Exodus 23:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Many interpreters agree that verses 6, 7, and 8 provide guidance to the judges. Some, like Knobel, suggest that verse 9 pertains to them as well. Verse 6, in light of verse 3, serves as a caution for both the witnesses and the judges; verse 7 urges judges to exercise great care when administering punishments, particularly in cases of capital punishment. The Lord Himself administers justice for wrongdoing. Historical Jewish tradition highlights the carefulness required in carrying out executions. Verse 8 cautions against a longstanding human issue—disregarding God’s holiness and the pursuit of justice for the sake of disgraceful profit. The administration of justice is ultimately the responsibility of God, reflecting, as closely as possible, the essence of divine righteousness. Therefore, judges are referred to metaphorically as Elohim.