This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Exodus 23 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Exodus 23 more national laws continue.
Justice is for the rich as well as the poor, and they should be treated equally not on the basis of how much wealth they have.
Then when God outlines more details about sabbath rest, we find out here that indentured servants, slaves and animals also are required to rest. This is very unusual. In recent times, the last century in particular all around the world, workers unions have stood up for the needs of regular workers, but here God is standing up for the needs of servants and animals long before unions were ever thought of.
Do not name other gods. The Lord doesn’t want any attention being given to the evil one. Like a teacher who doesn't want the class attention to go to the badly behaved student, so the devil should not get our attention. This was possibly why the Pharaoh in the exodus story is not named, given that he considered himself godlike. Nor are any of the Egyptian gods named.
A weird random command appears not to boil a baby goat in its mother’s milk. Was this a culinary suggestion? Watch the video to find out.
Mar 15, 2021 | Message by David Alley