EXOD669 The prophetic emphasis on fidelity, kindness, humanity and brotherliness, as part of man's duty of faithfulness to God, underlies the legislation of the Torah. The Code of the Covenant tempers its rigorous and inflexible justice with the quality of mercy. It is solicitous that the stranger should not be wronged and that the widow in orphan shall not be afflicted. If further enjoins that consideration be shown for the poor borrower and that a helping hand be extended even to the enemy who is in need (Exodus 22:20-26; 23: 4-9]. The Deuteronomic Code makes active beneficence the keynote to its entire legislative system. The doctrine of God's love for His people serves as the basis of man's reciprocal love of God and for his love of his fellow man. While stressing the impartial and strict execution of justice and the elimination of social evil, great-hearted benevolence is urged upon the people. "Humanity is the author's ruling motive, wherever considerations of religion and morality do not force him to repress it." (S. R. Driver, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Deuteronomy, p. xxiv.]