Exodus 23:1–3, 6–9

Bible Studies for Life 
Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University

Ready When Injustice Prevails

Exodus 23:1–3, 6–9

The context of this passage is the handing down of the law to Israel on Mount Sinai. God enters into a covenant agreement with His people and chapters 19–32 mostly deal with the terms of the covenant or God’s expectations for His people. On Jan. 18 churches all over the world are taking part in Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. The passage for this week is a timely message that speaks to the sanctity of human life. Though our society debates important life issues and as we have politicized the pro-choice/pro-life views, God never wavers on His view of human life. The Bible is clear as to God’s view of taking the life of the innocent. The ultimate injustice is the taking of an innocent life. These verses will speak to these issues.

Let your words and actions work for justice, not against it. (1–3)

The justice in the American courts and the justice of God are not always the same. The best definition of biblical justice is “treating all people with fairness and dignity.” God clearly communicates to His people His expectations for fair court proceedings so that no innocent person is deemed guilty. 

Verse 1 reiterates the 9th commandment. It is wrong to give and promote unfounded gossip against another person. The term “false” here is specific to unfounded, vain or fruitless hearsay. These rules are sometimes neglected in our American justice system. Even if the “crowd” or “many” speak lies the believer should refrain from following the majority and stand for what he or she knows is right. We are not to be swayed by the loud voices that cry out especially if they are asking for unbiblical or ungodly injustice. Christians are to stand against the will of the majority when it is wrong. Being in the minority is not always a bad thing.

Work on behalf of the innocent. (6–7)

A person’s economic status should not limit his or her right to receive fair justice. The ability to hire a big time lawyer should not determine whether or not a person is guilty or innocent. Some suggest these verses are speaking specifically to the judges of Israel where the other verses are speaking generally to all Jews. 

In light of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, verse 7 is worth noting. “Do not kill the innocent or just.” This is a clear commandment from the Lord. While this section contextually deals with court proceedings, certainly the command can be applied to all situations. God always stands with the innocent. No one is more innocent than the baby in the womb. When it comes to any form of taking an innocent life Christians ought to stay “far away.” 

Also notice God’s words to those who take the life of the innocent, “I will not justify the guilty.” The final justice will always belong to God. The wicked will be brought to account before Yahweh.

Don’t oppress or hold anyone down. (8–9)

The word for “bribe” appears first in the Hebrew sentence construction for the purpose of emphasis. Verse 8 seems to have taken on the status of a proverb later on in Israel (Deut. 16:19). The consequences of bribery are clear: it “blinds” and “corrupts.” The verb forms reflect acts that often are repeated. Bribes are serious offenses in the eyes of God especially when they condemn the innocent or oppress the weak. Verse 9 already has been stated in Psalm 22:21 but is repeated here for emphasis in context of legal proceedings. The fact that it is stated twice gives strong indication of God’s prevailing view on welcoming and treating fairly those who are foreigners to your land. Regardless of your views on immigration policies one thing is clear — God sees everyone as in need of His love. Christians ought to take time to minister to those who God puts in our path regardless of their nationality.