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Exodus 23:1-33 open_in_new
The enactments now recorded have to do with the administration of justice. A study of them reveals that true justice is always merciful and yet makes sterner demand than any moral code of laws. The divine estimate of justice forbids wresting judgment, accepting bribes, and oppression.
The feasts of the Lord are placed in their relation to the people's social life. The sabbatical year was arranged in the interests of the poor. The rest of the Sabbath is more than selfish, cattle and servants being included in its intention. Community interest underlay the command to observe the three great feasts.
At the close of the section enunciating these laws of application, we have the record of how Jehovah made a gracious promise of that Presence which would lead and guide the people in all the days to come. There can be no question that this Angel Presence was the Angel Jehovah through whom these people received a manifestation of God. The most natural deduction is to identify this mystic Person with Him who eventually became flesh and dwelt among us. This Angel Presence was to ensure blessing to the people and drive out their foes before them.
Concerning the people to be driven out, it is worthy of note that this paragraph shows that "their gods" were their undoing. Everything in the life of a man or a nation depends on the character of its worship. Whatever is worshiped is served. The service ennobles or degrades according to the character of those worshiped.