Laws regarding Relationships. Exodus 23:20-33 The Lord Himself was the "Angel" guide who led them. “AN ANGEL … TO KEEP THEE … TO BRING THEE.” In God's essential nature and power, the Angel went before them and guided them through the difficulties they faced, even though He was unseen to them. They would remember it was no coincidence that they were in the wilderness, even though they were God's people. God's plans were still unfolding ahead of them. They were learning who their God was and discovering their own limitations. By obeying the law concerning rest and remembrance, they were establishing safeguards for their relationships.
The world around us offers all kinds of attractions that appeal to our nature and can quickly cause us to adapt to the world rather than people in the world trying to be like us. God Himself guides us, goes before us in difficult times, and opens the path of faith for us to walk in confidence despite the pressures around us to conform to the world. It is my responsibility to guard my mind and actions before my family, God's people, and those around me who want us to be like them. It is wrong for me to make it easy for my children to conform to the ways of those who worship other gods.
It would be a great disservice to my family and friends if I did not maintain a lifestyle aligned with biblical teaching and practice. It would mislead others if I tried to do things like those who serve other gods. The True God and the god of this world, Satan, do not mix. Righteousness and unrighteousness are opposites. A child of God and a child of wrath do not share the same goals. I must take the time to rest, remember, and build the right relationships to maintain fellowship with God and be a blessing to others.
God gave this to me – it is not really my own. The silent calls from possessions – and what I call “my home” Remind me again of Him from whom all blessings come. I must not abuse nor forget what God in grace has done – That lets me call these things mine.
The call comes to worship; this is a special day. God wants to see me give from my heart the words I say. I dare not approach or worship in a casual way. I will come to His house, and my vows I will pay – For this Savior and Lord is mine.
The “fear” (terror) of the Lord that went before the children of Israel refers to God's awesome power at work on behalf of His people. The news had spread throughout the wilderness and Canaan that the God of the Israelites was a God of great and fearful power. Through His servant Moses, He was informing His “covenant people” that they would become great and reach the place He promised despite opposition and obstacles.
He even assured them that He would send “hornets” as His agents to frighten the Canaanites so they wouldn’t be able to resist the Israelites. The effect would be that the inhabitants of the promised land would leave on their own over time. The territory that would be theirs had “borders”; it would be precise in size (as seen when Solomon was king), and there would be a separation between them and other tribes because of the idolatry of other nations. Idolatry would be the reason Israel would fall away from the covenant blessings with God.
False religions have been created by people to suit their own interests. Anyone can develop a philosophy if they wish, but that doesn’t make it correct. Our relationship with God contradicts the often compromising relationships people form with others. Our relationship with God is an exclusive commitment to Him alone. We do not have the right to be confrontational toward others, but our loyalty and allegiance belong solely to our Lord. He does not abandon us when difficulties and obstacles arise. He goes before us and remains with us until the end of the age.
The summation of the terms of the covenant is basically: “No false report … do not follow the evil crowd … do not yield to the poor man’s cause … never refuse to help your enemy … take no bribes … do not oppress the stranger … take proper care of your land … keep the feasts of the Lord.”