““You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless. “If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset. This coat may be the only blanket your neighbor has. How can a person sleep without it? If you do not return it and your neighbor cries out to me for help, then I will hear, for I am merciful. “You must not dishonor God or curse any of your rulers.”
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Exodus‬ ‭22‬:‭22‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT

These passages in scripture represent a beautiful and cohesive understanding of the nature of God’s providence as well as the boundaries of his character. Skimming through them, it is easy to parse out simple truths. Firstly, he is a God who cares deeply for justice. It is clear that compensation for loss must be made whenever something is unduly taken or a balance is unjustly upset. Secondly is that he is a God of mercy. This is perhaps most clear when speaking about the need for someone’s cloak to double as a blanket. His sense of justice does not override his sense of mercy. One wrong is not made right by stripping away basic human dignity. A person, in God’s eyes, is entitled to a good night’s rest, while he is on this earth. Lastly, his justice is for all. He makes it very clear that where someone, by standing or station is less favorable, he expects them to be seen as equal. Those who society would typically mistreat as unworthy of justice and mercy are to be taken well care of. These passages, together with the Ten Commandments, encompass the beginnings of a true system of legal utopia. In this system, no one is taken advantage of. In it, everyone comes before God with basic human dignity and entitlement to fair treatment.

God’s Nature: God is a God of justice, mercy, and equality.

God’s Justice: God’s justice involves compensation for loss and upholding balance.

God’s Mercy: God’s sense of justice does not override mercy, as seen in the importance of basic human dignity.