Posts Tagged ‘Deuteronomy (2015)’
Deuteronomy 20 – Due Process, Kings, and Priests
When there are accusations of idolatry, it must be ascertained through credible evidence. The punishment is designed to be decisive and JUST. The witnesses are involved in the execution in order to discourage false accusations. A judicial system is carefully created to ensure due process, allowing Levitical priests and higher courts to take care of…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 19 – Judges and Abominable Worship
Wise, experienced judges are to be appointed by the people, in every town, and are expected to be righteous. The justice they seek is the justice required by God. The Israelites are forbidden from setting up pillars and other graven images, because God HATES them. God also detests blemished and imperfect offerings (e.g. sick oxen). …
Read MoreDeuteronomy 18 – Feasts, How to Read Deuteronomy, and Living Separately
Traditional Jewish feasts are outlined, and their new significance to Christians are discussed. Some guidance on how to read the book of Deuteronomy is provided. It must be read carefully and its precepts dutifully followed. We are encouraged to catechise and be catechised in order to effectively serve the Lord. Just as the Hebrews lived…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 17 – Kosher Laws, Tithes, and Debt
The Hebrews were called to grieve differently and eat differently as a reminder that they were a people set apart for the Lord. Bacon is not inherently sinful to eat, but it was set aside as something the Lord expected His people not to eat. Christ did not abolish the ritual kosher laws for the…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 16 – Innocent Blood and Apostates
The eating of innocent blood is forbidden. These temple practices are emphasized for correct worship of God but also a guidance even in our lives to recognize the sacredness of life designed by God. The Israelites (and we) are warned against apostates who try to lead us away from the Lord and from the Torah,…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 15 – One Place of Worship
The Israelites are told to destroy the places of worship of rival religions. This is because their existence is a temptation to idolatry, one to which many Hebrews would eventually give in. There is one God, separate from all other religious influences. Worship of the Lord is done in one central location set aside by…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 14 – Mercy
The Canaanites will be defeated due to their wickedness. Israel’s righteousness or strength will have nothing to do with it, however, as Israel has frequently disobeyed the Lord through their stubbornness. But God is merciful and gracious. This is just as true in the church today as in ancient Israel. If we repent and be…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 13 – Preparing for a Life of Abundance
The Canaanites would be destroyed gradually, as a test of sustained faith. They were not to take the gold and treasure of the Canaanites because it was full of temptations to idolatry. The meaning of the word “abomination” is briefly discussed. The repetition of Moses’ exhortations throughout this text are defended–Moses seeks in this final…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 12 – Call to Destroy the Canaanites
The Hebrews are called to completely destroy their rivals in Canaan–man, woman, child, and artifacts of worship. This is a difficult passage to accept. However, God explicitly wants to protect His people from the temptation of idolatry that would be constant if the Hebrews lived among Canaanite religion (The Hebrews would later fall prey to…
Read MoreDeuteronomy 11 – Comprehensive Devotion to God
All of our actions are meant to be put into the effort of loving devotion to God–teaching our children constantly and binding His Word in our heart. God is loyal to His people, and He insists that we be loyal to Him. Download MP3 (20:49; 11 MB)
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