What is the meaning of Exodus 23:5? If you see the donkey God begins with “If you see,” placing responsibility on the one who observes the need. Awareness is never accidental in His providence; He lets us notice so we can respond. In Deuteronomy 22:1–4 the Lord gives similar instructions about returning a stray ox or sheep, reinforcing that seeing obligates caring. In the New Testament, 1 John 3:17 presses the same point: if we have the world’s goods and “see” a brother in need yet close our heart, love is absent. of one who hates you The animal belongs to an enemy, yet God erases the option of selective compassion. Proverbs 25:21 and Romans 12:20 echo this, urging kindness to foes. Jesus deepens it in Matthew 5:43-44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” The command exposes whether our obedience is rooted in convenience or in the character of Christ, who aided us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). fallen under its load The picture is weighty—an animal crushed by an overload, powerless to rise. Galatians 6:2 tells believers to “carry one another’s burdens,” tying physical help to spiritual practice. The wounded traveler in Luke 10:30 lay helpless until compassion lifted him; this donkey images every heavy-laden soul we meet. do not leave it there Indifference is disobedience. James 4:17 states, “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Walking past advertises a heart untouched by mercy. 1 John 3:18 calls for love “in action and in truth,” not passivity. you must help him with it God’s directive is active: lift, steady, restore. The Good Samaritan “went to him… set him on his own animal… took care of him” (Luke 10:34-35), modeling this verse in motion. Galatians 6:10 adds, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,” including adversaries. Obedience may cost time, strength, or reputation, but it displays the gospel’s power to overcome hostility with grace. summary Exodus 23:5 moves from sight to action: notice the need, refuse prejudice, feel the weight, reject apathy, and step in to lift. God’s people mirror His intervening love when they stoop to raise even an enemy’s burdened beast, preaching the gospel through hands-on mercy. |
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