of my people who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him." (Exodus 22:25)
God reminds Israel that their own suffering in Egypt should make them compassionate. They know what it feels like to be mistreated—now they must be different.
Respect for God
The chapter closes with laws about honoring God.
Do not curse God or speak evil of leaders. (v. 28)
Give your first and best to Him. (v. 29-30)
Live set apart as His holy people. (v. 31)
A Lesson for Us
God’s laws show us how to love both God and others.
Justice matters. We are responsible for our actions and how they affect others.
Compassion matters. The way we treat the weak and the poor reflects our hearts.
Honor matters. God deserves our first, our best, and our obedience.
Israel was called to live differently than the nations around them. And as followers of Christ, so are we.
Do we live with justice, mercy, and honor? Do we love as God has loved us?
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