March 18: Deuteronomy 21-23

March 18, Deuteronomy 21-23

Deuteronomy 21 is a continuation of a bunch of Civil Laws and because the Israelites are to be distinctive from their neighbors, even how they deal with a found dead person is commanded. To atone (make amends) for the death of someone who’s murderer is unknown, they were to sacrifice an animal to God by breaking a heifers neck instead of the typical sacrificial burning. They were making atonement for the sinner to purge evil among them. 

If the Israelites wanted to marry some of their enemies that they took as captives (These are for the women met in cities that would be farther away, otherwise all of the people that would have been conquered in the city would have been killed), God sets up guidelines on how to do that and how to treat them. It might sound strange to shave their heads and humiliate them. But think of it more spiritually. This was a purging of their old pagan ways. Shaving off their hair and stripping them of their clothing, represented their old way of life. How they dressed and what was culturally acceptable for their way as a women. Look at it in a way that was a transformation of their lifestyle, both mentally, physically, as well as spiritually. After a month of mourning their old life and ways, only then could a man marry her, but if he chose not to marry her after that month he was to let her go, as he had already stripped her old life from her. God protects these women that were captives, and instead of allowing them to be sold as slaves, mistreated, or worse - here we see that God set up rules not only to protect them, but to bring them into God's people with new lives. Continuing on, if a man has multiple wives (God doesn't want this, but if it happens He sets up guidelines for it), the man is to continue on with the ancient tradition and give a double portion to the firstborn son - even if that is the son of the unloved wife. Here we see again that God is looking out for the unloved and mistreated. Here God forbids men to favor other sons with their money and inheritance and makes sure things are fair. Then we learn about the parents who, if their son is rebellious, give him up to the elders and have him stoned to death - to purge the evil among them. God continually wants to protect His people. It might seem heartless, but I am guessing if it ever did happen, I am sure the kids would learn very quickly not to rebel against their parents!

Ending the chapter is a declaration that if anyone is hung on a tree, he is cursed by God, and shall be buried the same day. We learn why this is more later and we see that the Lord is prepping and preparing us for Jesus' sacrifice in the New Testament, as Jesus was hung on a tree (aka a cross)…

Deuteronomy 22 is more various laws about how the Israelites are to take care of each other and how they are to abstain from any sexual immorality. We learn in vs 5 about transvestites and how it is an abomination to God, as it not only reflects pagan rituals but in a way denies the wisdom of God by changing on the outside what sex He has made us to be. Note - all of these laws are to keep the Israelites separate from the surrounding nations. God then gives very specific rules about virginity. In verse 13-19 talks about 'evidence of her virginity.' And let me tell you what this means so that this makes sense. A rag was put under newly married couples during sex, and the blood that comes from the woman on the night of their honeymoon, is kept as a sign of a blood covenant between the new husband and wife. Here in verse 13 speaks of hating his wife. Here he claims that the wife was immoral, a reason for a divorce. But instead, if she can prove it by keeping her rag from their wedding night, she can prove that she wasn't immoral and the man has no reason to divorce her. And verse 19 states that even if he hates her, she shall be his wife, and she won’t have to worry about him leaving her. (Even though I don't know if that would make a good marriage, but it would prevent men from divorcing their wives for any reasons, other than moral infidelity. And wouldn't leave all unwanted divorced woman with no man to take care of them) Again, God protecting the woman. Then we learn about adultery and rape. The adultery is pretty straight forward. And in verse 23 we learn about the details of the rape. We find out that if a woman doesn't scream for help, it was probably because she was in cahoots with the man. And they will both be punished. But in verse 27 we find that if a woman is raped and she screamed for help, even if no one heard and came, she shall be innocent. And only the man killed. Then there is a law about a man who rapes an unmarried woman, and instead of being killed, he has to pay the bride price to her father and marry her. Although this seems unkind and unfair, I am sure it would also prevent men from raping a woman, who knew that it would be his future wife. And then it ends with the command that a man couldn't marry or sleep with his fathers wife. Even if they aren't related, it was put in place as dishonorable for the man's father. 

Deuteronomy 23 starts off with Ceremonial Law on how to be separate in worship to God… ‘No one who’s testicles are crushed or male organ is removed may enter the assembly…’ This is also to combat against pagan worship, where male eunuchs would have served. This chapters serves as a reminder to be different and set apart in God’s house. Then in verse 9 we hear of masturbation, and how it makes the doer unclean. Then there are all sorts of laws about slavery and not giving back a slave that ran away. Again, God looking out for those who would have been taken advantage of. We learn that we are to having nothing to do with cult prostitution, not charging interest to an Israelite, and keeping your word/vow. Oh, and that you are allowed to eat some of your neighbors fruit and grain, just don't go over to his house and fill up a suitcase with it…

To sum it all up:

• Like the Israelites, we are to be distinct in our lives. We are to look different than the world. We are supposed to look and act different. Is there any difference in your life vs a person that doesn't believe that God is Creator and Jesus is His son (and spending 2 hours on a Sunday in church doesn't make you really that different, if the other 6.8 days of your week look the same)? Check yourself!
• Isn't it amazing how much the God of the Universe looks after the weak and the ones that normally would get overlooked or taken advantaged of. How much is that the heart of God? Since you are obedient to God, are you doing the same thing and looking out for those who need help, protection, and love? I pray so.