Exodus: The Lord and His PilgrimsSample

Present … permanent … prospective

Exodus 23 concludes the Book of the Covenant. The laws (21:1 – 23:9) are bookended by the preface about the altar (20:22–26) – how and where the Lord comes to us (v. 24) – and the epilogue about the rhythm of our days (23:10–29) – with instructions for the seventh year, the seventh day and the three annual feasts where the Israelites come to him. 

This chapter also looks into the future: an angel (vv. 20–26) and ‘My fear’ (vv. 27–33) go ahead of Israel, bringing them into the Promised Land. In both of these sections the common theme is that Israel is the exclusive people of God (vv. 24, 32). 

Our reading of the chapter is easier if we observe the way it all belongs together. The introductory section, when Moses is at Sinai in preparation for the covenant (19:1–25), is matched by the concluding section, when Moses is again at Sinai, this time to ratify the covenant (24:1–8). Within this balanced presentation, the Decalogue (20:1–17) matches the Book of the Laws (21:1 – 23:9). 

If we look at Exodus 23 in detail, we are to be people of integrity (vv. 1–2) and charity (vv. 3, 6, 9). In verse 3 ‘poor’ means without resources; in verse 6 a different Hebrew word is used, meaning ‘vulnerable’, that is liable to be pushed around by stronger forces and ‘interests’; in verse 9 the ‘stranger’ is the resident alien, the refugee, the person needing care and attention. 

Life is to be subordinate to a divinely imposed rhythm (vv. 10–19). The ‘land-sabbath’ is to take place every seven years (vv. 10–11; cf. Lev. 25:1–7). What a colossal act of faith: a year of dependence on what the Lord causes to grow! It is the very denial of capitalistic greed! Notice too the stress on the humanitarian aspect of the Sabbath (v. 12) – and its bearing on Sunday trading! More particularly observe that Exodus sees this rhythm only in relation to our devotion to one God (v. 13) – a theme carried on in verses 24 and 32. 

The special being called ‘The Angel of the Lord’ is both the Lord and distinct from the Lord (as passages like Genesis 16:7–14 show). In Exodus 23:21 he possesses the Lord’s Name and dignity; in 33:1–2 he accommodates the Lord’s holy presence to live among a sinful people. He is a preview of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Reflection

In Psalm 34:7 the angel takes up residence in a ‘mobile home’ so as to be always alongside us.