Exodus 22:23 Explained in Context

Read It With

• Exodus 22:16–31

Read Exodus 22:23 with 22:16–31. The line at 22:23 records “If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry” and gives this movement its next narrated or instructed action. The whole unit shows: A dense series addresses seduction and bride-price, severe capital laws, sacrifice, resident outsiders, widows and orphans, interest, pledges, authorities, first produce, firstborn, animals, and holy eating.

Why This Verse Appears Here

Exodus 22:1–15 establishes the preceding movement: Restitution cases address stolen livestock, burglary, grazing, fire, entrusted property, disputed custody, rented or borrowed animals, and degrees of responsibility. This unit applies that movement: A dense series addresses seduction and bride-price, severe capital laws, sacrifice, resident outsiders, widows and orphans, interest, pledges, authorities, first produce, firstborn, animals, and holy eating. At 22:23, the wording “If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry” makes this verse's contribution precise. The line at 22:23 records “If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry” and gives this movement its next narrated or instructed action.