Exodus 23 - Introduction

A.M. 2513. B.C. 1491.

This chapter concludes the acts that passed in the first session (if it may be so called) upon mount Sinai. Here are,

(1,) Some laws of universal obligation, relating especially to the ninth commandment, against bearing false witness, Exodus 23:1, and giving false judgment, Exodus 23:2; Exodus 23:3; Exodus 23:6; Exodus 23:7; Exodus 23:8. Also a law of doing good to our enemies, Exodus 23:4; Exodus 23:5, and not oppressing strangers, Exodus 23:9.

(2,) Some laws peculiar to the Jews: the sabbatical years, Exodus 23:10; Exodus 23:11, the three annual feasts, Exodus 23:14, with laws pertaining thereto.

(3,) Gracious promises of completing the mercy God had begun for them, upon condition of their obedience, that God would conduct them through the wilderness, Exodus 23:20, that he would prosper all they had, Exodus 23:25; Exodus 23:26, that he would put them in possession of Canaan, Exodus 23:27. But they must not mingle themselves with the nations, Exodus 23:32; Exodus 23:33.