Verses 22-23
22, 23. Neither oppress… in the gate The “gate” was the place of public resort, where courts were held, and causes tried and decided. The rich are forbidden to take, in judicial proceedings, such advantage of the poor or weak as their position and wealth may give them: and judges are warned against favouring the strong at the expense of the weak. Jehovah looks with especial displeasure on such unjust dealings. He is the advocate and patron of the poor and oppressed, and by his providence will avenge them, even to the life of their spoilers.
Spoil the soul The life; that is, he will demand the life of those who take advantage of the helpless poor. This is a fearful declaration to those who defraud the poor and lowly of their just rights. Some translate the last clause: He will despoil those who rob them of life. Others, despoil of life those who despoil them. Compare Proverbs 23:11; Matthew 18:32, et seq; Zechariah 7:10.
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