All written materials for this series will be posted on this website, http://servingandsharing.com/, under the category, “Exodus – God Makes a Way.” All corresponding video presentations may be found on this YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFXW6HwOySA&list=PL7JRppjEn33ZzlfbuQKdvQQfsrkwm0GC5. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send a message via the “Contact” button.
From Dr. Coy Roper in the Truth for Today commentary: As part of what is sometimes called the Book of the Covenant (Ex 20:22-23:33), Exodus 23 includes laws related to justice, to religious holy days, and to sacrifices. The chapter also gives a number of instructions and promises in regard to entering the promised land. The focus shifts from what is owed to God (22:28–31) to what is owed to man—namely, justice. To treat one another fairly is man’s obligation (23:1–9). Next, the LORD instructed the people to keep both the Sabbath year and the Sabbath day (23:10–13), to observe the three great national feasts (23:14–17), and to offer acceptable sacrifices to Him (23:18, 19). The chapter ends with an epilogue relating to entering the promised land (23:20–33).
Exodus 24 describes the ratification of the covenant God made with Israel in chapter 19. God told Moses to bring other leaders of Israel back up the mountain to meet with Him (24:1, 2). After Moses presented the law to the people, they promised to obey God (24:3–8). Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders went up the mountain, saw the LORD, and participated in a meal (24:9–11). The LORD then told Moses to return so that God could Himself write out “the law and the commandment” (24:12). Moses and Joshua went back up the mountain, leaving the elders in the Israelite camp (24:13, 14). Moses entered the cloud of God’s glory, where he stayed for forty days and nights (24:15–18).
Ex 23-24 Yahweh Ends Laws; People Ratify Covenant.
Ex 23:1-9 Laws re: Justice for All
Ex 23:10-13 Laws re: the Sabbath
Ex 23:14-19 Laws re: the Three Annual Feasts
Ex 23:20-33 Promises & Warnings re: the Future
Ex 24:1-11 Covenant Ratification & Affirmation
Ex 24:12-18 Moses’ Reception of the Law
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Ex 23:1-9 Laws re: Justice for All
Expansion of 9th commandment, “You shall not bear false witness.”
No joining the crowd, being influenced by majority or popularity.
No favoritism to the poor, but fairness and impartiality under the law.
Kindness, not indifference to an enemy’s (legal adversary’s) need.
Fair, not unjust treatment of the needy regarding a legal dispute.
Rejection of false charges that could result in taking an innocent life.
Refusal of (esp. court-related) bribes. Blinding, distorting. Cf. Dt 16:19.
No oppression of sojourners (perhaps in court cases). Cf. Ex 22:21.
Ex 23:10-13 Laws re: the Sabbath
23:10-11 Sabbath Year.
Reminder that God owns the land. They have it merely as a trust. Also provided for the poor, who could glean from the fields. Cf. Lev 25:23.
23:12 Sabbath Day.
Not only man, but also animals to be refreshed. Benefits all. God’s (and our) care: Ex 23:5; Dt 22:6-7; 25:4; Job 38:41; Ps 104:25-30; 136:25; 145:15, 16; 147:8, 9; Prov 12:10; 27:23; Mt 6:26; 10:29.
23:13 Admonition to obey God’s commands. Warning not to recognize the existence of any other gods by mentioning their names.
Ex 23:14-19 Laws re: the Three Annual Feasts
Feast of Unleavened Bread: month of Abib (March–April), about the time of the barley harvest. Reminder of their hasty exodus from Egypt.
Feast of Harvest: spring at beginning of wheat harvest; firstfruits of crops to be given to the Lord. Two loaves of new grain presented, and animals sacrificed (Lev 23:15–21). Also called Feast of Weeks (Ex 34:22), because it was celebrated seven weeks (50 days) after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. NT = Pentecost. Ac 2:1; 20:16; 1 Cor 16:8
Feast of Ingathering: early autumn (Sept.–Oct.); end of agricultural or civil year. Also called Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths (Lev 23:33–36; Dt 16:13–15; 31:10; John 7, esp. 7:2, 14, 37-39).
Goat in mother’s milk: Canaanite fertility rite? Note: Orthodox Jews today won’t serve milk products with meat.
Ex 23:20-33 Promises & Warnings re: the Future
Angel to guard and lead. Ex 3:2; 14:19; 23:23; 32:34; 33:2. Is this angel the pre-incarnate Christ? Note Heb 1. Christ is not an angel.
I will wipe out your enemies. But you must not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds; but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their sacred pillars in pieces. Ex 23:24.
Also food, health, children, longevity, and bounty. Ex 15:26; Dt 7:15
God to send the “hornet” (Dt 7:20; Josh 24:12). Enemies to flee in fear (cf. 15:15; Num 22:3; Josh 2:9–11, 24; 5:1; 9:24). Not all at once, lest land be desolate, overrun by wild animals. (Conquest 1406–1399 BC)
I will give. You shall drive them out. Or else, if you don’t …
Ex 24:1-11 Covenant Ratification & Affirmation
Aaron, his two sons, 70 elders ascend with Moses, but keep distance.*
24:7 Moses rehearses the “Book of the Covenant” (Ex 20:22-23:33).
The people ratify the pact. “We will do it all!” Moses writes it all down.
Altar, 12 pillars (tribes), burnt offerings, peace offerings, blood.
Half the blood in basins, half thrown against the altar.
Moses reads the book; the people repeat their promise.
Moses sprinkles blood on the people, officially initiating the covenant. Read Heb 9:15-23; 13:20; 1 Pe 1:2. (Sprinkling not baptism mode.)
*These 73 then ascend, “see God” (theophany), and eat a meal before Him to symbolize covenant ratification.
Ex 24:12-18 Moses’ Reception of the Law
The tablets of stone, written by Yahweh Himself.
Moses with Joshua alone (partway). (Joshua – Ex 17:9, 10; 33:11).
Moses delegates leadership (dispute resolution) to Aaron and Hur.
Cloud cover. Moses waits 6 days. Yahweh calls from the cloud.
Yahweh appears to Israel as a devouring fire.
Moses enters the cloud, remains forty days and forty nights, without bread or water. Dt 9:9-11.
