Exodus 22:22-24 You shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.… I. THAT WIDOWS AND ORPHANS HAVE CLAIMS UPON OUR REGARD. 1. They have claims upon our sympathy. Their stay, comfort, defence is gone. What state can be more sorrowful and helpless! 2. They have claims upon our protection and help. Our resources are only held in stewardship for God's purposes, and to what better purpose could they be applied, both as regards its intrinsic merits and the Divine will concerning it. II. THAT WIDOWS AND ORPHANS HAVE SPECIAL PRIVILEGES. 1. God has legislated for them. Not in the dry and hard manner in which penal and ceremonial codes are obliged to be enacted, but in a way which throws them on the broad and better principles of humanity and love. 2. God stands in a peculiar relation to them (Psalm 68:5). In the absence of their natural guardians He takes them under His wing. 3. God is always ready to help them; to hear their cry (ver. 23; Jeremiah 49:11). III. THAT ANY OPPRESSION OF THE WIDOW AND FATHERLESS WILL BE RIGOROUSLY PUNISHED (ver. 24). 1. The oppressor is left to the righteous judgment of God, who will surely avenge His own (Luke 18:7). 2. The oppressor is left to the terrible retribution of a hard and cruel heart, which inflicts as much punishment on the subject as on the object. 3. The oppressor is left to the certain contempt and execration of his fellow-men.Husbands and fathers, learn — 1. To provide for the wants of those whom you may leave behind to mourn your loss. (1) Make diligent use of your time, and save all you can for them. (2) Your life is uncertain, insure it. (3) We don't know what a day or an hour may bring forth, have all your affairs in order so as not to add perplexity to trouble already too heavy to be borne. It is "afflicting them," not to do so (see 1 Timothy 5:8). 2. Then, having made a proper use of means, leave them with calm faith in the power and goodness of their "Father in heaven." 3. Help the widow and the orphan, as your wife may be left a widow and your children fatherless. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.WEB: "You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. |
    |