Deuteronomy 10:18

KJV

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

KJV (with Strong's)

He doth execute {H6213} the judgment {H4941} of the fatherless {H3490} and widow {H490}, and loveth {H157} the stranger {H1616}, in giving {H5414} him food {H3899} and raiment {H8071}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He secures justice for the orphan and the widow; he loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.

Berean Standard Bible

He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.

American Standard Version

He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the sojourner, in giving him food and raiment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:18 profoundly reveals the compassionate and just character of God, who actively intervenes on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society: the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger. This verse underscores His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and demonstrating practical, tangible love by providing for those who are often exploited and lack protection, setting a divine standard for His people's conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they enter the Promised Land. Specifically, it falls within a section (Deuteronomy 10:12-22) where Moses reiterates the core demands of the covenant, following a powerful reminder of God's mighty acts and the renewal of the covenant at Mount Horeb. After recounting God's faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion (e.g., the golden calf incident and the subsequent intercession of Moses), Moses calls the people to a renewed commitment to God. [Deuteronomy 10:12](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12 - The Call to Fear and Love God") encapsulates this call: "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul." Verse 18 then serves as a concrete illustration of God's character, demonstrating *how* God Himself lives out the very principles He demands of Israel, thereby providing a divine model for their own ethical and social responsibilities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the "fatherless" (orphans) and "widow" were among the most marginalized and defenseless groups. Without a male head of household or a husband, they lacked legal and economic protection, making them highly susceptible to exploitation and poverty. The "stranger" (Hebrew: *ger*) refers to a resident alien or sojourner, a non-Israelite living within the community. Unlike a full citizen, the *ger* typically had no tribal land inheritance, family network, or inherent legal standing, making them dependent on the hospitality and justice of the host society. In a tribal, agrarian society, such individuals were particularly vulnerable. God's explicit command to care for these groups, and His own demonstration of love for them, was a radical departure from the often xenophobic and self-serving norms of surrounding cultures, highlighting the unique ethical demands of the Mosaic Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 10:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. First, it powerfully articulates **God's Impartial Justice and Care for the Vulnerable**. The phrase "He doth execute the judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*) signifies God's active, righteous intervention to ensure fairness and vindicate the oppressed, particularly those without power or voice. Second, it exemplifies **Divine Love and Hospitality**, extending God's compassion beyond the covenant community of Israel to include the "stranger." This is a profound statement of God's universal concern, which is tangibly expressed "in giving him food and raiment," emphasizing practical provision and welcome. Third, this verse serves as a foundational aspect of **Israel's Ethical Responsibility and Covenant Obedience**. By revealing His own character, God sets the standard for His people. Just as God cares for the marginalized, Israel is commanded to do the same, reflecting His holiness and living out the implications of their covenant relationship, as seen in other passages like [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Stranger as Yourself") and [Deuteronomy 24:17-22](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17-22 - Justice for the Vulnerable").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (*mishpat*) is far richer than merely "legal decree" or "sentence." It encompasses the full spectrum of justice, righteousness, and the active upholding of what is right. When God "executes judgment" for the fatherless and widow, it means He actively intervenes to ensure their rights, well-being, and protection are secured, often by correcting wrongs and vindicating the oppressed. It speaks to God's character as the ultimate arbiter of justice, especially for those who cannot defend themselves.
* **Loveth (Hebrew, _'aheb'_):** The verb אָהַב (*'aheb*) signifies a deep, committed, and active love. It's not merely an emotion but a disposition that leads to concrete action. God's love for the stranger is demonstrated by His provision of "food and raiment," showing that His love is practical and meets fundamental needs. This active love is the basis for His command to Israel to likewise love the stranger.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _ger'_):: The Hebrew word גֵּר (*ger*) refers specifically to a resident alien or sojourner who lives among the native population but is not a full member of the community. Unlike a passing traveler, the *ger* has taken up residence, often due to famine, war, or seeking economic opportunity. They were typically without land rights, family support, or tribal protection, making them highly dependent on the benevolence of the host society. God's explicit care for the *ger* highlights a radical inclusivity that transcends tribal and national boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow":** This clause establishes God's active role as the divine advocate and protector of the most vulnerable. The "fatherless" (orphan) and "widow" were archetypal figures of defenselessness in ancient society, often lacking legal standing, economic resources, and social protection. God is portrayed not as a passive observer but as an engaged judge who ensures justice (*mishpat*) is done for them, intervening to right wrongs and secure their well-being. This demonstrates God's profound empathy and commitment to righteousness.
* **"and loveth the stranger":** This phrase extends God's compassion beyond the immediate covenant community to include the *ger*, the resident alien. This is a remarkable statement of divine inclusivity, demonstrating that God's love is not limited by ethnicity or social status. His love for the stranger is not merely a sentiment but is expressed through tangible action, setting a precedent for Israel's own behavior towards non-Israelites living among them.
* **"in giving him food and raiment":** This final phrase specifies the practical manifestation of God's love for the stranger. "Food and raiment" (clothing) represent the most basic necessities for survival and dignity. God's provision for the stranger underscores that His love is concrete and meets fundamental needs. This act of provision serves as a direct command and model for Israel, obligating them to extend hospitality and material support to the vulnerable *ger* in their midst, reflecting the very character of their God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:18 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the portrayal of God as one who "executes judgment" and "loves," attributing human actions and emotions to the divine to make God's character relatable and understandable to the Israelites. This emphasizes God's active engagement in the world. There is also a strong element of **Didacticism**, as the verse serves as direct instruction, teaching the Israelites about God's nature and, by extension, their own ethical obligations. The pairing of "fatherless and widow" with "stranger" creates a form of **Parallelism**, grouping together distinct but similarly vulnerable social categories, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive scope of God's care. The specific mention of "food and raiment" functions as **Merism**, using two essential items to represent all basic necessities, highlighting the practical and holistic nature of God's provision and the expected human response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:18 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion, particularly for the marginalized. This divine characteristic is not an isolated attribute but a consistent thread woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. From the Law's numerous commands to protect the vulnerable, through the prophets' fierce denunciations of injustice, to the New Testament's call for radical love, God's heart for the fatherless, widow, and stranger remains constant. This verse underscores that true worship of God is inextricably linked to ethical action and social righteousness, demonstrating that faith without works is dead. It challenges believers to reflect God's character by actively seeking justice and extending practical love to those on the fringes of society, recognizing that our treatment of the vulnerable is a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

* [Exodus 22:22-24](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Do Not Oppress the Vulnerable")
* [Psalm 146:9](/psalm/146-9 "Psalm 146:9 - God Preserves the Stranger, Fatherless, and Widow")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure Religion Defined")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:18 offers a timeless and profound challenge to believers, urging us to embody the very character of God in our daily lives. It moves beyond abstract theology to demand tangible action, reminding us that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a call to active, compassionate engagement with the world, especially with those who are often overlooked or exploited. To "execute the judgment" and "love the stranger" means to actively pursue justice, advocate for the voiceless, and extend practical hospitality and provision to those in need, regardless of their background or status. This requires us to cultivate a heart that mirrors God's own, seeing the inherent dignity and value in every person, and responding with generosity and solidarity. In a world often marked by indifference, self-interest, and exclusion, this verse calls us to be counter-cultural agents of God's kingdom, demonstrating His radical love and righteousness to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively seek to "execute judgment" for the vulnerable in my community or globally?**
* **How does my life practically demonstrate God's love for the "stranger" (e.g., immigrants, refugees, newcomers)?**
* **What are the "food and raiment" equivalents in my context that I can offer to those in need, reflecting God's tangible provision?**
* **How might my church or community better reflect God's heart for the fatherless, widow, and stranger?**

### FAQ
**Why does God specifically mention the "fatherless, widow, and stranger" so often in the Old Testament?**

Answer: These three groups (the orphan, the widow, and the resident alien/foreigner) were consistently the most vulnerable and marginalized in ancient Near Eastern society. They lacked the traditional social safety nets of family, land inheritance, or tribal protection, making them highly susceptible to exploitation, poverty, and injustice. By repeatedly commanding His people to care for them and demonstrating His own active concern, God highlights His character as the ultimate protector of the defenseless and establishes a foundational ethical principle for His covenant people. This emphasis underscores that true righteousness and worship are inextricably linked to social justice and compassion for those on the fringes, not merely ritual observance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's character as the defender of the fatherless, widow, and stranger, Jesus perfectly embodies and enacts this divine compassion. He is the very manifestation of God's love for the marginalized, consistently reaching out to the outcasts, the sick, the poor, and the socially ostracized. His ministry was characterized by actively "executing judgment" not through condemnation but through healing, restoration, and liberation from oppression, bringing justice to those who had none (as seen in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement") where He proclaims good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed). Jesus' life was a living demonstration of "loving the stranger," welcoming Gentiles, Samaritans, and all who were considered "outsiders" by the religious establishment, offering them spiritual "food and raiment" in the form of the Bread of Life and the garments of righteousness ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Through His incarnation, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Christ not only models God's heart for the vulnerable but also empowers His followers, the Church, to continue this mission, becoming His hands and feet in extending God's justice and love to all who are vulnerable and in need ([1 John 4:7-12](/1_john/4-7 "1 John 4:7-12 - God is Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 146:9

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

Psalms 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.

Jeremiah 49:11

Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve [them] alive; and let thy widows trust in me.

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Psalms 145:9

The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.

Psalms 103:6

¶ The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur 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.