Justice, Mercy, and the Angel of the Covenant: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Exodus 23

Executive Summary

Exodus 23 stands as a powerful testament to God’s unwavering commitment to justice, mercy, and the establishment of a righteous society for His chosen people. This chapter, richly layered with ethical and legal stipulations, unveils God’s heart for the vulnerable: the poor, the widow, and the orphan. It warns against the insidious creep of false witness and the corruption of bribery. Furthermore, Exodus 23 promises divine protection and prosperity through obedience, culminating in the magnificent promise of God’s Angel, the precursor of Christ, guiding them to the Promised Land. This journey demands not only adherence to the Law, but a transformation of the heart, embracing love, compassion, and unwavering faith, crucial aspects of Coptic Orthodox spirituality and life. Ultimately, Exodus 23 calls each of us to reflect on how justice, mercy, and divine guidance shape our daily choices and our pursuit of holiness.

Exodus 23 is a foundational text for understanding God’s ethical demands on His people. It touches on legal integrity, social justice, and the promise of divine protection. This chapter emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, warning against false accusations, partiality, and the pursuit of selfish gain. Central to the chapter is the promise of God’s presence through His Angel, a foreshadowing of Christ’s incarnation and guidance. Let us delve into the profound spiritual truths contained within these verses, exploring their relevance to our lives today.

Commentary: Exodus 23 Verse by Verse

Exodus 23:1

KJV: Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

NKJV: “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

This foundational verse sets the tone for the entire chapter. It commands honesty and integrity in speech and legal proceedings. The prohibition against “raising a false report” underscores the devastating consequences of gossip and slander. It highlights the inherent dignity of every human being and the damage that can be inflicted by malicious words. In Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand that the tongue can be a powerful instrument for both good and evil. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Ἡ γλῶσσα ὡς ὄργανον διπλῆς ἐνεργείας, δύναται καὶ εὐλογεῖν τὸν Θεὸν καὶ καταρᾶσθαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους” (He Glossa hos organon diplēs energeias, dynatai kai eulogein ton Theon kai katārāsthai tous anthrōpous – “The tongue, as an instrument of dual action, can both bless God and curse men.” – St. Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on James*). This reinforces the need for constant vigilance over our words. It’s also a reminder of our responsibility to ensure fair housing practices, and we can find good resources to help at the housing rights website, dohost.us.

Spiritual Application: Before spreading any information, especially if it’s negative, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Pray for discernment and the strength to resist participating in gossip or slander.

Exodus 23:2-3

KJV: Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

NKJV: You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. Nor shall you favor a poor man in his cause.

These verses address the dangers of succumbing to peer pressure and the corruption of justice. We are warned against following the crowd (“a multitude”) when it leads to evil. The principle of impartiality is emphasized. We should not favor the rich nor the poor, but rather, administer justice fairly based on the merits of the case. This balance is crucial for a righteous society. Coptic tradition values justice and fairness. The Deuterocanonical book of Sirach says, “Defend the oppressed, and fight for the rights of the orphan” (Sirach 4:10). This resonates with the principles outlined in Exodus, stressing that true faith includes action against injustice.

Spiritual Application: Stand firm in your convictions, even when they are unpopular. Resist the temptation to compromise your integrity for the sake of acceptance. Treat everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their social status or economic condition.

Exodus 23:4-5

KJV: If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

NKJV: “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 one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you must surely help him with it.

These verses demonstrate radical love and compassion. Even towards our enemies, we are called to act with kindness and generosity. Returning a lost animal and helping someone burdened by their load exemplify the spirit of selflessness and empathy that should characterize a follower of God. This aligns with Christ’s teaching to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). The desert environment where these laws were originally given highlights the urgency of such actions. Leaving an animal to wander or suffer could lead to its death and significant economic loss for its owner. It requires overcoming bitterness and acting with Christ-like love.

Spiritual Application: Actively seek opportunities to show kindness to those who have wronged you. Pray for them and find practical ways to alleviate their suffering. Let your actions demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love.

Exodus 23:6-9

KJV: Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

NKJV: “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute. Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not acquit the wicked. And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous. “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

These verses emphasize the sanctity of justice, warning against the corruption of the legal system through bribery, false accusations, and oppression. The prohibition against taking bribes (“thou shalt take no gift”) underscores the importance of impartiality and integrity in judgment. The reminder of Israel’s own experience as strangers in Egypt serves as a powerful motivator for compassion and justice towards foreigners. This resonates deeply with Coptic Orthodox theology, which emphasizes the importance of hospitality and welcoming the stranger, seeing Christ in every person. As Abba Isaac the Syrian says, “Ὅταν προσεύχῃ καὶ ἱκετεύῃς, μήποτε καταφρονήσῃς τῶν πτωχῶν.” (Hotan proseuchē kai iketevēis, mēpote kataphroneēsēs tōn ptōchōn – “When you pray and supplicate, never despise the poor.” – Abba Isaac the Syrian, *Ascetic Treatises*). This connects praying and helping the poor.

Spiritual Application: Champion the cause of the vulnerable and marginalized. Advocate for justice in your community and speak out against oppression. Remember your own past struggles and extend compassion to those who are suffering today.

Exodus 23:10-13

KJV: And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

NKJV: Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.

These verses institute the Sabbatical Year, a time of rest for the land and provision for the poor. This act of trusting God to provide, even when the land lies fallow, demonstrates faith and compassion. The observance of the Sabbath day extends this principle of rest to both humans and animals, reflecting God’s care for all creation. The command to avoid mentioning the names of other gods emphasizes the exclusivity of Israel’s covenant with the Lord. This relates to the Coptic understanding of keeping the Holy Spirit’s presence, being conscious of our thoughts and desires.

Spiritual Application: Practice Sabbath rest, setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and renewal. Trust in God’s provision, even when facing financial uncertainty. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude for all that you have received. Be mindful of the words you speak and avoid any language that dishonors God.

Exodus 23:14-19

KJV: Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.

NKJV: “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the produce of your labors from the field. “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God. “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until morning. The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

These verses institute three major annual feasts: Unleavened Bread (Passover), Harvest (Weeks or Pentecost), and Ingathering (Tabernacles). These feasts served as reminders of God’s deliverance, provision, and covenant with Israel. The command to appear before the Lord (“none shall appear before me empty”) emphasizes the importance of gratitude and offering our firstfruits to God. The prohibitions against offering leavened bread and leaving the fat until morning underscore the need for purity and sincerity in worship. The prohibition against seething a kid in its mother’s milk is often interpreted as a sensitivity towards cruelty to animals, symbolizing broader compassion. Coptic Orthodox tradition sees these feasts as types and shadows of the greater realities fulfilled in Christ. The Passover foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice, Pentecost prefigures the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and Tabernacles anticipates the eternal dwelling of God with His people.

Spiritual Application: Regularly participate in the sacraments and liturgical life of the Church. Offer your time, talents, and resources to God as acts of worship and gratitude. Cultivate a spirit of reverence and awe in the presence of God. Treat all living creatures with kindness and respect.

Exodus 23:20-33

KJV: Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, surely it will be a snare unto thee.

NKJV: “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their works; but you shall utterly overthrow them and completely break down their sacred pillars. “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. “I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you. I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beast of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the River. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.

This passage is pivotal. God promises to send an Angel before Israel to guide and protect them on their journey to the Promised Land. This Angel is not merely a messenger but possesses divine authority, bearing God’s name and having the power to forgive or not forgive transgressions. The Coptic Orthodox Church understands this Angel as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, the Angel of the Great Counsel (Isaiah 9:6). St. Athanasius writes, “Οὐκ ἄγγελος ἀλλ’ αὐτὸς ὁ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ διὰ πάντων γενόμενος, ἔρχεται σῶσαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον.” (Ouk angelos all’ autos ho Logos tou Theou, ho dia pantōn genomenos, erchetai sōsai ton anthrōpon – “Not an angel, but the Word of God Himself, who came into being through all things, comes to save man.” – St. Athanasius, *Contra Arianos*). This emphasizes the divinity of Christ. The promise of victory over their enemies, health, and prosperity is contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness to God. The warning against making covenants with the Canaanites underscores the danger of syncretism and the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as God’s chosen people. The gradual driving out of the Canaanites reflects God’s patience and wisdom, ensuring that the land would not become desolate. This is also similar to how God works in each individual’s life; He does not make great changes overnight, but guides us little by little.

Spiritual Application: Trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within you. Obey the teachings of Christ and the Church. Resist the temptation to compromise your faith for the sake of worldly acceptance. Remember that true prosperity comes from God’s blessing, not from worldly possessions.

Justice, Mercy, and the Angel of the Covenant: Key Reflections

Exodus 23 offers a profound tapestry of moral, legal, and spiritual directives. Let’s consider some of its key teachings:

• The Importance of Truth: The chapter begins with a strong admonition against spreading false reports. Truthfulness is the bedrock of a just society and a righteous life.
• Impartiality in Judgment: Justice must be administered fairly, without favoritism towards the rich or the poor. All are equal under the law of God.
• Love for Enemies: We are called to extend kindness and compassion even to those who hate us, reflecting the boundless love of God.
• Care for the Vulnerable: The chapter emphasizes the importance of protecting the poor, the orphan, and the stranger, demonstrating God’s heart for the marginalized.
• Rest and Renewal: The Sabbatical Year and the Sabbath day remind us of the importance of rest, trusting in God’s provision, and caring for creation.
• Divine Guidance: The promise of God’s Angel, the pre-incarnate Christ, assures us of His constant presence and guidance on our journey.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Exodus 23:

• Q: Who is the Angel mentioned in Exodus 23:20?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church believes this Angel to be a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ. He bears God’s name and possesses divine authority, leading and protecting the Israelites.

• Q: Why does Exodus 23 emphasize so many seemingly small details, such as not boiling a kid in its mother’s milk?

  A: These details reflect God’s concern for all aspects of life, even the seemingly insignificant. They serve as reminders of His holiness and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.

• Q: How can I apply the principles of Exodus 23 to my life today?

  A: By striving to live with honesty, integrity, compassion, and justice in all your dealings. By caring for the vulnerable, practicing Sabbath rest, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life. Also, by remembering your own past, and extending compassion to those who are struggling now.

• Q: What does the Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolize, and how does it connect to Christian tradition?

  A: The Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolizes the haste of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and the purity of their faith. It foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God and the Eucharist, the unleavened bread that sustains us spiritually.

Conclusion

Exodus 23 is a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace justice, mercy, and divine guidance in every aspect of our lives. It reminds us that true faith is not merely a matter of religious observance but a transformation of the heart, leading to righteous conduct and compassionate service. The chapter calls us to defend the defenseless, champion the cause of the poor, and extend kindness even to our enemies. Ultimately, it points us to Christ, the Angel of the Covenant, who leads us on the path to salvation. May we always strive to live in accordance with God’s will, reflecting His love and justice in our words and actions. Let us seek to embody the spirit of Exodus 23, building a world where justice reigns, mercy abounds, and God’s presence is manifest in all things.

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Exodus 23, Justice, Mercy, Angel of the Covenant, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Social Justice, Ethical Living, Divine Guidance, Torah

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