Sermon: The Civil Law of Israel
Scripture: Exodus 21:1-24:8
In this week’s lessons, we study the section dealing with the civil law given for the people of Israel, and look at how we can apply its principles today.
Theme: Justice for All
Chapter 23:1-9 concern justice in the courts. Bribes were common in the ancient Near East. They pervert justice, and should be rejected. All of the other statements in this chapter have to do with Sabbath laws and festivals (see 23:10-19).
Chapter 23:1-9 concern justice in the courts. Bribes were common in the ancient Near East. They pervert justice, and should be rejected. All of the other statements in this chapter have to do with Sabbath laws and festivals (see 23:10-19). We might think that when we look at these laws having to do with Sabbath observances and festivals that they really belong with the ceremonial law. That is true, they do. And they are repeated later, especially as we study Leviticus. But they are included here, and the reason they are included here is that they concern justice for the land, justice for animals, and even justice in regard to God.