TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-25
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Medieval church leader Bernard of Clairvaux asserted: “God is entitled to our love. Why? Because He gave Himself for us despite the fact that we are so undeserving. What better could He have given? If we ask why God is entitled to our love, we should answer, 'Because He first loved us.’ God is clearly deserving of our love especially if we consider who He is that loves us, who we are that He loves, and how much He loves us.”

In the same vein, Moses exhorted the Israelites in today’s reading concerning the sweet, urgent necessity of loving God. In yesterday’s reading, the Law was summarized in Ten Commandments--in today’s reading it’s distilled to just one. Moses preached that the people should love the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and mind and strength--with their whole being, with everything they had (v. 5; cf. Matt. 22:37–40). God was exclusively worthy of this love, not only because He alone is supreme, but also because He’d shown through His mighty deeds His enduring love for Israel.

Even in modern times, verses 4 through 9 are regarded as a creed and recited daily by pious Jews. This passage provides a picture of God’s law permeating everyday family life (also illustrated in vv. 20–25). The covenant was not merely to be inscribed on stone tablets and put away in the Ark, but was to be written on Israel’s hearts. It was the nucleus of everything they were and everything they did (cf. Jer. 31:33–34).

Many Jews take literally the language of verses 8 and 9. Some tie phylacteries, small boxes with Scripture inside, to their foreheads and left arms; similar objects called mezuzot are attached to the doorframes of their houses. These images suggest that God’s Word should control our actions (hand), decision-making (forehead), family life (doorframes), and hospitality (gates).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One emphasis that emerges from today’s reading is the need for God’s Word to be an integral part of family life. The Israelites were instructed to discuss the Law in their homes and to teach it to their children--figuratively speaking, to write it on the doorframes of their houses.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. - Deuteronomy 7:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
After nearly two decades of work, University of Chicago professor Phil Eaton recently created what might be the world’s most powerful non-nuclear explosive. Named one of the most important discoveries of the year 2000 by the American Chemical Society, “octanitrocubane,” as it is called, appears to be about 20 percent more powerful than HMX, currently, one of the most powerful explosives. Pioneered by Eaton, the techniques used to synthesize octanitrocubane have also proved useful in medicine and agriculture. But its most obvious application is military, and it may lead to the production of lighter, more powerful weapons.

When it came to military might, Moses told the Israelites to trust in God, not weapons. He would be the One who would conquer the land for them. They should put their faith not in their spears or their courage, but in their almighty Lord.

During the conquest, the Israelites were to practice “total destruction”--no treaties, no mercy, no intermarriage, no idolatry. The nation was to shun any form of political, social, or religious association with the Canaanites. God wanted to safeguard His “treasured possession” (7:6) from being contaminated by their evil, in particular their idolatry, which would bring on His anger and judgment (7:16, 25–26; 8:19–20; cf. Deut. 20:17–18).

We know that was God’s judgment on the Canaanites for their wickedness (Deut. 9:4–5). The total destruction (see July 3) represented an offering made by Israel to God--the destroyed things were completely devoted to Him, somewhat like a burnt offering.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What’s the biggest problem you have in your life these days? Give it over to God to be conquered!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 9:1-10:11
They are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm. - Deuteronomy 9:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes of intercessory prayer: “Intercession means no more than to bring our brother into the presence of God, to see him under the Cross of Jesus as a poor human being and sinner in need of grace. Then everything in him that repels us falls away; we see him in all his destruction and need. His need and his sin become so heavy and oppressive that we feel them as our own, and we can do nothing else but pray: Lord, do Thou, Thou alone, deal with him according to Thy severity and Thy goodness. To make intercession means to grant our brother the same right that we have received, namely, to stand before Christ and share in His mercy.”

Moses was one of the great intercessors in biblical history (cf. Jer. 15:1). As we have already seen this month, Moses’ exhortations keep circling back to a few key themes: Obey God. Give Him glory. Trust in His faithfulness. He will fight for you, which means the battle is already won. Moses also repeated a few key errors the people should avoid: Don’t worship idols. Don’t take credit for the coming victory. Don’t think you’ve somehow earned this reward from God. This is not about Israel--it’s all about God!

Were the people likely to fall into these errors? Yes. Case in point: the golden calf at Sinai (Ex. 32). No sooner was the Law given than broken, and God was angry enough to destroy them. Moses interceded successfully, but the memory of this time still grieved him (9:24). Their rebelliousness should be a constant warning to them not to be under any illusions about their own “righteousness.” The message is clear, both to them and to us: Never underestimate human sinfulness!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, we see that Moses was a passionate intercessor. Israel had committed the abomination of idolatry, and God was ready to judge them, but Moses stepped in and pleaded successfully for his people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. - Deuteronomy 10:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Martin Luther once commented: “As it is now, people go to hear a sermon and leave again unchanged. They act like a sermon is only worth the time that it takes to hear it. No one thinks about learning anything from it or remembering it. Some people listen to sermons for three or four years and still don’t learn enough to respond to a single question about faith. More than enough has been written in books, but not nearly enough has been driven into our hearts.”

Luther was saying much the same thing as Moses in today’s verse: circumcise your hearts! Our reading today captures the greatness of God and of Israel’s calling as the people of God. He is the supreme Ruler of the entire universe, yet He’d specially chosen Israel: “The Lord set His affection on your forefathers and loved them. . . . He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders” (10:15, 21).

Therefore, because of God’s greatness and choice, the people were to circumcise their hearts (10:16). Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant; as a metaphor, it also signifies submission and consecration. Moses might have said: “Stop being rebellious! Cease and desist! Instead, behave like the people of God you are! Bow to His rightful authority and pursue holiness.” That’s a daunting assignment, for it means no less than to be like God (cf. Matt. 5:48). God is just, fair, and holy; He defends the victimized and loves the stranger. How could they reach such lofty goals? “Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name” (10:20; cf. Deut. 30:6). Hold fast, or cling (NASB), is a powerful verb to describe trust and intimacy--it’s the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 2:24 to describe marriage.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you tied God’s words on your hand or bound them to your forehead? Have you fixed them in your heart and mind (11:18)?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-32
You and your families shall eat and shall rejoice . . . because the Lord your God has blessed you. - Deuteronomy 12:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Today, when we think of the worship center of Israel, we think of Jerusalem. But for four hundred years, it was Shiloh. Centrally located in the hill country of Palestine, Shiloh hosted the Tabernacle from Joshua until Samuel (Josh. 18:1; 1 Sam. 4). At that time, God’s judgment on the house of Eli was fulfilled and his family was wiped out. The Philistines captured the Ark in battle, and also apparently burned the city. Shiloh was never again the national worship center. In fact, the place became a warning of what happens when God’s commands are ignored (Ps. 78:56–64; Jer. 7:12–14).

The reasons for Shiloh’s tragedy are found in today’s reading, even before it was chosen as Israel’s center of worship. To honor God’s name, worship must be done on His terms. Purity is paramount; idolatry and selfishness bring condemnation. Beginning with today’s reading, we’ll see more specific provisions of God’s covenant with Israel. Moses will continue to repeat major themes, but now Deuteronomy will dig into particular issues and individual requirements of the covenant.

One question was: Where would the Tabernacle and Ark reside? These precious items were traveling together with the people. But once the Israelites had conquered and settled the land, where should national worship take place? What would be the best place for the Tabernacle and Ark--the center of their spiritual life? God Himself promised to choose a place.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many times in Deuteronomy, Moses instructed the Israelites to celebrate before the Lord, to come into His presence with rejoicing. This is worship.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 13:1-18
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him. - Deuteronomy 13:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
When doctors find cancerous cells in their patients, they have only one goal: kill the cancer! By whatever means possible, cancer must be removed from the body. If this can be done, the patient might go on to live a long, normal life. So doctors attack the disease with all the resources they possess: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These are strong remedies, and in themselves can have serious consequences and cause great suffering. Then why use them? Because the disease would do worse. The cancer must be completely eradicated.

It was in this same spirit that Moses cried, “You must purge the evil from among you” (v. 5; cf. 1 Cor. 5:13). The spiritual disease of idolatry could cripple or kill the nation--it must be annihilated.

Purity in worship is serious business. Evil was to be eliminated from the national life of Israel. False prophets were to be executed. Anyone who tried to drag the people away from the Lord was to be dealt with ruthlessly. God even warned them to be ready for tests in this area (v. 3). Israel needed to learn that worship is the highest priority--higher than friends, family, and even marriage. If a loved one was an idolator, they were to “show him no pity” (v. 8; cf. Luke 14:26). Compromise in this area would be spiritually fatal. How would they know such a person? A false prophet or idolator would ignore what God had done in history, lead them into disobedience to His Word, and fail to acknowledge His supremacy. The central test--even against the experience of a prophesied event coming true--was who the object of worship was. If it was anyone other than the Lord, that person was to be stoned by the community. Everyone was to take part in enforcing justice and restoring righteousness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s a question for self-examination today: Are there any idols displacing God in your life? Don’t be too quick to answer “no.” This is serious business. Examine your heart and your actions. What do you spend your time thinking about and on what do you spend your energy? Do these things show that you’re following God wholeheartedly, without compromise? Or do they suggest that God is more of a back-burner presence than you thought? Pray over these difficult and crucial questions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 14:1-21
You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. - Leviticus 10:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
One day, the Pharisees and teachers of the law spotted Jesus’ disciples eating with ceremonially unclean hands. Immediately, they pounced, accusing them (and by implication, Jesus) of disregard for the Law. In response, Jesus put things into perspective and condemned the leaders’ hypocrisy. He explained to the crowd that, spiritually speaking, “clean” and “unclean” are not about external factors-- these are the issues of the heart. They’re not about human traditions or lists of dos and don’ts. What makes a man “unclean” is not what he eats, but his sinful desires (Mark 7:1-23).

In that case, what’s the significance of today’s reading? The key ideas behind the Law’s classification of some foods as “clean” and others as “unclean” are identity and purity. God gave Israel instructions which would set them apart as His holy people (vv. 1, 21).

Certain prohibitions in this chapter were to keep Israel from idolatry. Cutting and shaving, for instance, were customs associated with pagan funeral rites (v. 1). Other rules related to keeping other provisions in the Law. Not eating an already dead animal, for example, would keep people from eating blood, which was forbidden.

Making a distinction between “clean” and “unclean” foods dates at least as far back as Noah (Gen. 7:2), though the reasons for these restrictions remain mysterious. Some commentators hold that the prohibitions reflect health or hygiene concerns, and others that the forbidden animals were used as symbols or sacrifices in pagan religions. Neither claim has been shown to be true across the board. Rather than seeking a pragmatic explanation, it’s best to view the Israelite diet as one more way prescribed by God to set His people apart and to testify to the world of their special relationship with Him (cf. Lev. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Pentateuch’s teachings on “clean” and “unclean” were rooted in the identity of Israel. Since the nation had been chosen by God, there were certain things that were appropriate or not appropriate for them to be and to do.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 14:22-15:23
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then . . . the Lord your God will bless you in all your work. - Deuteronomy 15:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last summer, the Barna Research Group reported that giving to churches, religious organizations, and nonprofit organizations has dropped significantly in recent times. Fewer Americans give, and those who do, give less money--between 1998 and 2000, average annual per capita giving fell by more than a third. While many churches teach tithing, and many people claim to do so, only about six percent of Americans actually tithe, including just 12 percent of born-again Christians.

In view of these facts, it’s worth looking into the godly stewardship and generosity in today’s reading. Moses here reviewed the Law’s instructions concerning money, debt, ownership, and material goods.

The Israelites gave to the Lord their firstborn animals and a tithe from all their harvests. Some of the tithe might be eaten at a celebratory worship feast, some might go to support the Levites, and some might be allocated to the poor. The tithe concept is an old one, first seen in Scripture when Abram tithed to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20). Since a tithe was regarded as the king’s portion, giving helped teach the Israelites to revere the Lord as their King.

Every seven years, the people were to forgive loans made to their fellow Israelites. This national debt cancellation probably served to equalize the distribution of wealth, and to give a break to people struggling financially. To obey God wholeheartedly in this area demonstrated faith in Him to provide and bless (15:9–10), in contrast to, for example, the rich man in Jesus’ parable who trusted in his full storehouses (Luke 12:16–21).

The Israelites were likewise to offer freedom to slaves (and give them bonus pay!) after seven years, remembering that they themselves had been slaves in Egypt. They were also commanded not to plow their fields in the seventh year, giving the land a Sabbath to honor their Creator and to show trust in His generous provision.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, we suggest that you review your most recent budget decisions, or the general ways in which you handle your finances. In keeping with today’s reading, do they reflect generosity, wisdom, and faith in God as your Provider? Do you give the “firstfruits” of your paycheck to the Lord, or do you wait to see how much is left after your expenses are met? Do you give Him the “king’s share” in acknowledgment that all you have comes from Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 16:1-20
These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. - Leviticus 23:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
What’s your favorite holiday? Perhaps it’s Christmas, with its fresh evergreens, snow, Nativity scenes, and concerts of Handel’s Messiah. Or maybe Easter, a season to meditate on the life-giving death and resurrection of our Lord. If you like bright sun and outdoor barbecues, no doubt you enjoyed the Fourth of July, just past. Or do you prefer more personal holidays, such as your birthday or wedding anniversary?

Such occasions help form the rhythm of our lives--times of rest, remembrance, celebration, and worship. The special feasts described in today’s reading served much the same purpose for the nation of Israel.

Passover commemorated the night that the angel of the Lord “passed over” the Israelite houses in Egypt. In the last of the ten plagues, he killed the firstborn son wherever there was no blood on the doorposts (see Ex. 12:1-28). Passover was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, named for the bread without yeast that the people carried in their hasty departure from slavery (cf. 1 Cor. 5:6-8). This festival took place in the month of Abib (March or April on our

calendars), the first month of the Jewish year. Passover is “New Year’s Day,” a fresh start for God’s people.

The Feast of Weeks, or Firstfruits, was a harvest festival. At the wheat harvest, the people celebrated it to show joy and thankfulness for God’s blessing. This event took place in May or June, and was also called “Pentecost.” In the history of the church, Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit first descended on the believers. Jewish tradition also links this festival with the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths, took place in September or October, and was also a harvest festival. The people lived in booths made of tree branches and foliage in order to remember the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
While the feasts described in today’s reading are not normative for the church, we, too, can plan special occasions of celebration and worship.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 16:21-17:20
Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. - Proverbs 13:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
On the cutting edge in the computer world is a group called the Silicon Valley Fellowship, a network of Christian leaders in high-tech firms. According to Christianity Today: “Start-up churches, new Bible studies, and a growing network of prayer groups are having a subtle but significant influence on the high-tech industry by changing the hearts and minds of entrepreneurs, who in turn are changing the way they work.” Chen Wen-chi, CEO of Via Technologies, the third largest computer chipmaker in the world, is one such executive. Important meetings are preceded by prayer, Bible studies and praise sessions are held weekly, and the company pays careful attention to community needs in its factory locations. Says Chen: “God is placing me in Silicon Valley so I can be His servant here.”

In any age, in any sphere, godly leadership requires righteousness and integrity. That’s certainly true in today’s reading. It deals primarily with Israel’s political leadership. Favoritism and corruption were unacceptable in the legal system of God’s people. Judges were to “follow justice and justice alone” (16:20). Careful investigation was also important--one witness was insufficient evidence, and difficult cases were to be brought to the national worship center for a verdict. There was no “wall” between religion and society, quite the contrary, since true justice was associated with the Lord’s presence. Thus, it’s no surprise to find idolators and those showing contempt for God condemned to death.

The words of Moses about a king provided for an eventuality many years down the road. Rules for this future leader were designed to help him avoid the dangers of trusting in his military power (horses), greed (excessive wealth), and idolatry (foreign wives obtained for treaty purposes).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Leadership requires obedient faith, justice, and integrity. These qualities come from God, and leaders will be held accountable before Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 18:1-22
They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord is their inheritance, as he pro-mised them. - Deuteronomy 18:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine that you’re present at the reading of a will in ancient Israel. The lawyer clears his throat and begins: “I, so-and-so, being of sound mind, do hereby bequeath my entire estate to my children. May they live forever in its wealth.”

Wow! What’s the estate? Stocks, bonds, or real estate? No. Then perhaps gold, gems, or cash? No. Then what? Is he leaving them a profitable company? A valuable patent? A treasure map? No, no, and no.

You see, the man who died was a Levite. Levites didn’t accumulate property or wealth. Instead, they served the Lord and He was their inheritance. What a fantastic bequest to leave their descendants!

As Moses turned his attention to Israel’s religious leaders, he gave instructions concerning the Levites. Because they had been chosen to serve God and to minister at the Tabernacle, they were to have no other allegiances or preoccupations. They would live off the people’s tithes and offerings, and receive towns to live in--out of the other tribes’ land grants. The historical reason for this privilege is the golden calf episode, during which the Levites rallied to Moses and fought for God (Ex. 32:25–29). Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, acted similarly during a later crisis (Num. 25:6–13).

Levites served as Scripture teachers and possibly as judges, and also assisted the priests with sacrifices. For these leaders, purity was essential. Moses warned them in the strongest terms to avoid the “detestable practices” of the pagan religions. For example, unlike the Canaanites, they shouldn’t look to divination for guidance, but to God’s prophets, in whose mouth the Lord Himself would place His words (v. 18). Moses’ language here suggests a specific, special, future Prophet. Jews in Jesus’ day anticipated one, and this may be why Jesus said Moses wrote about Him (John 5:46; 6:14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, write out a prayer thanking God for the inheritance we have in Christ. As with the Levites, the Lord is our portion.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 19:1-21
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. - Proverbs 21:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last year, Chicago led all American cities with a total of 667 murders, ahead of New York City’s 642. Homicides went up in 15 out of 25 police districts, with most killings tied to gangs, drugs, and domestic violence. Total murders increased by 36 over the year before, the first such increase in eight years, despite the fact that general crime rates have been dropping.

Justice and order are key concerns of society in any age, past or present. We’ve seen this earlier in Deuteronomy, and it’s here again in today’s reading.

Cities of refuge had already been named east of the Jordan River (Deut. 4:41-43; cf. Num. 35). Moses directed that additional such cities be designated on the west side after the conquest (cf. Josh. 20). If one person killed another inadvertently, he could flee to this place for protection from the “avenger of blood,” a relative of the dead person who would seek vengeance. Such cities were specifically not for cases of premeditated murder, but only accidental manslaughter.

Another issue was boundary stones. To move them constituted an attempt to steal land, and was thus regarded as a serious crime (cf. Hos. 5:10).

As we saw on July 16, one witness was not enough to prove a case. Furthermore, judges were responsible to probe for and punish malicious motives and false testimony. The punishment would be measured out according to the harm intended. Dealing with sin in this way would deter others and keep the nation pure.

The idea of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was not unique to Israel (v. 21). Called the lex talionis, or “law of retaliation,” this figurative language established the principle that the punishment should fit the crime. Jesus taught against the misunderstanding that saw “an eye for an eye” as a license to get even. On the contrary, turning the other cheek and going the extra mile should characterize everyday life (Matt. 5:38-42).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In response to today’s devotion and the justice of God, find out more about prison ministries in your area. You might start by checking with your church missions committee, to see if the church already supports someone you could contact. You could also check the yellow pages or do a search on the Internet.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 20:1-21:9
The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. - Deuteronomy 20:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the Confederacy added iron plates to the captured U.S.S. Merrimac, the renamed C.S.S. Virginia steam frigate temporarily dominated naval encounters in the Civil War. But the Union side soon built a similar ironclad boat, the U.S.S. Monitor.

On March 9, 1862, the two ships engaged in the first battle between ironclad naval vessels in history. After four hours of firing, it ended in a draw. Two months later, the Virginia crew blew up the ship rather than allow it to fall into enemy hands.

As we see in today’s reading, when Israel went into battle, Moses said that they should put their confidence in God, not in their military prowess, numerical advantage, or superior weaponry (even if they had any of these things). He would be their Defender, the only Warrior they needed (20:4; cf. Isa. 42:13). He already proved His mighty power in liberating them from Egypt and in the preliminary battles east of Jordan.

We might wonder about the question of when war is just or right, but this passage does not address that question. It’s just assumed to be part of life in a fallen world. Thankfully, wars will one day pass away completely (Ps. 46:9; Isa. 2:4).

Instead, Moses’ guidelines dealt with pragmatic issues. For reasons of compassion, those with new brides, houses, or vineyards were exempt from military service; for reasons of practicality, men who were afraid were also excused. Priests didn’t go to war, since serving before the Lord took priority. Because of the danger of idolatry, nearby enemies were to be completely destroyed.

God also wanted His people to be good stewards of creation, even in the midst of a war. How do we know this? Because He instructed them not to cut down fruit trees during a siege. They might be tempted to cut down all the wood in an area for burning or building siegeworks, but they should leave alone fruit trees that would benefit them after the peace was won (20:19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We’ve already given two applications about Scripture memorization this month, but the emphasis on having God’s Word in our hearts is so strong in Deuteronomy that we’ll offer another today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 21:10-22:30
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. - Hebrews 13:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
What’s the state of marriage these days? A recent Gallup poll found that households comprising a married couple with children--a nuclear family, in other words--account for just 24 percent of all American households. Only 38 percent think that premarital sex is wrong, and more than half endorse “living together” as morally acceptable, with younger people holding much more permissive views than their elders. A majority prefer fewer children and view divorce as no problem.

Another survey reported that 63 percent of teenage girls have had sex before age 18. And one in six women say they’ve been involved in a pregnancy that ended in an abortion. Sin leads to the breakdown of the family in society. That’s why God provided rules about marriage and family for His chosen people: to keep sin at bay and His holiness at the center. We’re not sure of the exact reason for every regulation in today’s passage, but we do know that purity was the primary focus.

As today’s verse indicates, “Marriage should be honored by all.” Women should be treated with dignity, even if they’d been captured in battle. A new husband who slandered his wife (falsely accusing her of not having been a virgin prior to their marriage) would be fined twice the typical bride-price and forbidden to divorce her. A son shouldn’t marry his father’s former wife, for that would dishonor the family. The differences between men and women should be respected (22:5).

Marriage and family sins were to be punished severely. A rebellious son would be stoned to death. In cases of fornication or adultery, both partners would be executed. A man who raped a married woman would be killed, and one who raped an unmarried woman would be required to become her husband. (Regarding capital punishment and God’s curse, compare Deut. 21:23 with Gal. 3:13.)
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Law covered every area of life, including marriage and family. What does the New Testament have to say on these issues?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 23:1-24:22
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. - Psalm 119:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a commencement address, writer and theologian J. I. Packer said the following about the Puritans: “The Puritan ideal was that all of life, the individual, the family, the church, the worlds of politics and economics, philosophy and science, social structures and education, personal relationships and the arts, should at every point be, to use the biblical phrase, 'holiness to the Lord,’ and that everyone should be pursuing with all their might the reality of practical, experiential, conscientious, determined, hopeful, vigorous, hardworking, humble, visionary, prayerful, enterprising godliness in the fellowship and service and power of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”

In seeing all of life as holy, the Puritans followed in the footsteps of Deuteronomy. As we’ve seen, God’s choosing of Israel to be His people affected every area of their lives.

Today and tomorrow, as we reach the end of Moses’ second sermon, we’ll cover various laws and regulations that don’t necessarily lend themselves to a topical approach. But the context is the same--these are the covenant responsibilities of God’s people; this is how they are to live as His people in His presence.

The concerns in today’s reading touch on topics we’ve already dealt with. Recently, we’ve reviewed God’s expectations and commands about marriage and family, warfare, the justice system, political and religious leadership, tithes and debts, and worship feasts. Many of the examples here deal with community love. For example, one Israelite couldn’t charge another interest on a loan. Debtors and laborers shouldn’t be exploited. Grain should be left in the fields for the poor to glean. Other laws deal with worship, such as the note that money earned from prostitution shouldn’t be used to pay a vow to the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The situations in today’s reading mostly deal with the theme of brotherly love and examples of how it should be lived out. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Rom. 12:10).