Chapter 22
Judicial laws.
—The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit
of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do
heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution,
though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of
God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its
holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly in this present world, Tit 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion,
there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Laws against falsehood and injustice. (1–9)
The year of rest, The sabbath, The three (10–19)
festivals.
God promises to conduct the Israelites to (20–33)
Canaan.Verses 1–9
In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling, and of true political wisdom.
Every thing in it is suited to the desired and avowed object, the worship of one only God, and the
separation of Israel from the pagan world. Neither parties, friends, witnesses, nor common opinions,
must move us to lessen great faults, to aggravate small ones, excuse offenders, accuse the innocent,
or misrepresent any thing.
Verses 10–19
Every seventh year the land was to rest. They must not plough or sow it; what the earth produced
of itself, should be eaten, and not laid up. This law seems to have been intended to teach dependence
on Providence, and God's faithfulness in sending the larger increase while they kept his appointments.
It was also typical of the heavenly rest, when all earthly labours, cares, and interests shall cease for
ever. All respect to the gods of the heathen is strictly forbidden. Since idolatry was a sin to which
the Israelites leaned, they must blot out the remembrance of the gods of the heathen. Solemn
religious attendance on God, in the place which he should choose, is strictly required. They must
come together before the Lord. What a good Master do we serve, who has made it our duty to
rejoice before him! Let us devote with pleasure to the service of God that portion of our time which