Deuteronomy 10:18
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Original Language Analysis
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
He doth execute
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֛ה
He doth execute
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
the judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
the judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לָ֥תֶת
in giving
H5414
לָ֥תֶת
in giving
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 146:9The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.Psalms 68:5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.Isaiah 1:17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.Jeremiah 49:11Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.Psalms 103:6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.Psalms 145:9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.Exodus 22:22Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.Hosea 14:3Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
Historical Context
Moses established a theocratic legal system where God's character defined justice. In surrounding pagan cultures, power determined justice; Yahweh reversed this, positioning Himself as advocate for the powerless. This revolutionary ethic distinguished Israel's covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'fatherless, widow, and stranger' equivalents in your community that God calls you to defend?
- How does God's practical provision for the vulnerable challenge comfortable Christianity that emphasizes spiritual blessings while ignoring physical needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow—The Hebrew mishpat (judgment/justice) emphasizes God actively intervenes to defend society's most vulnerable. In ancient Near East, orphans and widows lacked legal advocates and property rights, making them economically defenseless. God Himself becomes their go'el (redeemer/defender).
Loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment—Ger (stranger/sojourner) refers to foreign residents without tribal inheritance rights. God's love manifests practically through provision. This verse grounds the greatest commandment: because God loves impartially, His people must (v. 19). James 1:27 defines 'pure religion' as caring for orphans and widows. Jesus's sheep-and-goats judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) makes serving 'the least' the test of genuine faith. God's character defines righteousness.