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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 194

"Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate. For the LORD will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them." Proverbs 22:22-23

Text: Exodus 23 : 6-9

NO TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR

The poor should be pitied! His lot in life is already hard enough! Yet, the sad fact is that the poor are often taken advantaged of by the wicked. A strong word of warning was sent out against such inclinations.

“You shall not prevent 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 justify the wicked. And you shall take
no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts
the words of the righteous.”
EXODUS 23:6-8

1. The danger of perverting justice

While God may provide wonderful laws for the protection of all in the land, the danger of perversion of justice cannot be ignored! That danger existed in a number of ways.

a) The judges may be unduly influenced.
b) Bribes may corrupt the judges.

2. Justice to be upheld at all times

a) The poor have rights too!
b) Their cause must be upheld by justice.

3. God’s Involvement in the upholding of Justice

a) God’s Name is at stake, since He gave the laws.
b) He will not let the wicked get away with perversion of justice!

NO TAKING ADVANTAGE OF STRANGERS

Another word of warning against taking advantage of strangers.

“Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know
the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers
in the land of Egypt.”
EXODUS 23:9 (Cf. Exodus 22:21)

Israel suffered terribly because of the oppression of the Egyptians. Having suffered thus should cause them never to oppress “strangers” in their midst!