CRITICAL NOTES.—
Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise] = _TISSA_, FROM THE INF. _NAPA_, IN
ITS SIMPLE SENSE, “to carry,” and in its ethical, “to bear about
in the heart.” Hence _tissa_ is a pregnant word, and signifies:
“Thou shalt neither raise nor carry abroad, nor harbour in your
heart, evil report.... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:10_
SABBATIC YEARS AND DAYS
It has been said that a life according to nature is the highest good.
Now, most certainly, a life conducted on the principles laid down by
Him who is the God of nature and of grace is the highest good,—being
productive of th... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:13_
THE NEED OF CIRCUMSPECTION
The man who makes a wise use of his eyes is in so far circumspect.
Words that primarily set forth bodily actions are secondarily applied
to the description of mental states and actions. Circumspection is
descriptive of a... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.—
Exodus 23:19. Thou shalt not seethe, &c.]—This command, taken in
connection with the preceding one, justifies the explanation of
ancient commentators that it was given to banish a pagan rite, in the
offering up as an harvest thanks-offering of a kid seethed in its
mothers milk. Wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:20_
DIVINE GUIDANCE
I. THERE IS A DIVINE WAY. There is a divine way for individuals.
Joseph, Abraham, Daniel, and David were led in the right way. The
saints of the Old and New Testaments were guided in the divine way.
And all those who seek divine gui... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:27_
THE POWER OF MORAL FORCES
In our estimation of the powers of the world we do not always give
sufficient prominence to the power of moral forces. Much has been
accomplished by material force, but this must be under the direction
of intellectual forc... [ Continue Reading ]