Exodus 23 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 23 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This continues a series of laws given to the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17). Prior topics included social matters, homicide, and theft (Exodus 21—22).

The Mosaic covenant (2 Chronicles 5:10) stressed fairness in legal matters. Spreading slander and arranging false testimony are both explicitly forbidden. God also condemns following immoral popular opinions in matters of judgment. The covenant also prohibits partiality. Later details emphasize that this applies to rich and poor alike (Deuteronomy 1:17). God condemns any abuse of law to take advantage of the poor or disadvantaged (Deuteronomy 27:19; Lamentations 3:34–36). The Law obligates Israelites to do what is right, even for their adversaries. Israel should be especially careful regarding foreigners and travelers, because of their experience (Genesis 15:13; Exodus 22:21) in Egypt (Exodus 23:1–9).

God introduces the concept of Sabbath years. In these times, farmed fields must be left to grow wild. This provides for animals and the poor. This is in addition to the regular weekly Sabbath. God reminds Israel that these are His laws, and that they should have nothing at all to do with false gods or idols (Exodus 23:10–13).

This covenant requires Israelite men to bring sacrifices to the Lord three times a year. These special times are referred to here as the Feasts of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17–19), of Harvest (Leviticus 23:15–17), and of Ingathering (Leviticus 23:39–43). Later, they would be more commonly known as the Festivals of Passover, of Weeks, and of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:16: Luke 22:1). Each has its own traditions and rituals (Exodus 23:14–17).

This passage also offers specific rules regarding sacrifice. The Lord expects His people to bring offerings of their most precious and their best—their "firstfruits." Sacrifices must be treated according to His laws. The restriction about boiling young goats in the mother's milk probably prohibits Israel from imitating a Canaanite fertility ritual (Exodus 23:18–19).

God promises to send an "angel" to aid Israel in their journey into the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). The Lord stresses obedience and forgiveness, then says that the "name of the Lord" is in this angel. The presence of the Lord's "name" suggests to some that this is a pre-incarnate version of Jesus Christ. Others see a parallel to the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21–22) which guided Israel out of Egypt. This statement parallels obeying the angel's voice to listening to God's words. Obedience is also a factor related to divine help in the coming battles (Exodus 23:20–22).

Scripture notes that one purpose for the conquest of Canaan was judgment on the heinous evil of those cultures (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:4–5). The Lord makes it clear that the nation of Israel is not to follow Canaanite culture in any way. This command is particularly focused on avoiding worship of Canaanite idols (Exodus 20:3–6). God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2) are to utterly erase these evil practices, not participate in them (Exodus 23:23–24).

If Israel obeys God, they will receive great blessings. These promises come in the form of "synecdoche:" using one example to represent the whole. Bread and water imply the nation's basic needs, agriculture, food, and prosperity. Sickness would include diseases and natural plagues. Protection from miscarrying or barrenness imply strong fertility, growing families, and thriving cities. The people can expect long and happy lives (Exodus 23:25–26).

Another benefit of obedience is the Lord's help in driving out the evil Canaanite nations. God's reputation will strike fear into them (Exodus 15:16; Joshua 2:10–11). The "hornets" may be literal insects or a symbolic reference to environmental pressures and plagues. The Hebrew word is singular, implying a single thing, so some commentators suggest it may be specific person. In any case, an obedient Israel will see the Canaanites driven out as they gradually take over the Promised Land. Yet God warns the people once again to avoid falling into idolatry (Exodus 23:27–33).

In the following chapter, Moses and seventy elders of Israel confirm the covenant with the Lord.

Exodus 23:1–9 requires impartial judgment under Israelite law. God's people are not to accept bribes or spread lies. They are not to follow popular opinion when that view is unjust. Neither being rich nor being poor should be an advantage in matters of judgment. Israelites must be fair and honest, even when dealing with their adversaries. Judgments should not be used to intimidate or punish foreigners and travelers.

Exodus 23:10–11 commands Israel to allow fields a "rest" every seven years. The ground must grow wild, so the poor and wild animals can benefit from it. This applies to regular crops as well as vineyards and orchards. The passage also reiterates the weekly Sabbath (Exodus 23:12). This seventh-day rest is to be enforced for all men and animals within Israel.

Exodus 23:13–19 establishes laws about feast days for the nation of Israel. This mandates three festivals: Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17–19), Harvest (Leviticus 23:15–17), and Ingathering (Leviticus 23:39–43). These are also known as the Feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Booths (Deuteronomy 16:16; Luke 22:1). All Israelite men must bring sacrifices to the Lord's appointed place at these times.

Exodus 23:20–33 both warns and reassures Israel about their entry into the Promised Land. This includes references to an angel; this may imply a pre-incarnate form of Jesus Christ. God calls the people to obedience and warns them not to follow the evil practices of the Canaanite nations (Exodus 3:8). Obedience will result in protection and blessings as the Israelites gradually take over an expansive territory (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).

Chapter Summary:

These laws mandate fair judgment, with no bias given for or against the rich, the poor, or foreign travelers. God commands Israel not to follow popular sentiment when it is unjust. Other rules require letting fields grow wild every seven years for the benefit of the land, the poor, and wild animals. The Lord then warns Israel about obedience. If they follow His will, an angel will guide them as they conquer the entire Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).

Chapter Context:

After receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), Israel learns other laws from the Lord. Chapters 21 and 22 covered topics such as servants' rights, homicide, negligence, theft, and social justice. This chapter mandates certain yearly festivals and forbids bias in judgments. It also instructs Israel regarding their upcoming conquest of the Promised Land. Chapter 24 describes a ritual confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. Most chapters after that involve details of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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