What other scriptures emphasize caring for vulnerable groups like in Ezekiel 22:7? Key Verse “Within you they have treated father and mother with contempt; they have oppressed the foreign resident in your midst; they have extorted the fatherless and the widow.” (Ezekiel 22:7) God’s Heart Echoed in the Law • Exodus 22:22 – “You must not mistreat any widow or orphan.” • Exodus 22:21 – “You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” • Leviticus 19:33-34 – “When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him… love him as yourself.” • Deuteronomy 10:18 – “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.” • Deuteronomy 24:17-19 – “Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless… leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.” Prophets Keep the Message Alive • Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice… defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” • Jeremiah 22:3 – “Do what is just and right… do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.” • Zechariah 7:9-10 – “Render true justice… do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” Wisdom Literature Reinforces It • Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.” • Psalm 146:9 – “The LORD protects the foreigner; He sustains the fatherless and widow.” • Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Open your mouth for those with no voice… defend the cause of the poor and needy.” Jesus and the Early Church Carry It Forward • Matthew 25:35-40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • Acts 6:1-4 – The apostles appoint seven men to ensure daily food is fairly distributed to neglected widows. • James 1:27 – “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.” • Galatians 2:10 – “They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” • 1 Timothy 5:3 – “Honor widows who are truly widows.” Living the Lesson Today • Treat aging parents with respect and practical support. • Welcome immigrants and refugees; provide tangible help and friendship. • Defend the rights of children without families and stand with single parents. • Support ministries that feed, house, and advocate for those in need. • Keep watch over your own heart—justice for the vulnerable is not optional but central to walking faithfully with the Lord. |
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