“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Seduction of a virgin binds a man to marry her and pay her dowry, yet even here the father's consent remains absolute; he may refuse the match and the man must pay compensation for the injury instead. This law honors marriage and teaches children not to marry without parental blessing.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 22:16-24
Widows and fatherless children have no husband or father to protect them, and are weak and helpless to defend themselves; therefore it is barbarous to afflict them in person, mind, or substance. Cruel men exploit their inability to resist. This law binds every man.
AI summary
Do not vex or oppress a stranger; you were strangers yourselves and were oppressed. Justice, humanity, sound policy, and religion all command it. Treat foreigners well and they become proselytes to your faith; your nation grows stronger and their souls are saved.
AI summary