Exodus 23:4-5 If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.… I. THAT DUTIES TO ENEMIES ARE ENJOINED (Proverbs 24:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). 1. It is our duty to protect the interests of our enemy. (1) If they are damaged, we should endeavour to retrieve them. (2) If they are in danger of damage, we should endeavour to prevent them (James 5:19, 20). 2. It is our duty to help the difficulties of our enemy. (1) His mind may be in difficulties. (2) His soul may be in difficulties. (3) His material interests may be in difficulties. II. THAT DUTIES TO ENEMIES ARE DIFFICULT: "and wouldest forbear to help him." 1. Such duties are against the grain of human nature. 2. Such duties are apparently against self-interest. 3. Such duties require self-denials and sacrifices. III. THAT DUTIES TO ENEMIES ARE REWARDED (Proverbs 25:21, 22; Matthew 5:44, 45; Romans 12:20). IV. THAT NEGLECT OF DUTIES TO ENEMIES IS PUNISHED (Job 31:29; Proverbs 24:18). In conclusion — 1. Our text applies to all enmity, whether polemical, political, or national. 2. Its precepts should be obeyed, because we may be in the wrong and our enemy in the right. 3. Because God has Himself set us the sublime example. "When we were enemies, we were reconciled by the death of His Son." (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. |
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