Isaiah 10:2
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
Original Language Analysis
לְהַטּ֤וֹת
To turn aside
H5186
לְהַטּ֤וֹת
To turn aside
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 13
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
מִדִּין֙
from judgment
H1779
מִדִּין֙
from judgment
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
2 of 13
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
דַּלִּ֔ים
the needy
H1800
דַּלִּ֔ים
the needy
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
וְלִגְזֹ֕ל
and to take away
H1497
וְלִגְזֹ֕ל
and to take away
Strong's:
H1497
Word #:
4 of 13
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
the right
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
the right
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
H5971
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לִהְי֤וֹת
H1961
לִהְי֤וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.Isaiah 3:14The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.Isaiah 29:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.Isaiah 5:23Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!Ezekiel 22:7In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.
Historical Context
Prophetic literature consistently condemns economic exploitation of widows, orphans, and the poor (Exodus 22:22-24; James 1:27). Archaeological evidence from 8th century BC Israel shows increasing wealth concentration and poverty. Ostraca (pottery shards with writing) record debt-slavery and land seizures. The legal system that should protect the vulnerable instead facilitated their exploitation, justifying divine judgment through Assyrian and Babylonian conquests.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern legal and economic systems sometimes oppress the vulnerable while appearing legitimate?
- What does God's special concern for widows, orphans, and the poor teach about His character?
- How can Christians advocate for the vulnerable in systems that may legally but unjustly exploit them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose of unjust decrees is exposed: turning aside the needy from justice and robbing the poor of rights. 'Turn aside' suggests legal maneuvering to deny the poor access to justice. 'Take away the right' means stripping legal protections from the poor. Widows and orphans—the most vulnerable—become prey to be plundered. This reveals the depravity of using legal authority not to protect but to exploit. God especially cares for society's vulnerable; their oppression guarantees His intervention.