Exodus 22:27 - for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.

Generated Verse: Exodus 22:27

What does "Exodus 22:27" mean?


This verse (Exodus 22:27), along with the verses preceding it (Exodus 22:26), is about the law concerning taking a poor man's cloak as collateral for a loan. Let's break it down:

"For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin." This highlights the vulnerability of the poor person. The cloak (or garment) wasn't just an extra layer of clothing; it was essential for warmth and protection, especially at night. It was likely the only thing they had to shield themselves from the elements.

"What would he sleep in?" This poses a rhetorical question emphasizing the practical hardship caused by taking the cloak. Without it, the person would be left exposed and cold during the night.

"It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious." This is the crucial part. It promises divine intervention. If the poor person suffers because of the lender's actions and cries out to God for help, God will hear and respond. The reason given is that God is "gracious" (or compassionate, merciful). This highlights God's concern for the vulnerable and his willingness to act on their behalf.

In essence, the verse means:

God is commanding lenders not to exploit the poor by taking their essential clothing as collateral. If they do, and the poor person cries out to God, God will hear their plea and intervene on their behalf because God is compassionate and concerned for the well-being of the vulnerable.

Key Themes and Interpretations:

Protection of the Poor: This verse emphasizes God's concern for the poor and marginalized in society.
Justice and Fairness: It underscores the importance of just and fair treatment in economic dealings. Taking advantage of someone's poverty is condemned.
Divine Intervention: The verse assures that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed and will hear their cries for help.
Compassion: God's character as gracious and compassionate is highlighted as the reason for his willingness to act on behalf of the vulnerable.
Moral Responsibility: It places a moral responsibility on lenders to treat borrowers with fairness and empathy, rather than exploiting their poverty.

In summary, this verse is a powerful statement about social justice and God's commitment to protecting the vulnerable. It warns against exploitation and promises divine intervention for those who are oppressed.

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