Exodus 22:16–31 “The God Who Takes Sides”

Exodus 22:16-31 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Hosanna – Hillsong Worship
• MATT REDMAN – The Heart Of Worship
• God of Justice – Tim Hughes

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Serving in the Savior’s Way | Growing Faith – Lesson For Kids
• My God Is So Big (introducing Grayson the Elephant) – Song for Kids
• L-O-V-E | Kids Worship Music | Compass Bible Church – Song for Kids
• Love One Another YancyBody Worship Kidspring Worship – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

If a man has sexual relations with a virgin who is not pledged to be married, he must pay the bride price and take her as his wife (v. 16). In the society of that time, this was considered taking responsibility for his wrongdoing. If the father of the woman refuses to give her in marriage, the man must still pay the equivalent of the bride price normally paid for a virgin (v. 17).

Practices such as sorcery (v. 18), bestiality (v. 19), and sacrificing to other gods (v. 20) were punishable by death. The reason for prescribing such extreme punishments was that these acts were considered extremely serious. However, even though these severe punishments were prescribed, they were not always carried out literally in ancient Israelite society. This is because the purpose of the law was understood to be the restraint of sin, rather than the literal execution of every case.

The passage continues with instructions regarding social minorities. First, God commands the Israelites to treat foreigners living among them kindly. The reason is that they themselves were once foreigners and slaves in Egypt (v. 21). Second, God says not to mistreat widows or orphans (v. 22). In ancient society, widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable. God warns, “If they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry” (v. 23). God is the One who takes the side of the weak. Third, God gives commands concerning the poor. When lending money to the poor, do not act like a creditor and do not charge interest (vv. 24–25). If a person takes a poor person’s cloak as collateral, it must be returned before sunset (v. 26). The cloak was often used as a blanket at night. Without it, the poor would lose sleep and be unable to work properly the next day, deepening their poverty (v. 27). Again, God says, “If he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.”

God also commands not to curse a leader, because doing so is equivalent to speaking against the One who appointed that leader (v. 28). Additionally, He commands that part of the harvest be offered as a sacrifice (v. 29). The instruction, “You shall give me the firstborn of your sons,” does not indicate human sacrifice. Rather, as explained in Exodus 13:13, it means offering a redemption sacrifice in place of the firstborn son.

The firstborn of livestock should stay with their mothers for seven days before being offered as a sacrifice (v. 30). This reflects consideration for the mother animal’s grief. Meat torn by wild animals must not be eaten (v. 31), because indiscriminate consumption is not fitting for a “holy people who serve the Lord.”

Meditation:

In the beginning, Eden was a world where all lived together in harmony. No one lacked anything, and no one had excess. Strength was used to serve one another, and material abundance was shared with those who had less. There was no sickness and no disability.

All of this was shattered because of human sin. When humanity turned away from God and decided to forge their own destiny by their own power, evil began to spread across the world. Those with power used it to secure their own interests, and the weak were trampled. Sin brought about disease and disability, accidents, conflict, and violence. The powerful and wealthy banded together to preserve their privilege, and as a result, the socially vulnerable were left to inherit cycles of poverty and suffering.

The injustice, corruption, and brokenness of this world will only disappear completely when the new heaven and new earth arrive. Until then, God expects those who believe in Him to live out justice and love in the midst of an unjust and distorted world. God stands with the socially marginalized—those who cry out to Him. Therefore, those who believe in Him must also care for the vulnerable and stand by their side.

If we have strength, we should use it to help the powerless. If we have money, we should support the poor. If we have knowledge, we should use it to serve those without it. If we have a voice, we should speak on behalf of those who have none. This is what it means to know the heart of God and live according to His heart.

Prayer:

Lord, have mercy on us for the sin of living according to the ways of the world—always looking upward, seeking to associate with the powerful and the wealthy. Help us to see the lowly with Your heart and strive to stand beside the poor and the weak. Break open our hearts and unlock our storehouses. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God wants us to stand with people who are poor, hurting, or treated unfairly. We can show God’s love by helping others, just like God helps us.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Have you ever seen someone being treated unfairly? What did you feel?
  • What are some kind things you can do for someone who feels left out or sad?
  • If you had a lot of toys or snacks, would you be willing to share them with a friend who has none? Why?
    
• For Youth
  • Why do you think God cares so much about the poor, the weak, and the lonely?
  • What are some ways you can use your time, money, or talents to help someone in need at school or church?
  • In what ways do you feel challenged to stand up for others, even when it’s hard or unpopular?