15/02 Journey to the Promised Land: The Laws of Justice and Mercy

Q1) Do you think most primitive societies were just and merciful?

Q2) Why did God want Israel to be different? What did he want other nations to learn?

READ EXODUS 23:1-11

Introduction

This section of Exodus sits within the “Book of the Covenant,” where God gives Israel practical laws for shaping a just, compassionate, and holy community. These verses focus on truthfulness, justice, compassion, and rest—all grounded in God’s character.

Unpacking the passage

Q3) What do we learn in this passage about integrity in speech (vv. 1–3)?

Possible answers:

•             God forbids spreading false reports or joining in with the wicked to twist justice.

•             Even in court, Israel must not follow the crowd into wrongdoing or show favouritism to the poor.

•             The emphasis is on truth over tribalism, justice over popularity, and integrity over pressure.

Q4) Why is it so easy to “go with the crowd” instead of standing for truth? What does integrity look like in a world shaped by social media, gossip, and polarization?

Q5) What do we learn in this passage about compassion towards enemies (vv. 4–5)?

Possible answers

•             Returning a lost animal or helping an enemy’s struggling donkey goes beyond basic fairness.

•             God calls His people to active compassion, even toward those they dislike.

•             This anticipates Jesus’ teaching on loving enemies.

Q6) What does it look like to “help the donkey of someone who hates you” today? How does compassion reshape conflict?

Q7) What do we learn in this passage about justice without corruption (vv. 6–9)?

Possible answers:

•             Israel must not deny justice to the poor.

•             Bribes are forbidden because they blind judgment and twist truth.

•             Israel is reminded of their own experience as foreigners in Egypt—empathy is a moral obligation.

Q8) How does remembering our own vulnerability help us treat others more justly? Where do we see “bribes” or subtle forms of corruption in modern life?

Q9) What we learn from these verses about rest, rhythm, and renewal (vv. 10–11)?

Possible answers:

•             The land is to rest every seventh year.

•             The poor and wild animals benefit from this rhythm of generosity.

•             God builds rest and mercy into the fabric of creation and society.

Q10) What does Sabbath rest look like in your life? How does rest become an act of trust in God?

Closing Reflection

Exodus 23:1–11 paints a picture of a community shaped by God’s character—truthful, just, compassionate, and restful. These aren’t abstract ideals; they’re everyday practices that make God’s presence visible in the world.

Pray that you group and our church would become this sort of community.