Day 35: Exodus 22-24

These chapters contain more rules and regulations for maintaining a civilized society. I get the impression that these standards are very different than other nations and peoples of the time. The level of justice and fairness is very high. It's very clear that God is concerned with the rights of each individual.

I find it interesting that God says this:

...do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. (23:2)

...and then just a few verses later we find this:

Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. (23:6)

It seems like "all men are created equal" was God's idea. However, God is leading His people into a land where He expects them to slaughter everyone who is currently living there. Apparently this equality in the eyes of God can be squandered by choosing not to live in relationship with Him.

Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you. (23:33)

That sounds very prophetic to me because that's exactly what happens...even though...

When Moses went and told the people all the LORD’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the LORD has said we will do.” (24:3)

I guess it wasn't as easy as they thought.