When God talked to Moses and gave him the ten commandments on Mount Sinai, he also gave him many other commands, that him and the people were to keep, in order to be in line with His statutes. As God’s laws are higher than ours, they were needing to know what He desired, in order to grow in the faith. For recently the children of Israel were saved from the Egyptians, but still they needed to know what to do next in life, in order to be in good standards with God. This is where God’s commandments come into place in our lives. And so it is, that in Exodus 23, there are many more laws to know and obey. And as I mentioned before, if we truly look at what God wanted, we can find ways to apply these same teachings in our life also. Now, for this study, we will look at verses 1 through 9. And to get started, the first commandment reads, 1“thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” (Exodus 23:1) This meaning, to tell the truth and not be like others who lie to get their way. The next important command reads, 1“thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” (Exodus 23:2) So we learn to follow Jesus and allow Him to help us resist temptation. This is how we are able to stand apart from the wicked and not be found among them. These few commands are very important in our walk with Jesus as a Christian.
The last few commandments from God that we will focus on in our study are the following… 1“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.” (Exodus 23:4) Therefore, our desires to help others in need is extended to our enemies as well. We go the extra mile, even though it may seem hard at first. God then said, 1“keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.” (Exodus 23:7) This teaching helps us seek what is truth in life and to be kind to all people. We do this, in order to let God’s holiness take over our lives and to be separate from the wicked. God’s wrath is upon the wicked, but His compassion and mercy is for those that are made righteous in Him. Lastly, God said unto Moses, 1“thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9) In this teaching, we learn the importance of showcasing His love to all people, especially those we don’t know or are in need. Since we were once strangers to God and He had compassion upon us, we are kind to others also. Therefore, as His followers of God, we treat others as God treats us. We don’t look down upon anyone, but lift them up to God. May you remember these commandments and do as God has said. This will greatly improve your walk with Him.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will all remember the importance of being honest to ourselves and others. May we understand that importance of telling the truth in all circumstances, no matter how difficult it may seem. For it is better to be a true witness, then a false witness who leads others astray. Thank You for Your words and teaching us this principal. In saying this Lord, I pray that You will lead us to all truth and lead us away from every false teacher. We need to know what is right in this world, and I know that You can lead us to find it. Truly, Your words in the Bible are truth and I wish that more people would teach what You have said and have less of their opinions on matters of God. Then, would more people be following You and not what they think is right. I pray Lord, that what is good is sought after in life, and what is evil is ran from. Now, I know that for this to become a reality, people need to first be instructed correctly. So I pray for all teachers in schools, universities and churches. They have a big calling upon them and I pray that they may be used by You in everything they do. To do this, it will take faith, but all evil can be distinguished by doing what You say is right. Lastly, help us to find a way to show kindness towards others, especially those in need. May your love flow deep in our hearts, that every person will feel loved. Kindness changes lives, just like Your compassion for us, changed ours. Thank You for taking us in as a stranger and giving us rest. I just pray that we will be doing the same for others. I love You Lord. Your teachings are nourishment to my ears. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Exodus 23:1-9 (KJV)
1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
4 If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
