You Shall Not Afflict the Widow and the Fatherless

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 22:21

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"A widow or a fatherless child" (Exodus 22:21): I have only a widow and a fatherless child. From where do I include every person? Scripture teaches, "you shall not afflict" [in the plural and absolute]. If so, why is it stated, "a widow or a fatherless child"? [Because the Holy One, blessed be He, says:] I am quick to exact punishment on account of the widow and the fatherless child more than on account of any other person. For a wife can complain to her husband, and a son can complain to his father, but these have no one to whom they can complain except Me alone. Another interpretation: "any widow" — even the widow of a king; "and a fatherless child" — whether fatherless from the father or fatherless from the mother. And until when are they called orphans? Until they can stand on their own. "You shall not afflict." Since it says, "if you afflict him" (Exodus 22:22), one might think a person is not liable until he afflicts and afflicts [repeatedly]; Scripture teaches, "you shall not afflict" — even a single affliction. If so, why is it stated, "if you afflict him"? To make one liable for each and every affliction.

Themes

EthicsDivine JusticeCharity

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