Deuteronomy 22-24

“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner ... Pay them their wages each day before sunset ...” (24:14-15). The Law directed Israelites to pay attention to the vulnerable in society. “Hired workers” usually owned no farmland, so they needed to be paid fairly and quickly. Women alone (22:26) and runaway slaves (23:15) also deserved extra protection. Mercy, along with holiness (23:1-8) and consideration for others (22:1-4), reflected God’s heart.

“Do not ignore it” (22:3). According to both the Old and New Testaments, God wants us to do more than avoid sin. He calls us to intentional, compassionate action to demonstrate his love to the world.