What is the meaning of Exodus 23:6? You shall not deny • This opening phrase comes as a direct command, leaving no wiggle room. The Lord is not making a suggestion; He is issuing an unmistakable order (Exodus 20:1). • The negative structure (“shall not”) reminds us of other absolute prohibitions such as “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). God consistently forbids any action that would distort His holy character. • By commanding what must not happen, the verse exposes the human tendency to do the very opposite—deny or withhold fairness when it seems convenient. justice • Justice is not a vague ideal; it is the practical expression of God’s righteousness in everyday life (Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne”). • Scripture consistently ties justice to truth. Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice”, underscoring that worship divorced from equitable treatment of others is unacceptable. • The command implies that God’s people must actively protect what is right, not merely avoid doing wrong. Isaiah 1:17 pushes the point: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed”. to the poor • God singles out the poor because they are most likely to be ignored, silenced, or exploited. Proverbs 14:31 warns, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.” • Partiality toward the wealthy is a recurring temptation. James 2:1–4 rebukes favoritism in the assembly, reminding believers that God has chosen “those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith”. • Instead of patronizing pity, the text calls for genuine equity. Leviticus 19:15 balances the scales: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great”. The point is impartial fairness rooted in God’s character. in their lawsuits • The courtroom setting is where power disparities become glaringly obvious. Exodus 23:2–3 already forbid siding with a crowd or showing partiality in a dispute. • Judges, witnesses, and even bystanders bear responsibility. Proverbs 31:8–9 urges, “Open your mouth for the mute… defend the rights of the needy”. Silence can be a form of denial. • The command protects due process: every person, regardless of economic status, must receive an honest hearing. Deuteronomy 1:17 encapsulates it: “Do not show partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike”. summary Exodus 23:6 lays down a firm, timeless standard: God’s people must never withhold or twist justice, especially against those least able to defend themselves. The verse calls us to active, impartial righteousness—reflecting the very heart of God in every decision and interaction. |
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