Exodus 23:1–9 “Do Not Pervert Justice”

Exodus 23:1-9 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Britt Nicole – Stand
• Chris Tomlin – I Will Follow
• MercyMe – Even If

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Justice | What’s That Word? – Lesson for Kids
• LOVE ONE ANOTHER-motion video – Song for Kids
• Tis’ So Sweet To Trust In Jesus | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• The Lord’s Plans | Holy Land Adventure: Egypt VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Verses 1 through 3 serve as supplementary instructions to the Ninth Commandment. False testimony is a sin that tarnishes an individual’s honor and, at the same time, distorts social justice (v.1). Even if the majority commit evil, one must not follow them; rather, one should stand on the side of the minority if it is for truth and justice (v.2). False testimony is often motivated by bribery or the desire to flatter those in power or wealth. However, this does not mean one should lie in favor of the poor either (v.3). Judgment must be based solely on truth.

Compassion toward the vulnerable is extended even to animals. This includes not only one’s own livestock or a neighbor’s but also that of an enemy. If you see an animal belonging to someone you hate wandering off, you must return it to its owner. If you see it collapsed under its burden, you must help lift it up (vv.4–5).

Verses 6 through 9 guide judges. They must not neglect or rule unjustly against a poor person simply because of their poverty (v.6). They must reject false accusations (v.7) and must not accept bribes (v.8). The instruction that “bribes blind those who see and twist the words of the righteous” is one worth remembering. Foreigners must not be treated with bias in legal proceedings (v.9), for they, too, were once sojourners in Egypt.

Meditation:

As previously mentioned, the Law was given as a minimum moral standard based on the assumption of human sinfulness. That is why we often encounter commandments that fall short of today’s moral standards. Such instructions cannot be considered the full expression of God’s heart. His true intentions are on a higher and deeper level, but given the context of the time, He required only the bare minimum.

Nevertheless, many laws do reflect the heart of God. Today’s passage is one example. These commandments require a high level of moral integrity that remains relevant to our society today. In our current world, justice is often distorted by the influence of power or wealth—the phrase “innocent if rich, guilty if poor” has long become an uncomfortable truth.

In such a world, those who believe in God must bear witness only to the truth when they testify. Judges must conduct hearings and render verdicts with fairness and impartiality. Even when the majority shouts in the name of justice, believers must remain steadfast in their convictions.

We all strive to become strong in this world. In doing so, we often grow weak before the powerful and harsh toward the weak—this cowardice becomes a habit. That is the direction our sinful nature leads us. But God calls us to turn from that path. He calls us to stop looking upward to align ourselves with the strong, and instead to look downward and care for the weak. For God is the One who responds to the cries of the vulnerable.

Prayer:

Lord of Justice, teach us Your justice and empower us to live it out.
Lord of Truth, help us to know the truth and to walk in it.
May our eyes look upward only to You, O God,
and downward to see our neighbors who suffer.
Give us courage not to fear standing with the minority for the sake of truth and justice.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God calls us to be people of truth and justice, even when it’s hard. Instead of chasing after power or following the crowd, God wants us to stand up for what is right, especially for the weak and the poor, because He listens to those who cry out in pain.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to tell the truth, even when no one else is?
  • Why does God want us to be kind to people who are having a hard time?
  • Have you ever helped someone even when they weren’t your friend? How did it feel?
    
• For Youth
  • Why is it sometimes hard to stand up for the truth when others disagree?
  • What does “justice” mean to you, and why do you think God cares about it so much?
  • Can you think of a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly? What could you have done, or what might you do next time?