In short
The Old Testament law gives consideration and protection to the disadvantaged, such as these three groups, as well as servants and the poor. (This particular phrase, “the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow,” comes up a fair bit.)
Why it is important
These are people that need protecting.
- A sojourner (or immigrant) has no family to turn to in Israel
- The widow may have no one to provide for her
- The fatherless is kind of a hybrid of the two situations
- Servants are often mistreated
- The poor are forever fighting against the current
And God cares for them and expects His people to look out for them, too. And He has some choice words when they do not.
See the picture for more example texts.
Theology and doctrine
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matt 5:3.
Jesus had much compassion for the disadvantaged, and they flocked to Him, as well. The character of God does not change.
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