Keep
far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.
Exodus 23:7
Exodus 23 [4.] “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him, you shall surely help him with it.
Exodus 23 [6.] “You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
Exodus 23 [7.] “Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.
Exodus 23 [8.] “You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.
Exodus 23 [9.] “You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, since you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
Meaning:
In these words, God instructs His people to distance themselves from falsehood, to refrain from causing harm to the innocent, and underscores divine judgment against the wicked.
- Avoidance of False Charges:
Moral Responsibility: The command to "keep far from a false charge" places a moral responsibility on individuals to refrain from engaging in deceitful accusations. It serves as a preventative measure, urging the avoidance of any form of false testimony or malicious accusations.
Preservation of Truth: This instruction aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the sanctity of truth. It emphasizes that God's people are to be guardians of truth, resisting the temptation to participate in or propagate falsehood.
- Protection of the Innocent:
Sanctity of Life: The directive "do not kill the innocent and righteous" reinforces the sanctity of human life, particularly the lives of the innocent and righteous. It goes beyond the prohibition of physical harm, encompassing actions or words that could bring unjust harm to individuals.
Divine Justice: The linkage between avoiding false charges and refraining from harming the innocent highlights the interconnectedness of truth and justice. God's concern for the innocent is evident, and the verse implies that divine judgment awaits those who perpetrate injustice.
- Divine Judgment and Acquittal:
Divine Standards: The declaration "for I will not acquit the wicked" underscores the divine standard of justice. God's character is just and righteous, and this statement reinforces the principle that the wicked will not escape accountability for their actions.
Consequences of Injustice: The notion of God not acquitting the wicked implies consequences for those who engage in false charges or harm the innocent. It serves as a sobering reminder of divine accountability and the repercussions of acting contrary to God's moral order.
Practical Application:
Truthful Communication: Exodus 23:7 challenges believers to prioritize truthful communication in all aspects of their lives. It involves a commitment to honesty, refraining from spreading false information or participating in deceptive practices.
Advocacy for Justice: The verse prompts believers to advocate for justice and the protection of the innocent in their communities. This involves actively opposing false charges, standing against injustice, and working towards the well-being of all individuals.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 6:16-19: "There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers." This passage from Proverbs resonates with the themes of Exodus 23:7, emphasizing God's abhorrence of falsehood and harm to the innocent.
Psalm 94:21: "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous and condemn the innocent blood." This psalm captures the anguish over the harm done to the innocent and the condemnation of those who engage in such actions.
In conclusion, Exodus 23:7 serves as a moral compass, guiding us to distance ourselves from falsehood, protect the innocent, and recognize the divine standards of justice. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of truth and justice, urging individuals to align their actions with God's righteous principles.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible