Deu 23:12

Vv 12-14: “One has but to read the Bible carefully and thoughtfully to conclude that the wisdom expressed therein regarding health, hygiene and sanitation form the groundwork of today’s public health rules. As one closes the book he must realise that these biblical rules on health and hygiene were far in advance of, and superior to, any which then existed in the world. Many of these hygienic precepts have been little improved upon to this day, and are as worth following now as when they were first promulgated” (Wain, “History of Preventive Medicine”, 1970).

“Moses has been characterised as the greatest sanitary engineer that the world has ever seen. His doctrines laid down in that fine treatise on hygiene, the book of Leviticus, could be summed up by the objects of sanitation today — pure food, pure water, pure air, pure bodies, and pure dwellings” (RH Major, “A History of Medicine”, 1954).

“Recently medical historians have become sceptical about these sorts of conclusions made by an earlier more God-fearing generation. It has been pointed out that the reasons given for keeping the ‘sanitary’ rules are explicitly to do with religion and not health. This is indeed the case, but it makes the insights all the more remarkable. How was it possible that an overtly religious code could, as it were in passing, capture such fundamental insights, essential for the health of a huge and mobile ‘refugee’ camp?” (SP, Tes 71:202).

Deu 23:13

EXCREMENT: Lit, “that which comes out”. Cp Mar 7:15,20,21 and Mat 15:18,19 — where sin is equated with excrement.

Deu 24:10

DO NOT GO INTO HIS HOUSE…: Insolent intrusion: a very humiliating thing (LB 322).

Deu 24:19

“What a delightful peek at the right way of life is prescribed by God’s beautiful law. Here are no ‘thrifty’ scrapings to the last straw, but an open-handed liberality that leaves handfuls for the poor. No one could starve under such a system: no one sink to the despairing depths we see yawning around us in modern times. Of course it cannot be — now. But it ought to be, and it will be, when we have God’s Kingdom back among us, to ‘judge for the poor and the needy, and break in pieces the oppressors.’ We wait God’s hand in the matter; and He says, ‘They shall not be ashamed that wait for me’ ” (RR).

“Boaz ordered handfuls of corn to be left on purpose for Ruth [Rth 2:16], and God blessed him. All that is left is not lost” (Henry).

Deu 25:5

Vv 5-10: The next of kin (Heb “gaal” or “kinsman-redeemer”) had the duty of preserving the family by marrying the widow of a deceased brother if he had died childless. Under such a law, the continuity of the family was maintained, even though its continuance may have been threatened by folly or disaster. The duty of Preserver of the Family is clearly linked with the duty to redeem the land inheritance.

In the Book of Ruth, the wealthy Boaz, acting as the “gaal”, made it possible for Ruth — the Moabite widow of a Jew — to have fellowship with Israel, and a covenant relationship with God.

The Lord Jesus, as our “gaal”, has done likewise for us who are Gentiles: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:11-13). “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Eph 3:6).

Deu 25:15

See Lesson, Honesty (GG).

Deu 25:19

YOU SHALL BLOT OUT THE MEMORY OF AMALEK FROM UNDER HEAVEN: See Lesson, Amalek.

UNDER HEAVEN: A phrase suggesting the universality of Yahweh’s judgement: Gen 6:17; Exo 17:14; Deu 7:24; 9:14; 25:19; 29:20; 2Ki 14:27. The two NT references (Acts 4:12; Col 1:23) expand the theme to show that the Father is indeed concerned with salvation for all mankind.

Deu 21:6

THEN ALL THE ELDERS… SHALL WASH THEIR HANDS: Pilate, the “elder” of the city next to the slain man Christ, washes his hands of the matter. Note: Christ was at the same time the slain man and the atoning sacrifice (Mat 27:24).

Deu 21:10

Vv 10-14; By Law of God, no forcible possessions… no taking of mere concubines. Lawful marriage is encouraged.

CAPTIVES: Cp Num 31:18: Young innocent women and virgins are not slain. Note Deu 20:16: this does not refer to any of the 7 nations to be exterminated.

Deu 21:12

SHAVE HEAD… TRIM NAILS: Signs of mourning, then acceptance of Israel’s God, to become a proselyte.

Deu 21:13

THE CLOTHES… WHEN CAPTURED: Nothing which might have attracted attention to herself will be preserved. The putting away of all outward beauty.

A FULL MONTH, THEN: Time to test the genuineness of his desire for her. Was it true, and based on faith?

Deu 21:14

PLEASED: Heb “chaphets”; rel “Hephzibah” (Isa 62:4) = “My pleasure/delight is in her”. Cp Deu 24:1: “becomes displeasing” (diff wd). How? through “uncleanness/nakedness/immorality” (Heb ervah) (Deu 24;1) — apparently the only cause.

LET HER GO WHEREVER…: “She may go and be another man’s wife”: Deu 24:2.

YOU MUST NOT SELL HER OR TREAT HER AS A SLAVE: She has become Jewish, and has rights (cp Deu 24:7).

Deu 21:23

Sinners hanged on trees: baker (Gen 40:19), King Ai (Jos 8:29), 2 men (Est 2:23).

In Mosaic times, a criminal was stoned, and then hung from a tree (or a stake) to publicly exhibit the punishment due to such a sin (Num 25:4; 2Sa 21:6)… It was because the curse of God rested on those suspended from a tree, or a cross in death, that the Jewish leaders were anxious that the Lord should die in that way, and hence called upon Pilate to order his execution by crucifixion. This was not a Jewish form of death, so they had to seek the help of Rome. This form of death, as they saw it, would demonstrate conclusively that the hated Jesus was not the Messiah.

But Jesus’ resurrection to eternal life seemed to belie this curse (Rom 1:3). So what WAS cursed by God on the cross (Gal 3:13)? Was it the man Christ Jesus: his righteous, sinless character? By no means. No, it was not possible that he should be held by death (Acts 2:24).

What was cursed was not the man himself, but the sin to which his human nature was inclined: “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so HE CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH” (Rom 8:3). “God made him who had no sin [that is, personally] to be sin [in a nature, or physical body, prone to sin] for us” — in other words, he was put under the curse of the Law — so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2Co 5:21): so that through this man who overcame sin, our sins might be forgiven!

This was also the lesson of the bronze serpent lifted up on a stake in the wilderness (Num 21).

Deu 22:1

Deu 22: “As Yahweh’s holy nation, Israel is to be governed by His laws, which will give them a unique character as a people, within the world of Gentiles. This chapter legislates for the following: consideration for the property of others (vv 1-4); the sexes to be clearly distinguished by dress (v 5); care to be given to the natural fauna (vv 6,7); building construction to provide protection for others (v 8); Yahweh’s distinction in nature to be respected (vv 9-11); Israelites to be distinguished in dress (v 12); protective care to be afforded the unloved bride (vv 13-19); adultery punishable with death (vv 20-22); rapists to be stoned (vv 23-27); fornicators to be suppressed (vv 28,29); and incest strictly forbidden (v 30).

“The legislation in this chapter relates to failings that are increasingly plaguing the modern world. It is interesting, therefore, to compare its requirements with the attitude of current society; for it relates to areas of deep concern. In an age of ruthless indifference to the wellbeing and consideration of others, it is refreshing to consider the Law’s demands requiring the observance of mutual assistance as here laid down (vv 1-4). In an environment that is exploiting natural resources with terrifying thoroughness and flouting long established distinctions, it speaks of the Divine order in nature which can be ignored only at humanity’s peril (vv 5-12). In a social order which increasingly condones the exploitation of human beings as pawns in the game of sex, it emphasises the Divine order among men, and requires recognition of the sanctity of marriage (vv 13-20). People are not simply bodies to be played with. In an era of anarchy that is intent upon throwing off all restraint, it sets forth the basis of an orderly world. That basis is not law itself; but respect for law. To defy law, as modern society does, is to court both licence and anarchy. Divine law cannot be broken without hurt to those who do so. Yahweh’s purpose will prevail. If the world persists in throwing itself against His principles, it will destroy itself. It is rapidly nearing that state, so that only the return of the Lord will save it (Rev 11:18)” (Expos).

Deu 22:9

Sowing: What to sow: Luke 8:11. What not to sow: Deu 22:9. How to sow: Psa 126:5,6. When to sow: Ecc 11:6. The reward of sowing: 1Co 15:58.

Deu 22:10

Unequal yoking — the principle: What God has joined, we must not separate. What God has separated, we must not join. Unequal yoking is (a) unfitting — because of differences in size, temperament, strength. The ox is clean, and the ass unclean. Unequal yoking is (b) unfair — because both would suffer pain, discomfort. Thus unequal yoking leads to a poor working combination.

Deu 22:23

Vv 23,24: An adulteress is put to death (Lev 20:10). A betrothed (engaged) woman is treated as though already married (called “wife” in v 24: cp Mat 1:20).

Deu 22:28

Cp Exo 22:16,17: one who is “enticed”. Remedy: marriage (here), or payment of dowry so she can marry someone else (Exo 22:16,17).

Deu 19:1

Deu 19: This chapter contains: (a) an order to separate three cities of refuge in the land of Canaan, for the man who killed someone unawares to flee to, but to which those who were guilty of purposeful murder were to have no benefit (vv 1-13; cp Num 35:6-34), (b) a law against removing landmarks (Deu 19:14; cp Deu 27:17; Pro 22:28; 23:10); and (c) laws concerning witnesses in legal cases, that there should be more than one, that is, two or three (Deu 19:15; cp Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17; 2Co 13:1), and that a false witness, on conviction, should be punished (Deu 19:16-21; cp Exo 23:1-7; Mark 14:55-59).

Vv 1-13: “An important divine benefit was the provision of cities of refuge to protect those who found themselves in a grave situation of impending death. Six cities were to be separated for this purpose, three on each side of the Jordan. On arrival on the east, three of the cities had been named, a work completed by Joshua. Further instructions regarding the maintenance of the roads leading to the cities are now given. The provision of these cities was not merely for the circumstances of society, but to teach lessons concerning salvation. To live according to the flesh (ie, the desires thereof) and to give way to it, or sow to it, is to court death. Thus, lawlessness in which one refuses to be brought under the influence of divine law is a sin unto death. Thus one who hates his brother is a murderer, for which there is no city of refuge available, but he was removed out of the way of mercy. But there are sins not unto death, for which forgiveness shall be granted. We therefore should seek that City of Refuge (Christ) along the Living Way of prominence, and easy access” (GEM).

Deu 20:1

Deu 20: “In this chapter rules are given to be observed in times of war. When a battle was near, a priest was to address the soldiers, and encourage them to fight (Deu 20:1-4), then the officers were to declare who might return home (Deu 20:5-9). When an enemy’s city was approached, peace was to be proclaimed on certain conditions, which, if accepted, the inhabitants were to be tributaries and servants, but if not, when taken, all were to be put to the sword, excepting women, children, and cattle (Deu 20:10-15). However, those of the seven nations were to be utterly destroyed (Deu 20:16-18), and, during a siege, no trees bearing fruit fit for food were to be cut down (Deu 20:19)” (Gill).

Deu 11:10

BY FOOT: A method of irrigation in which the farmer dug little channels in the soil and dammed them up with earth. Then, to irrigate a new section of the field, he would merely kick away a bit of earth.

Deu 11:18

Vv 18-25: A summary of the exposition of the commandments:

V 18: Deu 6:6-8. V 19: Deu 6:7; 4:9,10. V 20: Deu 6:9. V 21: Deu 6:21; 4:40. V 22: Deu 6:17-20. V 23: Deu 4:38; 9:1,2. V 24: Deu 1:7,8. V 25: Deu 2:24,25; 7:23,24.

Deu 11:30

THE GREAT TREES: “Elon”. Root “strength” or “oak”. The Heb is consistently translated “tree(s)” in NIV, but “plain” in Gen 12:6; 13:18; 14:13; 18:1; Deu 11:30. Cp also Jdg 4:11; 9:6,37; 1Sa 10:3.

Deu 12:1

Deu 12: Notice that there was to be one, singular and unique, “place” chosen by God — there He would place His Holy Name, and there alone would Israel go to worship Him (vv 5-8). This is in marked and intended contrast to the many and varied places of “worship” of the false gods of the land: high places, and sacred stones, and Asherah poles (vv 2,3) under every spreading tree — abominable sites, as well as abominable “sights”: lewd and immoral!

So it has always been: only one way that leads to life, but a hundred paths that meander here and there, winding through every confusing backwater, and surveying every vice, until they all end at last in death (Mat 7:13,14).

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Deu 12:3

ASHERAH: See Lesson, Asherah.

Deu 12:23

THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE: See Lesson, Blood. Cp Lev 3:17; 7:26,27; 17:11,14.

Deu 12:24

YOU MUST NOT EAT THE BLOOD; POUR IT OUT ON THE GROUND LIKE WATER: If blood/life did not go to the altar (dedication), then it must return to the dust (Gen 3:19).

Deu 13:1

Vv 1-3: “In the book of Deuteronomy it was laid down what the attitude of the people of Israel should be to those who claimed to speak with the authority of God’s Holy Spirit.

“First, does the prophet utter prophecies which are proved to be true by their fulfilment? ‘If the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word which the Lord has not spoken, the prophet has spoken it presumptuously’, ie, without God’s authority (Deu 18:22). But there was always the possibility that the ‘prophet’ might succeed, by means of a bit of clever guesswork, in deceiving his hearers. So then a further test: ‘If a prophet arises among you… and the sign or wonder which he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods’… you shall not listen to the words of that prophet’ (Deu 13:1,2).

“In other words, a prophecy or a sign or a wonder does not guarantee that the Holy Spirit is at work. The final and certain test is whether the teaching is good and true and right” (WGHS). See Lesson, Holy Spirit gifts, available today?

Deu 13:4

Note 6-fold progression: follow, revere, keep, obey, serve, hold fast…