Exodus 23

Exodus 23:1

They were neither to invent a slander, nor to receive or report it, but to discourage and reprove every spreader of it

Exodus 23:2

Neither the counsel nor example of multitudes in evil is to be followed; nor must either parties, friends, judges, witnesses, or vulgar opinions, move us to lessen great faults, aggravate small ones, vindicate offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent any thing, to procure an unjust sentence. Ver. 3, 6, 7. In judgment none must be favoured either for their poverty or their wealth

Exodus 23:8

Bribes corrupt the minds of Judges; and make them, though sensible, and ordinarily upright, to judge unjustly

Exodus 23:11

The design of this rest of their land was to teach them that they and their land were the Lord’s: this year of release, as well as their weekly sabbaths and other jubilees, were typical of the gospel,—the new covenant,—and the eternal rest. Ver. 15, 16. The feast of unleavened bread was in March; the feast of harvest weeks, or pentecost, at Whitsunday: the feast of in-gathering, or tabernacles, in September

Exodus 23:17

Women were not required, but they might attend their solemn feasts if they pleased

Exodus 23:19

This taught them to detest cruelty, and any imitation of idolatrous rites

Exodus 23:20

Christ, the angel of the covenant. Ver. 26.—Fulfil, in granting thee long life and prosperity

Exodus 23:31

Had they been obedient they would all along have possessed this whole territory; but for their sin they were deprived of a great part of it, except in the days of David and Solomon

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIII.—Think, O my soul, have I taken heed to my ways, that I might not sin with my tongue? Have I always acted with conscience and impartiality in all my conduct? Have I always spoken only the truth, and that in due season, and with a good intent? Have I been a hater of bribery and all perverting of justice? Have I entertained strangers; done good to mine enemies; and prayed for them that despitefully use me? Do I in all things acknowledge God, the giver of my mercies? Am I careful to keep his sabbaths, and to observe every instituted opportunity of fellowship with him? Are even his most circumstantial laws hidden in my heart?—While I thus seriously examine myself, endeavour to conform myself to his will, and lament my infirmities and failings, let me rejoice that Jesus, the angel of the covenant, will safely lead me through this wilderness-world to the promised Canaan above, where no accursed inhabitant shall ever molest me, nor idols deceive me. Meanwhile, let him put out my inward corruptions, and the enemies of his people, by little and little; and let me keep myself from idols, and from voluntary intimacy with wicked men, cheerfully obeying his gracious voice, that I may not feel the rod of his chastisement, but in all my ways rejoice in his presence, blessing, and protection