Exodus 23:2 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

Thou shalt not follow a multitude, х rabiym (H7227)] - many. This makes a very good sense; because the caution against being misled into evil by the influence of prevailing example is necessary and seasonable at all times. But the Hebrew word signifies also great men (Job 31:9; Isaiah 53:12; Jeremiah 41:1), and in the opinion of some it should be so translated both in this and the following clause.

To decline - i:e., to depart or deviate from the straight path of rectitude. The import of the clause may be thus expressed: Neither shalt thou answer (in a forensic sense) in a suit, espousing the side of a party who try to pervert justice.

Exodus 23:2

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speakb in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: