There are some interesting tidbits in this chapter. In addition to not being a gossip, or a false witness, or giving into peer pressure, we also find that the perversion of justice can extend to giving favoritism to the poor and not just the rich! However, it seems more likely that a judge will take a bribe from the rich, so there is also a warning to not pervert justice for the poor.
Compassion is a big part of the law. We don’t want to be lied about or lied to, so we tell the truth. We want our property to be taken care of, so we take care of other people’s property. We don’t want justice to be perverted for us or against us, so we don’t pervert justice! We see this principle more plainly displayed by the command about foreigners. God reminds the Israelites that they should treat foreigners better than they were treated in Egypt. In context, this is a reminder that foreigners should obey the same laws as everyone else does, and that they should expect the same respect as everyone else.
Rest is important for both the people and the land. But so is worship! Not only is the Sabbath important, but there are important feasts that speak to God’s salvation and provision. They are to be times of worship and celebration for the entire congregation of Israel.
The angel here is distinguished from God but identified with Him. The angel’s presence is displayed by the cloud that traveled with them and was a constant reminder of God’s care and provision. That care will be displayed by God driving out the inhabitants of the promised land. It seems conditional, but God in His mercy overlooks their disobedience and brings them home anyway.
Thought for the day: God’s grace is amazing, and we see it displayed in His care of us. Once we are His, we are His no matter what.
Romans 8:38-39 (WEB) “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Pastor Billington's Blog 