NOTES for Exo 22:1-31

In this reading from the book of Exodus, if we look more closely, we can see an image of God that we do not usually associate with the Old Testament: the image of One for whom mercy is higher than justice. At first everything seems to go according to plan: it is clear that not stealing, not hurting, not oppressing, and not exploiting are all matters of justice. But at the end something interesting and not entirely just appears: “If you take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, return it before sunset.” Let us think about this. After all, a pledge is not taken for one’s own pleasure. A pledge guarantees that money or something else lent will be returned. Therefore, not returning the pledge until what was lent has been repaid is quite logical and just. But the Lord says: “Think about the person—what will he sleep in?” From the standpoint of pure justice, the question is inappropriate. After all, if he gave his garment as a pledge, that is his own problem. But God gives an irrefutable argument: “When he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am merciful.” Mercy is higher than justice. This is the voice of Jesus. And there is no point in trying to separate the God of the Old Testament from the God of the New Testament. He—the Living and True One—is One.