Exodus 23:1-9

Exodus 23:1-9

[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  [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  [5] If thou see  the ass  of him that hateth  thee lying  under his burden,  and wouldest forbear  to 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:  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. 

What does Exodus 23:1-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This section appeals for justice toward all people. The subject of the legislation now shifts from love for all to justice for all. The Israelites should treat all people justly, not only the rich but also the poor ( Exodus 23:3), the enemy as well as the friend ( Exodus 23:4). Jezebel later did to Naboth what Exodus 23:7 warns against (cf. 1 Kings 21:9-14).