Deuteronomy – Page 5

Deuteronomy 21:15-23 – Provision for Children

What stuck out to me right off the bat was the reference to two wives in this reading. I know that wasn’t uncommon in those days. In the Israelite’s own history, we recall Jacob’s love for his wife Rachel, even though he was also married to her sister, Leah. Because Moses was telling the people God’s laws for them in the new land, we need to keep that in mind. The focus is on the children, not the fact there are multiple wives.

First off, we see God’s intention that the first-born son receive twice as much as the other sons. That was an ancient Israel tradition. It doesn’t matter who the mother is, it’s the son born first who is entitled to this honor. Having worked for estate attorneys before retirement, I can tell you that this isn’t the “law” anymore in the United States, particularly, Iowa. The rules of probate still differ from state to state, and certainly between countries and cultures.

Deuteronomy 21:10-14 – Even the Captive Woman

Read Deuteronomy 21:10-14

This is one of those passages where I know that God is in the details, too. There are plenty of examples in the Bible where we see generalized promises and provisions meant to encompass many people. Here, today, it is one particular woman. The captive woman.

We have recently read about how whole towns would be wiped out, people killed, including women and children. Those passages are troubling. Here, however, is an example of when there is victory, yet the people are taken as slaves or captives. Just in case there might be a very beautiful woman amidst those captives, God offers a protection for even her.

Deuteronomy 21:1-9 – Unsolved Murder

Read Deuteronomy 21:1-9

When I saw the heading for today’s reading, it immediately took me back to December 1979. A dear high school friend of mine was murdered in her family car at the mall. We were seniors. It rocked our world. Just a few months ago, thanks to DNA evidence and a police department that didn’t let go of this cold case, we have a conviction of my friend’s murderer. I was curious to see what the Bible said about unsolved murders.

I was surprised by what was prescribed. A blameless cow had to die. Wasn’t it bad enough that someone had died with no witnesses? Not only would their murderer go free to live, but a cow had to die, too. I’m wrestling with this text figuring I must be missing something. What do you think?

Deuteronomy 20:1-20 – Combat Ready

Read Deuteronomy 20:1-20

This was an interesting passage in terms of fighting battles. In general, the people of God, Israel was not a warlike nation; they were rather to avoid warfare and seek peace. We could easily take some of what was said here and apply it to non-combat type battles in life as well. God knew the people were going to face all sorts of battles and combat in overtaking and protecting the land promised to them. They needed to understand the who, the why, and the how. Did anything surprise you in today’s reading?

There were some interesting “outs” listed for those getting ready to fight. Fear was one of them. I had to wonder if there would be any people left willing to fight. But God’s promise was to be with them. Even the priests were to come and address the troops with encouragement, reminding them, “the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!”

Deuteronomy 19:14-21 – Concern for Justice

Read Deuteronomy 19:14-21

The Ten Commandments with bibles on a black background

When they say, “Moses gave the law,” it’s true. Here is another fine example of some of the specifics God chose to offer the people. A couple present day examples come to mind. Do you ever notice how the “terms of service” go on and on when you sign up for something? Think of the side effects of a prescription medication or the warnings that come with a new purchase. That’s because the company is covering their tush, or that such things have happened and it’s likely they will happen again. That is especially true with the warning labels on products. Someone has gotten hurt, sued the company, and now the company has to be clear on their packaging to be careful not to be stupid when using the product.

I apologize if I ruffled your feathers here with my bluntness. I suppose after years of being a paralegal I have seen it all. The crazy situations people get themselves into and then want to blame the other person never ceases to amaze me. A good lawyer will look at a situation and assess the negligence in an instant. If a person is wrongfully injured because of the negligence of another, then by all means, justice should be served. Moses is giving more examples of how justice can be served here in the new land.