DCLM Daily Manna 21 July 2026: Fairness To All
KEY VERSE
“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him…. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child” (Exodus 22:21-22).
Bible Reading: Exodus 22:18-31 (KJV)
18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26 If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear him: for I am gracious.
28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
29 Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
It was Horace Jackson Brown Jr., an American author, who counselled, “Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.” Unfortunately, not many people heed the advice. That is why there is so much injustice and inequity in this life. Those at the receiving end are mostly the poor and helpless ones. Most people care about nothing in this situation. But God is concerned about it. Godliness should make a difference here, for it implies fairness.
In today’s text, the Lord outlines some precepts to guide His people from defilement and injustice. These defiling practices were common in Egypt, from where they had just been redeemed. First on the list is witchcraft, which from a divine perspective was viewed with utmost severity, so severe that it attracted capital punishment. Witchcraft, in this context, implied involvement in curious arts, a sin that amounted to gross blasphemy and had the potential of leading people away from dependence on God. Bestiality (a defilement common among the Egyptians) and idolatry also attracted capital punishment.
The laws regarding strangers, widows and fatherless children were humane. God wants fair treatment for all. These sets of people were particularly vulnerable. The Lord would not want anyone to take advantage of their weakness. He reminded Israel that they too were strangers in Egypt and, as such, should treat their strangers as they would have wanted to be treated by the Egyptians. He undertook to punish those who in any way oppress a widow or the fatherless. Similarly, the clothing of the poor used as a pledge must be returned to him before nightfall, as it served as a means of support for his life. Israel was also reminded to respect God-appointed leaders and their expected consecration of giving to God.
The essence of the foregoing injunctions is that the people of God would maintain a holy and undefiled life. God requires no less from us today. Godliness demands undivided devotion to God and due consideration for the feelings and needs of fellow human beings. Does your professed piety have accommodation for holiness towards God and fairness to others, especially the less privileged? The quiz is left for you to seriously ponder over.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A profession of godliness without a human face is the height of ugliness
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 17-19
DCLM Daily Manna 21 July 2026
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