Exodus 23:1-19 NKJV
23 “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. 3 You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute.
4 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.
6 “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute. 7 Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. 8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.
9 “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
10 “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, 11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12 Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.
13 “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.
14 “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: 15 You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); 16 and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.
17 “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.
18 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until morning. 19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.
Exodus 23:1-19 outlines principles of justice and mercy that reveal God’s desire for His people to reflect His character in our relationships with others and our worship of Him.
The passage begins with instructions about justice. God’s people are forbidden from spreading false reports, siding with the wicked or the majority, or perverting justice for the poor or for personal gain. God’s justice is impartial and true, and His people are called to uphold that standard in all their dealings.
God’s mercy is also evident in these commands. His people are told to help even their enemy’s animal if it is in trouble, demonstrating that mercy transcends personal grievances. This principle challenges us to extend kindness to others, even those we may consider adversaries.
The laws also focus on honoring God’s creation and rhythm. The command to let the land rest every seventh year ensures provision for the poor and care for the earth. Similarly, the Sabbath rest reflects God’s design for work and worship, reminding His people of their dependence on Him.
Verses 14-19 shift to worship, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God. The three annual feasts celebrate God’s provision and faithfulness. By observing these festivals, the Israelites acknowledged their dependence on God and expressed gratitude for His blessings.
For Christians, this passage calls us to live with integrity, compassion, and worshipful hearts. Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God’s law, is our ultimate example of truth and mercy. His life and sacrifice remind us to be honest in our words, just in our actions, and generous in our care for others.
As God’s people, we are called to honor Him not only in how we treat others but also in how we worship and rest. As we live according to His Word, we reflect His justice, mercy, and holiness to the world around us.
Let us pray: Gracious Lord, teach us to walk in truth and mercy. Help us to honor You in our relationships and worship, reflecting Your justice and love. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.