23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.
23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry,
23 If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure I'll take them most seriously;
23 If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry;
23 If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:23
Chapter Contents
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.