In this chapter the remainder of the Judgments are delivered and some other matters bearing on Israel’s civil life are considered.

1. Slander Forbidden - Verse 1

2. Partiality Forbidden - Verses 2-3
All legal decisions were to be strictly just. Neither the greatness, number, nor poverty of men was to sway a judge from strict integrity of judgment. While the poor are often oppressed yet sometimes a legal system will lean unfairly toward their side. Compassion is not to be an excuse for criminality. In modern America the rights and property of the wealthy have sometimes been trampled on in the name of charity. Strict justice is to be made the rule (Leviticus 19:15).

3. Godly Kindness Enjoined - Verses 4-5
The golden rule has always been God’s rule (Matthew 5:44).

4. The Poor To Be Treated Fairly - Verse 6

5. A Motive For Justice - Verse 7
God was the king in Israel and He would never be a party to evil or justify it.

6. Bribery Forbidden -Verse 8

7. Strangers To Be Treated Justly - Verse 9
In many countries today an outsider is victimized.

8. The Sabbatical Year - Verses 10-11, Leviticus 25:1-8
Only God could make a demand like this for only He could supply the needs of those who obeyed (Leviticus 25:20-22). This law had several benefits for Israel:
A. The law permitted the land to rest and produce more crops in the long run.
B. The law created an opportunity for Israel to learn that God can provide for those who trust in Him. Children growing up would see God's wonderful provision several times in their youth.
C. The law was an aid to the poor and promoted a giving spirit.
D. The law provided the leisure for Israel to gather and hear God's law reaffirmed (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). We need times in which we can concentrate upon the things of God.
The failure of Israel to keep this law was partially responsible for the Babylonian Captivity (II Chronicles 36:21).

9. The Sabbatical Day - Verse 12
The Sabbath day is mentioned here as a civil right of work animals and servants. Shame on businesses today that insist on a seven day workweek.

10. Israel Warned Against Idolatry - Verse 13
We are to avoid familiarity with evil. The very names of false gods were to be forgotten (Numbers 32:38).

11. The Yearly Feasts - Verses 14-17
Every year Israel was to observe three one week feasts. The Feast Of Unleavened Bread which began with the Passover. The Feast Of Harvest which was called the Feast Of Pentecost because it took place fifty days after the Passover. Lastly there was the Feast Of Ingathering which was known as the Feast Of Tabernacles because during this time Israel moved into temporary shelters (Leviticus 23:39-44). The purposes of these feasts were:
A. They helped to keep the tribes of Israel unified as a nation.
B. They perpetuated the memory of great events in Israel history.
C. The Passover.
D. The Feast Of Pentecost reminded Israel of the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai.
E. The Feast Of Tabernacles reminded Israel of their sojourning in the wilderness before they entered Canaan.
F. The feasts provided a time of relaxation and celebration for God's people. The Lord is concerned with the well-being of His people (Deuteronomy 16:1-16, Note verses 11 & 14).
G. When the men went to appear before the Lord He protected their homes (Exodus 34:23-24). Again this would strengthen the faith of Israel. History reveals that God did protect Israel during these times.

12. Laws Regarding Sacrifice - Verse 18
Leaven as a type of sin was not to be used with sacrifices. The fat was to be burned and not allowed to spoil for Christ's body saw no corruption (Acts 2:31). All these sacrifices prefigured Calvary.

13. The Firstfruits - Verse 19
May we also give to God first (Proverbs 3:9).

14. Barbarity Forbidden - Verse 19
To cook a young animal in its mother's milk is contrary to the gentle and refined spirit God wants from His people.

15. The Angel Of The Lord - Verses 20-23
This angel or messenger of God was clearly the pre-incarnate Christ (I Corinthians 10:9). God’s name was in Him (verse 21) which means that He had God's authority and attributes. He would lead and bless Israel but they must beware of provoking Him lest He judge their sins. He was manifest in the smitten rock and in the pillar of cloud and fire. His presence was their strength.

16. God's Promises - Verses 20-31
After giving the judgments to Israel God makes wonderful promises to them should they obey:
A. Leadership - verse 20
B. Destruction Of Enemies - verses 22-23, verses 28-30
C. Provision Of Needs - verse 25
D. Prosperity - verse 26
E. Health - verse 25
F Generous Boundaries - verse 31

17. Final Warnings - Verses 24, 32-33
God destroyed the nations of Canaan because of their wickedness and vile idolatry. Israel was to destroy all traces of their culture, refuse to make covenants with them, or to let them dwell in the land. While we are not to segregate, as was Israel yet we are to be spiritually separate from the world (II Corinthians 6:17-18).

Conclusion
How miserably Israel failed under the Old Covenant. Thank God for the New Covenant in Christ.