Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:16-24.
“If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.
“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.
“Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.
“He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the LORD alone, shall be utterly destroyed.
“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.” Exodus 22:16-24.
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Justice recognizes and protects the rights of others, including the rights of those who are less able to protect themselves like virgins, strangers, widows, orphans, and the poor.
“3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and needy;
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4.
“If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her shall give to the girl’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her all his days.” Deuteronomy 22:28-29.
“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 24:19.
“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.” Proverbs 29:7.
But, there is hope!
“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted
And justice for the poor.” Psalm 140:12.
“7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous;
9 The LORD protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm 146:7-10.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 