Exodus 23:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips.

NIV: "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.

NASB: Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be careful; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.

CSB: "Pay strict attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips.

NLT: Pay close attention to all my instructions. You must not call on the name of any other gods. Do not even speak their names.

KJV: And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

NKJV: “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.

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.

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).

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.

Accessed 6/16/2025 10:59:28 AM