Deuteronomy 30 – Blessings and Curses

The Lord promises every good thing to the Israelites — fruitful farms and families, safety and security, financial affluence, and a recognized place in the world as God’s own people.  However, for this to pass, the Israelites must diligently obey the Word of God in its entirety. However, if the Israelites do not obey the…

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Deuteronomy 29 – Committing to God

Moses appears with the elders that will take his place to exhort the people one more time. The people are ordered to write the Law in a stone memorial when they cross the Jordan. They will sacrifice offerings to the Lord and share in a meal with one another to rejoice in the Lord. Each…

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Deuteronomy 28 – A Brief Review

This episode is a short meditation of the laws in the previous lessons, and how we take their message and incorporate these laws into our faith.  We need to correctly know and understand these laws, then digest them, pray on them, and let them into our hearts.  These laws are supported, expanded upon, and taught…

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Deuteronomy 27 – Sharing Abundance with the Poor

When harvesting crops, forgotten fruits are meant to be left for the poor and needy rather than carefully recovered. The property is the Lord’s, and the Israelites are mere stewards of that property. If a man dies without bearing a son, his brother is meant to marry the widow and bear a son for him.…

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Deuteronomy 26 – Hardness of Heart

Some laws of sexual purity are discussed, strongly punishing adultery and false accusations of adultery. Men cannot use women physically and then forsake them. Some of the more curious legal codes should be interpreted in light of being God’s revelation, created for our benefit. For example, loaning to one’s brother at interest is banned. In…

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Deuteronomy 25 – Practical Law Part 3

“You must love your neighbor as yourself.” To the Hebrews this includes people who are not Hebrews. You must help prevent the loss of his animals, garments, or property; or take advantage of his loss. This must be done as a brotherly obligation without payment. This help must not be withheld. This is an obligation…

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Deuteronomy 24 – Practical Law Part 2

The Laws in these chapters describe particular situations, but seek to impart general principles. Laws regarding inheritance are discussed, and while not every permutation is accounted for, the proper procedure can be derived from what is provided. A particular case where a son with a criminal disregard for authority is discussed.  While it technically opens…

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Deuteronomy 23 – Practical Law

These chapters lay out practical law for the Hebrews that are not simply legal codes, but guides to live a moral life obedient to the Lord. Rules for atonement for the spilling of innocent blood are layed out. Women who are captives of war are to be wives, not concubines, sex slaves, or rape victims.…

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Deuteronomy 22 – Godly Warfare and Religious Culture

War is conducted on the understanding that the Lord, not the Hebrews, will be the cause of victory.  Only a small number of loyal soldiers are required.  Finally, the religious culture of Deuteronomy and the Gospel is discussed.  The culture is different from, and sometimes irreconcilible with, typical modern American sensibilities.  God is to be…

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Deuteronomy 21 – The Prophet and Cities of Sanctuary

Deuteronomy foretells of a prophet and mediator between God and the Jewish people.  This is seen as foretelling the ministry of Jesus Christ, through whom God reveals His love of mankind. Some guidance is given for how to distinguish real prophets from false ones. Rules carefully delineating manslaughter and murder are laid out. Despite the…

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