There was a widow in that city. — The neglect of the cause of the widow had always been noted by Lawgiver and Prophet — and it was one of the notes of a high ethical standard in both — as the extremest form of oppressive tyranny (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; Deuteronomy 27:19; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 1:23; Ezekiel 22:7). Comp. also the speech of the widow of Tekoah (2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Samuel 14:5).
She came unto him. — The tense implies continual coming.
Avenge me of mine adversary. — The term is used in its legal sense. She was plaintiff, and he defendant, or, it may be, vice versâ. The judge put off his decision, and the “law’s delay” was worse to her than the original wrong had been.