REGULATIONS CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR TO ONE'S NEIGHBOUR (EXODUS 23:1). There is an interesting pattern to the following verses. (Compare Exodus 23:1 with Exodus 23:7; Exodus 23:2 with Exodus 23:6; Exodus 23:3 with Exodus 23:5). a Taking a false report and perverting justice (Exodus 23:1). b Following... [ Continue Reading ]
EXPANSION OF THE TEN WORDS OF THE COVENANT (EXODUS 20:22 TO EXODUS 23:33). In this section, which is composed of elements put together mainly in chiastic form (see later), Yahweh expands on the Ten Words of the covenant. Notice that it begins with ‘and Yahweh said to Moses'. This proceeds as follow... [ Continue Reading ]
REGULATIONS CONCERNING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF YAHWEH'S LORDSHIP (EXODUS 23:10). Here we have two sets of regulations which refer to work and rest. A SEVEN-YEAR REST (EXODUS 23:10). Exodus 23:10 “And six years you shall sow your land and shall gather in the increase of it, but the seventh year you sh... [ Continue Reading ]
REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE ANNUAL FEASTS (EXODUS 23:14). The people have arrived at Mount Sinai and are preparing for what lies ahead. These laws are therefore providing them with a blueprint of that future and acting as a spur. It is always a sign of good leadership to picture the final fulfilment... [ Continue Reading ]
SUNDRY REGULATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE FEASTS (EXODUS 23:18). These verses are almost paralleled in Exodus 34:25, which confirms that the four parts are all firmly connected together. They can be analysed as follows: a The blood of His sacrifice not to be offered with leavened bread (Exodus 23:18... [ Continue Reading ]
YAHWEH'S PROMISE THAT HE WILL SEND HIS ANGEL WITH THEM (EXODUS 23:20). Yahweh now confirms that He will go with His people into Canaan. This section may be analysed as follows: a Yahweh will send His Angel before them (Exodus 23:20). b If they hear His voice then Yahweh will act for them against... [ Continue Reading ]
Yahweh's Promises and Warnings For The Future (Exodus 23:29). a The Canaanites to be driven out little by little so as to preserve the land until the Israelites are numerous enough to possess it all (Exodus 23:29). b The bounds of the promised land outlined with the promise that the Canaanites wil... [ Continue Reading ]