Exodus:23

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* Verse 1-9 - In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling , and of true political wisdom . Every thing in it is suited to the desired and avowed object , the worship of one only God , and the separation of Israel from the pagan world . Neither parties , friends , witnesses , nor common opinions , must move us to lessen great faults , to aggravate small ones , excuse offenders , accuse the innocent , or misrepresent any thing . * Verse 10-19 - Every seventh year the land was to rest . They must not plough or sow it ; what the earth produced of itself , should be eaten , and not laid up . This law seems to have been intended to teach dependence on Providence , and God 's faithfulness in sending the larger increase while they kept his appointments . It was also typical of the heavenly rest , when all earthly labours , cares , and interests shall cease for ever . All respect to the gods of the heathen is strictly forbidden . Since idolatry was a sin to which the Israelites leaned , they must blot out the remembrance of the gods of the heathen . Solemn religious attendance on God , in the place which he should choose , is strictly required . They must come together before the Lord . What a good Master do we serve , who has made it our duty to rejoice before him ! Let us devote with pleasure to the service of God that portion of our time which he requires , and count his sabbaths and ordinances to be a feast unto our souls . They were not to come empty-handed ; so now , we must not come to worship God empty-hearted ; our souls must be filled with holy desires toward him , and dedications of ourselves to him ; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased . * Verse 20-33 - It is here promised that they should be guided and kept in their way through the wilderness to the land of promise , Behold , I send an angel before thee , mine angel . The precept joined with this promise is , that they be obedient to this angel whom God would send before them . Christ is the Angel of Jehovah ; this is plainly taught by St . Paul , 1st Corinthians strkjv @10:9 . They should have a comfortable settlement in the land of Canaan . How reasonable are the conditions of this promise ; that they should serve the only true God ; not the gods of the nations , which are no gods at all . How rich are the particulars of this promise ! The comfort of their food , the continuance of their health , the increase of their wealth , the prolonging their lives to old age . Thus hath godliness the promise of the life that now is . It is promised that they should subdue their enemies . Hosts of hornets made way for the hosts of Israel ; such mean creatures can God use for chastising his people 's enemies . In real kindness to the church , its enemies are subdued by little and little ; thus we are kept on our guard , and in continual dependence on God . Corruptions are driven out of the hearts of God 's people , not all at once , but by little and little . The precept with this promise is , that they should not make friendship with idolaters . Those that would keep from bad courses , must keep from bad company . It is dangerous to live in a bad neighbourhood ; others ' sins will be our snares . Our greatest danger is from those who would make us sin against God . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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