Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Stay far away from false accusations and lies. Do not kill innocent people or those who are doing right, because I will not excuse or forgive those who do evil.
God is commanding His people to avoid lies and false accusations, and never to harm innocent people, because He will hold the wicked accountable for their actions.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Exodus, God was giving the Israelites a set of laws through Moses on Mount Sinai to establish a just society after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This verse is part of a larger section on legal and ethical guidelines, warning against false testimony and unjust actions in court to protect the vulnerable and uphold divine standards of righteousness. It reflects the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies, where false accusations could easily lead to wrongful harm, emphasizing God's desire for impartial justice among His people.
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