You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing.This command emphasizes the importance of individual moral responsibility, even when societal pressures encourage otherwise. In the context of ancient Israel, this directive was crucial as the Israelites were surrounded by pagan nations with differing moral codes. The principle here is timeless, warning against the dangers of conforming to societal norms that contradict God's laws. This echoes the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly practices, as seen in
Leviticus 20:26, where God calls His people to be distinct. The New Testament reinforces this idea in
Romans 12:2, urging believers not to conform to the patterns of this world.
When you testify in a lawsuit,
The legal system in ancient Israel was designed to reflect God's justice and righteousness. Testifying in a lawsuit was a serious matter, as it could determine the outcome of justice being served. The role of a witness was crucial, and false testimony was strictly prohibited, as seen in the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). The integrity of the judicial process was paramount, and witnesses were expected to uphold truth and justice, reflecting God's character.
do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
This phrase underscores the importance of impartiality in legal matters. The temptation to align with the majority, especially in a communal society, could lead to miscarriages of justice. The biblical mandate is clear: justice must not be swayed by popular opinion or pressure. This principle is reiterated inDeuteronomy 16:19, which warns against showing partiality and accepting bribes. The call to uphold justice is a reflection of God's own nature, as He is described as a just judge inPsalm 9:8. This also points to the ultimate fulfillment of justice in Jesus Christ, who embodies truth and righteousness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including this commandment, and communicated them to the people.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God who were given these laws to guide their conduct and ensure justice and righteousness in their community.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the laws from God, including the commandment found in
Exodus 23:2.
4.
Judicial ContextThe setting in which this commandment is particularly relevant, emphasizing the importance of justice and truth in legal proceedings.
5.
The CrowdRepresents societal pressure and the temptation to conform to popular opinion, even when it leads to wrongdoing.
Teaching Points
Resist Peer PressureAs believers, we are called to stand firm in our convictions and not be swayed by the majority when it leads to wrongdoing.
Uphold JusticeIn all situations, especially in legal matters, we must prioritize truth and justice over popular opinion or personal gain.
Discernment in Decision-MakingSeek God's wisdom and guidance to discern right from wrong, rather than relying on the consensus of the crowd.
Courage to Stand AloneSometimes following Christ means standing alone against the tide of popular opinion, and we must be prepared to do so.
Influence of CommunityChoose your community wisely, as those around you can influence your actions and decisions, for better or worse.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 23:2?
2.How does Exodus 23:2 guide us in resisting peer pressure today?
3.What does "do not follow the crowd" teach about moral decision-making?
4.How can we apply Exodus 23:2 in our workplace or community?
5.Which New Testament teachings align with Exodus 23:2's message on justice?
6.How can Exodus 23:2 help us stand firm in our Christian convictions?
7.How does Exodus 23:2 address the influence of majority opinion on moral decisions?
8.What historical context influenced the command in Exodus 23:2?
9.How does Exodus 23:2 relate to modern peer pressure situations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23?
11.Should we avoid following the crowd?
12.Why does divine justice resemble human retributive justice rather than a more enlightened system?
13.What defines populism and a populist?
14.What does it mean that God embodies justice?What Does Exodus 23:2 Mean
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoingGod’s command begins with a personal warning: “You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing” (Exodus 23:2).
• Right and wrong are never decided by majority vote. InGenesis 6 the “crowd” filled the earth with violence, yet Noah “found favor in the eyes of the LORD” by standing alone (Genesis 6:8–9).
•Proverbs 1:10 cautions, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield.” The same voice speaks here: refuse group-pressure that drags you into sin.
• Jesus reminds us the narrow gate is less traveled (Matthew 7:13-14), and Paul tells believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed” (Romans 12:2).
•Psalm 1:1 paints the picture positively—blessing rests on the person who “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.”
When choosing between God’s path and the crowd’s applause, Scripture leaves no gray area: follow Christ, not consensus.
When you testify in a lawsuitThe verse narrows from everyday influence to the courtroom: “When you testify in a lawsuit …”
• God’s law elevates truthful testimony. “A truthful witness saves lives” (Proverbs 14:25).
• In Israel a single false witness could lead to grave injustice, soDeuteronomy 19:15 required “two or three witnesses.” The integrity of each voice mattered.
• For us, the setting may be a courtroom, a workplace review, or a casual conversation where reputation or justice hangs in the balance. Wherever we speak, we stand under the same holy obligation to tell the truth (Ephesians 4:25).
• John the Baptist advised even Roman soldiers, “Do not accuse anyone falsely” (Luke 3:14). God guards every arena where testimony shapes outcomes.
Do not pervert justice by siding with the crowdThe command completes the thought: “do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.”
• Justice is a divine attribute; twisting it insults the character of God (Deuteronomy 32:4).
•Leviticus 19:15 presses both directions—“Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich, but judge your neighbor fairly.” Preference for majority opinion is just another form of partiality.
• Bribes and bias can warp a verdict (Exodus 23:8;Deuteronomy 16:19), yet so can simple peer pressure.Isaiah 5:23 indicts those “who acquit the guilty for a bribe” and “deny justice to the innocent.”
•James 2:1-4 applies the principle to the church: favoritism betrays faith. Whether in court or congregation, we must refuse any alliance that tips the scales against truth.
• The cross itself is history’s stark lesson—an inflamed crowd shouted “Crucify Him” (Mark 15:13-14), but God’s verdict vindicated the innocent Savior (Acts 2:24). We must stand where God stands, no matter the volume of opposing voices.
summaryExodus 23:2 calls every believer to swim upstream:
• Reject popular evil.
• Speak truthfully whenever testimony is needed.
• Guard justice from the gravitational pull of majority opinion.
In a world quick to follow the loudest crowd, Scripture anchors us to God’s unchanging standard of righteousness and truth.
(2)
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil . . . --It is perhaps true that the offence especially condemned is joining with a majority in an unrighteous judgment; but the words of the precept extend much further than this, and forbid our being carried away by numbers or popularity in any case.
Vox populi vox Deiis a favourite maxim with many, but Scripture nowhere sanctions it. Job boasts that he did not fear a great multitude (
Job 31:34). David says that the "ten thousands of the people set themselves against him round about" (
Psalm 3:6). The prophets had always the multitude against them. "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way," said our blessed Lord, "which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." But 'wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat
"Matthew 7:13-14). We must be prepared to face unpopularity if we would walk in accordance with the Law of God.
Verse 2. -
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Rather, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude
to evil." A law alike for deed, for word, and for thought. The example of the many is to be shunned. "Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." But "strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life; and few there be that find it" (
Matthew 7:13, 14). It is extraordinary that so many, even of professing Christians, are content to go with the many, notwithstanding the warnings against so doing, both of the law and of the Gospel.
Neither shalt thou speak, etc. Rather, "Neither shalt thou bear witness in a cause to go aside after a multitude to put aside justice." The general precept is followed by a particular application of it. In judging a cause, if thou art one of the judges, thou shalt not simply go with the majority, if it he bent on injustice, but form thine own opinion and adhere to it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You shall notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nofollowתִהְיֶ֥ה(ṯih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea crowdרַבִּ֖ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatin wrongdoing.לְרָעֹ֑ת(lə·rā·‘ōṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilWhen you testifyתַעֲנֶ֣ה(ṯa·‘ă·neh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respondinעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsta lawsuit,רִ֗ב(riḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379:Strife, disputedo notוְלֹא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nopervert justiceלְהַטֹּֽת׃(lə·haṭ·ṭōṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendby sidingלִנְטֹ֛ת(lin·ṭōṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendwithאַחֲרֵ֥י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following parta crowd.רַבִּ֖ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, great
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OT Law: Exodus 23:2 You shall not follow a crowd (Exo. Ex) 
