CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise] = _TISSA_, FROM THE INF. _NAPA_, IN ITS SIMPLE SENSE, “to carry,” and in its ethical, “to bear about in the heart.” Hence _tissa_ is a pregnant word, and signifies: “Thou shalt neither raise nor carry abroad, nor harbour in your heart, evil report.... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:10_ SABBATIC YEARS AND DAYS It has been said that a life according to nature is the highest good. Now, most certainly, a life conducted on the principles laid down by Him who is the God of nature and of grace is the highest good,—being productive of th... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:13_ THE NEED OF CIRCUMSPECTION The man who makes a wise use of his eyes is in so far circumspect. Words that primarily set forth bodily actions are secondarily applied to the description of mental states and actions. Circumspection is descriptive of a... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 23:19. Thou shalt not seethe, &c.]—This command, taken in connection with the preceding one, justifies the explanation of ancient commentators that it was given to banish a pagan rite, in the offering up as an harvest thanks-offering of a kid seethed in its mothers milk. Wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:20_ DIVINE GUIDANCE I. THERE IS A DIVINE WAY. There is a divine way for individuals. Joseph, Abraham, Daniel, and David were led in the right way. The saints of the Old and New Testaments were guided in the divine way. And all those who seek divine gui... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 23:27_ THE POWER OF MORAL FORCES In our estimation of the powers of the world we do not always give sufficient prominence to the power of moral forces. Much has been accomplished by material force, but this must be under the direction of intellectual forc... [ Continue Reading ]