Matthew Poole and continuators on Exodus 23:2

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil : neither [illegible: 1 word] thou speak in a cause, to decline after many, to wrest judgment .

Either their counsel or example. But the Hebrew rabbim both here and in the following clause is by some rendred great men, men in power and authority, whom we are commanded not to follow. And as the word is thus used, Iob 32. 9. Ier. 41. 1. so this sence may seem most probable: 1. because in the last clause he speaks of causes or controversies, as the Hebrew rib signifies and matters of judgment, which were not determined by the multitude, but by great men. 2. because these are opposed to the poor in the next verse. 3. because the examples of such men are most prevalent.

Either in general, or particularly, to work mischief, to oppress or crush another.

Heb. answer, when thou art summoned as a witness in any cause.

Or, to turn aside right, or, to pervert thy self, the verb being taken reciprocally, as Hiphil is oft put for Hithpahel, or, which is all one, to do perversly, i. e. unrighteously.

Marginal references: Lev. 19. 15. Deut. 1. 17.; Heb. answer.