Page 25 - The Law Given to Israel

servants under them, they were to beware of

indulging the spirit of cruelty and exaction

from which they had suffered under their

Egyptian taskmasters. The memory of their

own bitter servitude should enable them to

put themselves in the servant's place, leading

them to be kind and compassionate, to deal

with others as they would wish to be dealt

with.

The rights of widows and orphans were

especially guarded, and a tender regard for

their helpless condition was enjoined. “If

thou afflict them in any wise,” the Lord

declared, “and they cry at all unto Me, I will

surely hear their cry; and My wrath shall wax

hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and

your wives shall be widows, and your

children fatherless.” Aliens who united

themselves with Israel were to be protected