Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge:
You must not deny justice to foreigners or orphans, and you must not take a widow's clothing as collateral for a loan.
God is commanding His people to protect society's most vulnerable members - foreigners, orphans, and widows - by ensuring they receive fair treatment and aren't exploited.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Moses, as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God gave them a set of laws to establish a just society that reflected His character. These laws specifically addressed the protection of vulnerable people, such as strangers (foreigners living among them), orphans, and widows, who were often exploited in ancient Near Eastern cultures due to their lack of social status or family support. This command was part of a broader emphasis in Deuteronomy on maintaining integrity in legal matters to honor God's covenant with His people.
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