Exodus 23:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,

NIV: "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

NASB: You shall not follow the crowd in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to join together with a crowd in order to pervert justice;

CSB: "You must not follow a crowd in wrongdoing. Do not testify in a lawsuit and go along with a crowd to pervert justice.

NLT: You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice.

KJV: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

NKJV: 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.

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.

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 7/1/2025 5:50:03 AM