Proverbs 23:11

Do not pick on those smaller or weaker than you, for they have a mighty redeemer; he will hold you responsible for any evil done to them. God protects orphans, widows, and anyone unable to protect himself. If you take advantage of such persons, the LORD God will personally defend them and seek you out to destroy you (Deut 27:19; Ps 12:5).

The context is removing old landmarks and entering the fields of fatherless children – stealing real estate by moving property boundaries or aggressively using orphans’ fields without permission (Pr 23:10). They do not have an earthly father to defend them, but they have a heavenly, Who is almighty. He will defend and avenge them!

In Bible times, a redeemer could purchase your freedom or deliver you from oppressors. Both property and persons could be redeemed by purchase (Lev 25:31,48). And the LORD redeemed Israel from Egypt and Babylon by force (Ex 6:6; Deut 7:8; Jer 50:33-34). Eliphaz and David described God redeeming them from trouble (Job 5:20; Ps 25:22).

The LORD of hosts, Captain of heaven’s armies, is the Redeemer of orphans and widows. He is a mighty Redeemer. Pharaoh’s Egypt was ravaged and ruined before the LORD was done with them. They should have been kinder in their treatment of Israel, for the LORD of hosts came to fight for Israel. He will always fight for the oppressed.

Pleading the cause of another is fighting for them – verbally, financially, or violently. David prayed, “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me” (Ps 35:1). He went on from there to describe the punishment he hoped God would heap on his enemies (Ps 35:2-6). God will defend the oppressed.

This rule is a serious matter. Solomon also wrote, “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them” (Pr 22:22-23). Moses had written, “Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless” (Ex 22:22-24).

Love orphans and widows: go out of your way to help them whenever possible. This is the pure religion of Jesus Christ (Jas 1:27). The consequences of neglecting them or taking advantage of them are dire. And if you see them being oppressed, the Highest is watching (Eccl 5:8). He is the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of widows (Ps 68:5). Let all abortionists, their legislators and protectors, take heed. Judgment is coming, soon.