International Group Study Notes
December 7th • Shared by Brother Levi

Exodus 22:16–31

The regulation regarding premarital sexual relations has always been considered morally wrong throughout human history. This command protects women while also restraining men, balancing responsibilities and rights.

Offering sacrifices to other gods and practicing sorcery are acts of worshiping false gods—forms of spiritual adultery.

Bullying sojourners, widows, and orphans is a tendency found in human nature, but God specifically established this command to restrict the power of the strong.

God has given people different gifts, and it is foolish to try to abolish all social hierarchy. However, those who have power must protect the weak and use their abilities rightly.

Lending at interest to fellow Israelites is forbidden—showing that God limits the rights of the wealthy and protects the poor.

Rulers are established by God, and therefore we must submit to them.

The firstborn must be offered to God as a reminder that everything comes from God—not something we deserve by ourselves. For us as well, we should constantly give thanks for God’s blessings.

Animals torn by beasts may not be eaten. This teaches the Israelites to remain holy, for worshiping God is the true focus and purpose of human life.

Exodus 23:1–13

Verses 1–2: Christians are to have an independent moral character and must not “follow the crowd.” Our judgment in all matters should align with Scripture—not worldly standards. This corresponds to the Ninth Commandment.

Verse 3: Not only the rich but also the poor can be sinners—they are not always “victims.” We must act with fairness and justice, without showing partiality to the weak.

Verses 4–5: Reflect Jesus’ teaching: “Love your enemies.”

Verses 10–12: Instructions about the Sabbath and Sabbath year—showing mercy to the poor and protecting the weak. The poor may eat what grows in the fields; servants may rest. Our surplus should be used to help and show compassion to those in need.

Verse 13: A call to submit to God and fear Him.

Exodus 23:14–22

The covenant begins in chapter 20; the following chapters explain the Ten Commandments.

Reasons for observing the festivals:

• Feast of Unleavened Bread: Reminds Israel of their redemption—and that a holy life follows redemption. Through festivals, God calls His people to live for heavenly things.
• Feast of Harvest (Weeks): Reminds Israel that every harvest is God’s blessing—and that heavenly things are more important.
• Feast of Booths (Tabernacles): Teaches gratitude—everything is by God’s grace. Also symbolizes the heavenly wedding banquet.

The firstfruits must be given to God as a sign of gratitude for His blessings.

A person who resists the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven—because even after understanding salvation, they still choose to resist. Their sin cannot be forgiven.

God fights for us: When we obey His commandments, He takes care of the difficulties in our lives. We must confess our sins and repent.

Exodus 23:23–33

God’s focus is not on our difficulties—but on our godliness and obedience. He Himself will deal with our problems or give us strength to overcome them.

This reveals God’s power and His desire for us to follow His law. His focus is on providing everything we need—and He will bless us.

God’s blessings are sevenfold, complete, and show His love. We also see His carefulness: He gradually drove out the Canaanites so the land would not become desolate or overrun by wild animals.

Chapters 20–23 contain the first covenant. Worshiping false gods is a mistake in worship—and leads to no true satisfaction.

Exodus 24

Moses served as the mediator; the other priests served as elders. This points to Christ as our ultimate Mediator and foreshadows the elder system in the Church.

In the covenant ceremony, breaking the covenant brought punishment. But in the New Testament, Jesus said: “This is my blood of the covenant.”

That’s why chapter 23 contains only blessings—no curses—giving us gratitude for Jesus.

Clear skies showed the Israelites kept the covenant and would receive eternal blessings. Jesus Christ kept the covenant perfectly—and when we are united with Him, we become holy and share in the banquet of God’s kingdom.

The fire reminded Israel that God is a God of righteous anger. But because we cannot fully obey the law, God had already prepared the covenant blood—the Passover Lamb.

This gives us peace—and our repentance comes in peace, not fear.

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