Exodus 22
AOSNExodus 22:16-31
These laws deal with different situations about social responsibility. They are not arranged in clear groups or categories.
These laws show that every part of life relates to obedience to God. Obedience to God is not limited to worship. It includes daily actions and relationships (see study note on 21:1–23:19).
Exodus 22:18
The practices of a sorceress (a woman who uses magic or calls on spirits) reflected the pagan worldview (a way of understanding life that does not follow the true God). God was rescuing his people from this way of thinking and living.
This worldview was completely different from the biblical one. The Lord had already commanded his people not to worship other gods (see 20:3; 23:13).
Exodus 22:20
he must be set apart for destruction: See the “Complete Dedication” Theme Note.
Exodus 22:21
The Hebrews were to treat foreigners kindly because they, too, had once been foreigners (see also 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:18–19). For more on this principle, see Luke 6:31.
Exodus 22:22-23
The widow, the orphan, and the foreigner were in a helpless and economically disadvantaged position. God, by his protective stance toward these persons, demonstrated that he does not value people on the basis of their power or wealth, the standards accepted by most humans. Instead, God values people because they share his (Genesis 1:27).
Exodus 22:25-27
Although interest could not be charged on a loan to another Israelite, collateral (or security) could be required. However, even the security had to be handled in a humane way. The requirements of the covenant reflected the character of God.
Exodus 22:30
God is considerate even of animals (see Jonah 4:11).
Exodus 22:31
In the Bible, blood has symbolic meaning because it represents life. For this reason, God forbade people to eat meat that still had blood in it (see Leviticus 17:10–16).
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