Exodus 22:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If ever you take your neighbor 's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down,

NIV: If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset,

NASB: If you ever seize your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you are to return it to him before the sun sets,

CSB: "If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset.

NLT: If you take your neighbor’s cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset.

KJV: If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:

NKJV: If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down.

Exodus 22:16–31 describes ancient Israel's laws regarding godly social justice. Young women taken advantage of by men have the right to compensation. God gives Israel a general warning about mistreating foreigners, travelers, the poor, and the disadvantaged. Also forbidden are things associated with ancient pagan worship, such as sorcery, sexual contact with animals, idolatry, blasphemy, and cursing leaders.

God's laws for Israel enforced protections for property, including livestock. Thieves were required to compensate their victims. For parallel reasons, men who seduced young women were obliged to marry or at least compensate them. Negligent destruction of property is forbidden. Israel is not to take advantage of foreign travelers or the poor. Other laws in this chapter cover sins related to the pagan worship of ancient nations. This includes idolatry, bestiality, defiance of authority, and resistance to proper worship. Israel is not to eat animals killed by other wild animals.

Exodus 20 introduced the Mosaic covenant by declaring the Ten Commandments. What follows are a series of rules which establish the ancient nation of Israel. Among these are further details about marriage, theft, negligence, care for the poor, and respect for God. The following chapter continues this discussion by addressing other subjects. In chapter 24, the people will confirm this covenant with the Lord.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 3:23:12 AM