The Book of Deuteronomy

(Tom Elseroad)

Chapter 12

vv.13,19,28,32

"Be careful…" (De. 12):
v.13	"Be careful…	…that you do not offer your offerings in every cultic place you see, ¹⁴but in the place which the Lord chooses…"
v.19	"Be careful…	…that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land."
v.28	"Be careful…	…to listen to all these words which I command you, in order that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever…"
v.32	"…Be careful…"	"Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it."

v.8

This may refer to the multiplication of shrines by the Canaanites. Or it may refer to destroying the name of the deities. Thus, the idea is to not destroy God's name. This is why Hebrew books where God's name occurs, are reverently buried rather than destroyed when they can no longer be used.

vv.15-16

"unclean and the clean" - Wild game was acceptable could be eaten without first taking them to the sanctuary as long as they were not killed to be an offering.

vv.17-18

Moses again warned the people that anything intended for worshipping the Lord could only be eaten at the future site of the central sanctuary.

vv.31-32

Child Sacrifice
Abraham was asked to offer his son Isaac at Mt. Moriah (Jerusalem). (1) This sacrifice did not take place. (2) The angel of the Lord stopped Abraham. (3) God provided a ram to sacrifice.	Ge.22
Child sacrifice is often associated with the Ammonite god Molech.	Le.18:21 Le.20:2-5 2Ki.23:10 Je.32:35
Solomon built a high place for worshiping Molech on the Mount of Olives.	1Ki.11:7
Ahaz the (Southern) king sacrificed his sons by fire (c735-719BC).	2Ch.28:3 Je.7:31
Manasseh the (Southern) king sacrificed his son by fire (c697-642BC).	2Ki.21:6
In time of distress the Canaanites would offer their best. To help win a war, for example, the king of Moab took his eldest son (heir to reign) and offered a burnt offering upon the wall (2Ki.3:26-27).

Deuteronomy 13

Passage	Notes	Question
1-4	A prophet who accurately predicts or who performs a wonder/miracle. This is possible.
5	"put to death" "put the evil away from you"	Can we put a false prophet to death?
6-9	History tells us that Israel did not obey the Lord, and permitted idolatry/false teaching to sneak in. This may seem severe, but ultimately it saves lives. When the northern kingdom of Israel went into idolatry, thousands were slain, and the survivors were taken as slaves to the brutal nation of Assyria (586 B.C.). The text says to kill: (1) brother (2) son (3) daughter (4) wife (5) friend. Today, our judges turn criminals loose to prey again on society. We have become so short-sighted that capital punishment sounds extremes to us today.	Does this sound extreme. If it does, maybe it's an indication of our head-soft society we live in. Is capital punishment extreme?
10		Is the death penalty uncivilized?
11	They were to "hear" and "fear."
12-14	They were to "inquire" and "search." They were to "make certain" they know the truth. They were not to do anything rashly, but do a thorough investigation.	Are we to search out false prophets today? If we are to carry this out, but society will not allow us, when should we leave the ungodly society and join, say, the Quakers or Amish?
15-16	Twice they are told to kill them with the sword. They were to gather all the spoil of the city, and burn it. It is to be a heap forever, and shall not be built again. Does this mean that the place of this city should not be used again to re-build another city. This assumes that the city itself is destroyed.	Does this mean that we should use the sword to carry out capital punishment? Is this (sword-killing) a principle or cultural? What if someone in the city did not go into the idolatry. Had they just sat by and done nothing? Is it "Christian" to be silent. Are we to take-a-stand when truth is at stake?
17	"As He has sworn unto thy fathers." God often refers back to promises He made with the fathers.

Chapter 14

v.1-2 Don’t do as the heathen do

The cutting of flesh and the hair of the forehead in relation to the dead was a heathen practice where you offer the blood and the hair to the departed dead. God says to Israel not to do this heathen practice. This was a pagan mourning rite. (Cutting oneself was a sign of mourning [Je.16:6; 41:5; 47:5; 48:37]. Israel was to refrain from these pagan practices. Christians today can demonstrate faith when a believing loved one dies because of the blessed hope resurrection (1Th. 4:13-18).

v.1-3 You are God’s sons

v.3-21 Eat different than the world.

"Clean" and "Unclean" Examples
Clean	Unclean
Those that part (split in two)the hoof	Pig: (It does divide the hoof, but does not chew the cud). They are not even to touch the carcass.
Those that chew the cud	Birds: Eagle, Vulture, Buzzard, red kite, falcon, raven, Ostrich, Owl, Sea gull, hawk, little owl, great owl, white Owl, Pelican, Carrion Venture, Cormorant, Bat.
Fish with fins and scales	Seafood without fins and scales.
	Birds of prey and/or eaters of carrion.
Locust, crickets, grasshoppers	Teeming life (swarming insects) with wings.
	Anything that dies of itself. (This may be because the blood had not been properly drained.) They could give to aliens or sell to a foreigner, but Israel is not to eat.
	Not to boil kid in its mother's milk. May mean: (1) a humanitarian principle (i.e., not to take what was to promote life and destroy it. This may be why Jews today do not mix milk products with meat. (2) a Canaanitish ritual, probably a fertility charm.
The lists given are representative rather than exhaustive. The lists are divided into three classes: (1) Those that live on land (vv.3-8). (2) Those that live in the water (vv.9-10). (3) Those that live in the air (vv.11-20 a) Birds b) Insects). (4) Those that die on their own (v.21).

v.4-5

You may not eat what God declares unclean (ceremonially defiled/unfit).

You May Eat (Examples):

Sheep

Goat

Deer

Gazelle

Roebuck

Wildgoat

Ibex

Antelope

Mountain sheep

v.6

Standard for Determining Animals

Cloven hooves (14:6).	Must be Both		Those that chew the cud But Do not have cloven hooves DO NOT EAT. E.G., Pigs have cloven hooves but do not chew the cud, therefore DO NOT EAT.
Chews the cud (14:6).

Do not even touch their dead bodies (14:8)
Only seafood with fins and scales; no to all other (14:9).
Do not eat anything that has died a natural death (14:21). But a foreigner may eat it. *You are holy to the Lord*.
Do not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk (14:21).
Do not eat winged insects (w/ certain exceptions (14:19). EXCEPTIONS: Do not eat those w/ 4 legs Except: Those that jump Locusts of all varieties (grasshoppers, crickets)		^{20All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you. ²¹Yet these you may eat among all the winged insects which walk on all fours: those which have above their feet jointed legs with which to jump on the earth. ²²These of them you may eat: the locust in its kinds, and the devastating locust in its kinds, and the cricket in its kinds, and the grasshopper in its kinds. ²³But all other winged insects which are four-footed are detestable to you." [Le.11:20-23].}
"Cud"—Characterized by chewing again what has been swallowed. "Cloven hoofed" — A curved covering that corresponds to a nail or claw. Divided into two or more parts.
Notice the relation between not eating certain foods and being holy to the Lord.

v.11-18

You can Eat any Bird Except:

DO NOT EAT

Eagle

Vulture

Osprey

Buzzard

Falcon (any variety)

Raven (any variety)

Ostrich

Nighthawk

Seagull

Hawk (any variety)

Screech owl

Great owl

Horned owl

Pelican

Vulture

Cormorant

Stork

Heron (any variety)

Hoopoe

Bat

v.22

Tithe Once a Year	Eat in God’s Presence	Purpose
Grain New wine Olive oil Firstborn of flocks and herds	If too far you can sell tithe portion of crops and herds & take money to sanctuary.	To teach to put God first in your lives.
	When you arrive use money to buy: Ox or Sheep or Wine or Strong drink

v.3-21

"Clean" and "Unclean" Examples
Clean	Unclean
Those that part (split in two) the hoof	Pig: (it does divide the hoof, but does not chew the cud). They are not even to touch the carcass.
Those that chew the cud	Birds: Eagle, Vulture, Buzzard, red kite, falcon, raven, Ostrich, Owl, Sea gull, hawk, little owl, great owl, white Owl, Pelican, Carrion Venture, Cormorant, Bat
Fish with fins and scales	Seafood without fins and scales
	Birds of prey and/or eaters of carrion.
Locust, crickets, grasshoppers	Teeming life (swarming insects) with wings
	Anything that dies of itself. (This may be because the blood had not been properly drained.) They could give to aliens or sell to a foreigners, but Israel is not to eat.
	Not to boil a kid in its mother’s milk. May mean: (1) a humanitarian principle (i.e., not to take what was to promote life and destroy it. This may be why Jews today do not mix milk products with meat. (2) a Canaanitish ritual, probably a fertility charm.
The lists given are representative rather than exhaustive. The lists are divided into three classes: (1) Those that live on land (vv.3-8). (2) Those that live in the water (vv.9-20). (3) Those that live in the air (vv.11-20 a) Birds b) Insects). (4) Those that die on their own (v.21).

	Food Prohibitions (Dietary Laws), Possible Reasons
1	To safeguard the health (hygienic) of the Lord’s people.		Why This is NOT the Reason
			1. Jesus declared all food to be clean (Mk. 7:14-23). Why be concerned in the OT, but abandon it in the NT?
			2. Eating some of the "clean" animals may present a greater danger than some of the "unclean" ones. ??E.g.,??
			3. No hygienic reasons are given.
2	These "unclean" animals were part of a Pagan Cultic Rite. The same word "detestable" (Du.14:3) is used elsewhere of idolatry and pagan practices (Du.7:25; 12:31).		Why This is NOT the Reason
			1. The "bull" is a common symbol in the religions of the ancient Near East, but was permitted as "clean."
			May remove
			May remove
3	The laws separated Israel from other nations.		Why This IS a Reason
			Du.14:21 "for you are a holy people to the LORD your God."
			1. They were illustrations to Israel of her relationship to God.
			2. They were illustrations to Israel of her relationship to the nations.
			3. They reminded Israel of her uniqueness as a theocratic nation.
			4. They reminded Israel of her dependence on God for their food.
4	They are arbitrary based on God’s Choosing.		Pro’s and Con’s
			Pro: God made the distinctions so Israel may have a way of expressing her unique relationship to God, even in the foods they eat.
			Con: Scripture does not present itself as arbitrary. This is especially true when specifics are mentioned. There is likely a reason, even if we do not understand it.
5	They gave the opportunity to exercise faith, which may transcend human reasoning.		Why This IS a Reason (Even for Today?)
			Today we offer thanks at mealtimes to God, the provider of all foods (1Ti. 4:3-5).
The reasons for some of the prohibitions are not readily apparent. Verse 21 "for you are a holy people to the LORD your God."
New Testament
Mk. 7:18-20		^{18And He said to them, "Are you too so uncomprehending? Do you not see that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him; ¹⁹because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) ²⁰And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man."}
Ac. 10:9-23		^{13And a voice came to him, "Arise, Peter, kill and eat!" ¹⁴But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean." ¹⁵And again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."}
Ro. 14:14		^{14"I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean"}
1 Ti. 4:3-5		"³men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.⁴For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. ⁵for it is sanctified by means of the Word of God and prayer."
1 Co. 6:19		^{19"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?"}
These prohibitions no longer apply to us today. But common sense should be taken in the care of the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

PROBLEM: What about vegetarianism? What does Scripture say? What does this mean to us today?

PROBLEM: What is the difference between a principle and a pattern?

God Abolished the Food Laws
Mark 7:14-23	…¹⁸And He said to them, "Are you too so uncomprehending? Do you not see that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him; ¹⁹ because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) ²⁰And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. ²¹"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts and fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, ²²deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. ²³All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."
Acts 10:9-23	…¹⁰And he became hungry, and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; ¹¹and he beheld the sky opened up, and a certain object like a sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, ¹²and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air. ¹³And a voice came to him, "Arise, Peter, kill and eat!" ¹⁴But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean." ¹⁵And again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." …
In the OT God spent time describing foods that could and could not be eaten. Now, these rules have been removed. ??Why did God create these laws concerning foods in the first place. [If it is to make Israel distinct from other nations, are we to do something that would make us distinct from those around us?] [If it is to demonstrate their faith to other nations, is there something we should do to demonstrate our faith? Is it praying before meals? [If it is to show our dependence on the Lord, is there something we should do to demonstrate our dependence on the Lord?

The law concerning unclean foods restricted what they could eat. The law concerning tithing restricted how much they could keep for themselves.

Earlier Moses said the tithe was to go to the Levites (Nu.18:21-32). Now part of the tithe was to be taken to the sanctuary, and eat it before the Lord in a common meal. Or this may be a second tithe (a 10^th of the remaining 90%), part eaten at the sanctuary and the remainder going to the Levites.

vv.22-29 Tithe

Regulations for Tithing (social institution)
What is stated	Verse / Purpose
Each year all that is sown in the field should be tithed.	Israel not only was restricted of what they could eat, but also how much they were allowed to keep.
The grain, new wine, oil, firstborn of herds and flocks are to be tithed. If the distance is too far (v.24), exchange it for money, and go to where "the Lord your God chooses" (v.25). "You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires" (v.26). For example, "oxen," "sheep," "wine," "strong drink." Eat in God’s presence rejoicing with you household.	^{23"…eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name…" God chose the site for the tabernacle (the place where God and the people would meet –Ex.33:7-11).} "²³"… in order that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always."
The Levite should not be neglected.	^{27"…for he has no portion or inheritance among you."}
They were to set apart every tenth animal of herds and flocks.
Every 3 years tithe the produce of that year and deposit it in the town. This is for the "Levite," "alien," "orphan," and the "widow." Also a tithe of cattle is mentioned.	^{29"in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do." 2 Ch.31:6}
Tithing existed before the Mosaic Law. Melchizedek received a tithe of all the goods Abraham obtained in battle. Jacob promised he would give the Lord a tenth of all he received.	Ge. 14:17-20 He. 7:1-10 Ge. 28:22
Israel had robbed God by withholding tithes and offering. They were exhorted to bring their tithes to the storehouse in order to enjoy the Lord’s blessing.	Ma. 3:8-12
Tithing- The practice of giving a tenth of one’s income and property as an offering to God. The tithe was an expression of gratitude to God by His people. Basic to tithing was the acknowledgment of God’s ownership of everything in the earth. The Levites were to offer a heave offering to the Lord. This constituted a tithe on their part. The rest of the goods were to provide their living for their work in the tabernacle. Today, Christians are to give generously so they can reap generously (2Co.9:6-9; 1Co.16:1-2). Is this material or spiritual blessings?

Tithe and the Levites

PROBLEM: Since every 7^th year the ground was allowed to rest (Le.25:1-7), there was no tithing that year. How does this work for, say, the Levites?

SOLUTION (1): Every 3^rd year a religious feast took place, which was shared by the Levite, alien, orphan, and the widow. The bulk of this tithe remained after the feast.

PROBLEM: Moses already instructed Israel to tithe, and that it was to go to the Levites (Nu. 18:21-32). Here the Israelites were given a second tithe from the 90% remaining, and were to eat this tithe at the sanctuary before the Lord. The remainder was to go to the Levites (De.14:27). This experience was to teach Israel to "fear" (revere) the Lord, Whom they were dependent on for their food-blessings. They were to obey the Lord so they could continue to receive God’s blessings.

SOLUTION (2): The tithe here is a second tithe over and above the first tithe. This was given in full to the Levite (Nu.18:21,24). Most of the second tithe, apart from every third year, is consumed by the tither and his family.

v.24-27

If the people lived too far from the sanctuary, they could sell their food for money, then travel to the sanctuary.

Deuteronomy 15

V.1

Passage	Sabbatical Year (Year of Release)	Land lie Fallow	Cancellation of Debts
Ex.23:10-11	X	X
Le.25.1-7	X	X
De.15:1-12	X	X	X

"at the end of seven years" Hebrew idiom meaning 'during the seventh year.'

"remission of the LORD" - Also called a year of mercy to the poor.

v.2-6

Remission of Debts - "The LORD's Remission"
Cancel only during the seventh year	Completely Eliminate the Debt
DESCRIPTION: Payment could NOT be demanded during the 7^th year. After the 7^th year the loan would have to be re-paid.	DESCRIPTION: Payment could NO LONGER be demanded, even after the 7^th year.
MAIN POINTS: During the 7^th year, since the land would lie fallow, the Israelite debtor would have no means to re-pay the loan-debt. After this 7^th year, when he is permitted to plant again, he could make payments again.	MAIN POINTS: It is consistent with De.15:9-11 where they were to give to the poor trusting God to bless them. It is consistent with the Year of Jubilee (50^th) where each one received back his family property (Le.25:8-17). There is nothing to indicate this was temporary. It happens during the 7^th year. There is no example, where we see debt re-instated after the 7^th year.
A foreigner's debt was not cancelled because he did not let his land lie fallow.	A foreigner's debt was not cancelled as a safeguard for Israel. The foreigner could not take unfair advantage of an Israelite.

v.2

???In this analogy, is sin and debts synonymous???

Verse 2 can be called the great equalizer of the wealth.

There were no 30 year mortgages. Ha ha.

God's system guarded against extreme wealth and extreme poverty.

What is the LORD's remission?

Socialism	Capitalism	God's System
Does not take into account man's sinful nature.	Does not take into account man's sinful nature.	Takes into account man's sinful nature.
No guard against extreme wealth or poverty.	No guard against extreme wealth or poverty.	Guards against extreme wealth and poverty.
Hard work is to the betterment of the whole.	Hard work can produce wealth.	Hard work can produce wealth, especially if you trust God to bless.
The lazy may be wealthy (i.e., through inheritance) or poor.	The lazy may be wealthy (i.e., through inheritance) or poor.	The lazy is not likely to become wealthy, though there may be exceptions.
Tends to not allow many imported goods. Therefore tends to protect by having a closed border system.	Does not protect against foreign countries taking advantage of "the system."	Protects Israel against foreigners willfully taking advantage of Israel's 7^th year of remission.
Man's nature is such that if he can get something for nothing, he will not work for it. God's system guarded against extreme wealth and extreme poverty through this 7^th year of remission.

v.3

Is there a sense where we are to treat other (i.e., Israel/Believers) differently then we treat Gentile/Unbelievers?

"foreigner" meaning: (1) A stranger from another nation (2) A foreigner (non-Israelite) living among Israel and had claims on their benevolence.

v.4

"no poor among you" - The idea is that the LORD will bless Israel so that the creditor would not lose though not receiving debt payments from his brother.

Reference	Passage
De.15:4	"⁴However, there shall be no poor among you, since the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, ⁵if only you listen obediently to the voice of the LORD your God, to carefully observe all this commandment which I am commanding you today."
De.15:11	"For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land."
Mt. 26:11	"For the poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me."
Mk.14:7	"For the poor you always have with you, and whenever you wish, you can do them good; but you do not always have Me."
Jn.12:8	"For the poor you always have with you; but you do not always have Me."
De.15:4 is saying		De.15:11 is saying
Perfect and consistent obedience to God's standard will make possible a society free from poverty. It is conditional. See verse 5. It is a statement/command to Israel to make sure there are no poor among them.		This is a prediction that Israel will not consistently maintain God's standard, so there will be poor among them.
The three New Testament passages are a statement of fact. There will always be poor among them. ??? Will there be poor during the millenium???

v.5

"if" - This is conditional. If Israel obeys God, by not having poor among them, then God will richly bless them.

v.6

"the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised"
þ	You will lend to many nations	ý	But you will not borrow
þ	You will rule over many nations	ý	But they will not rule over you
??? Is God predicting that no nation will rule over Israel???, No. He is stating a fact if they obey. ??? Has any nation ever ruled over Israel??? Sure, Babylon, Rome, etc. ??? What can this mean??? It is connected to verse 5, "⁶For…". It is conditioned on Israel's obedience. ??? Has this promise been fulfilled with Israel???

v.7-11

Moses appeals to Israel's heart. The law of cancellation is intended to instill a sense of generosity therefore avoiding a love of money and material things. An Israelite who refused a loan to another Israelite because he knew the 7^th year was near, misses the point and is guilty of sin. He hardens his heart by not trusting the LORD to bless his work. [Pr.11:24 "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty" -NIV].

This is an example concerning the poor

v.7

"harden your heart" - (lit. "to make strong"). The idea is to suppress natural compassion. Remember the Pharaoh of Egypt. Moses: "Let my people go" Pharaoh: "No".

v.9

Man's Rationalization Not to Help	God's Desire
"Since the brother will be out of debt soon (7^th year) anyway, it is unnecessary to help now."	God wants a need to be met that very moment.
"If I give him the money now, and since the 7^th year remission is near, I will never see this money again."	God wants Israel to trust Him to provide and bless them.
This is between brothers (Israelites) - Analogy: Christian (spiritual) brothers.

"and it will be a sin in you" It is "sin" for Israel not to help his brother.

??? Is it "sin" for Christians (believers) not to help other believers???

??? Is this "sin" automatic??? I.e., does it become sin whenever the poor cries out to God??? I believe it is sin before he cries out to God.

v.10

"your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him" - See 2 Co.9:7 "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."

??? What does Israel do to get blessed??? - Give to his poor brother.

??? Does this apply to us???

v.12-18

The transition from the poor and debtors is easy to slaves since becoming a slave is often through the stress of poverty and debt.

Slavery
REGULATIONS
1	Hebrew slaves could be held for 6 years. In the 7^th year he was permitted freedom.
2	If a slave-owner inflicted serious bodily injury on a slave, the slave was given his freedom (Ex.21:26-27).
3	A slave may acquire wealth and, even buy his own freedom (Le.25).
4	Undue punishment was avenged by the judges (Ex.21:20-21).
5	If they accepted freedom at end of 6^th year, they were to be furnished, liberally (De.15:14).
6	Rigorous and harshness were forbidden (Le.25:39-43).
7	If a slave, when offered freedom, did not accept his freedom, his ear was to be pierced, so he bore the "brand" that he chose servitude for life.
NEW TESTAMENT Masters themselves have a Master in heaven to whom the slave and owner are precious. Slaves are to serve their earthly masters, because in the very act of serving, they are serving the heavenly Master. Master & Slaves will receive from the Lord according to their fidelity ("knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall be received of the Lord, whether bond or free").
SUMMARY Moses found slavery already in existence. Moses permitted its continuance. Moses placed the slave-owner under restrictions so the slaves knew their rights as men. Moses limited slavery so no Hebrew could be a slave for life, except voluntarily. Hebrew slavery was unlike any other in the world. If slavery was forcibly put enacted, the spirit of enslaving would open unbridled lawlessness. God's divine process, though seemly slower, lifted the master above the level of tyrant, and the slave is seen as a man or brother. Because of insisting on equality of men before God, Moses was planting the seed, even educating men out of slavery.

Piercing the ear was to create an aura of not wanting self-chosen servitude, attempting to lift them up above it.

The Bible does NOT encourage slavery, it actually educates against it.

v.15

Israel - "the LORD your God has redeemed you" -De.15:15	Believer - "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us" -Ti.2:14
Remember Egypt: De.10:15,19; 16:12; 24:18,22; Ex.22:20; 23:9; Le.19:34.	Remember Being Unsaved:
Promise of blessing: De.15:4, 6, 10, 18	Promise of blessing:

This is to motivate both Israel and the church.

v.16-17

If a master gives a spouse to another slave, he may choose not to leave to stay with his family.

Ex.21:2-6, A man can sell himself as a slave.

The slave is not to be forced-free, which may be a hardship to him.

v.18

"double the service of a hired man" - He has saved you as much as the cost of a hired workman.

Even back then, finding good help was hard. Ha ha.

v.19-23

Law of Firstborn Animals

Similar to law of canceling debts and releasing servants because it involves giving up personal possessions.

Reminded Israel of their redemption from Egypt, when the firstborn Egyptian sons died.

First recorded in Exodus 13:11-15

Exodus 22:29-30 - The firstborn were to be sacrificed on the 8^th day after birth

Numbers 18:15-18 - Used to help support the Priests.

Worship: God finds pleasure in our enjoyment. Fasting and denying oneself were NOT identified with worship. Eating was social and brought pleasure to both man and God.

Points to Christ:

v.19

"you shall not work with the first-born of your herd" - They were not to receive any benefit on their farm from the animal.

This belongs to the LORD, and should not be used for human purposes.

Not to Plow	Not to shorn
Oxen	Sheep Goats (Nu.18:17)

v.20

Every year (probably during annual feast -Du.6:16) the firstborn animals were taken to the central sanctuary to be sacrificed. The animal was eaten as a family meal.

v.21-23

Imperfect firstborn animals could not be sacrificed, but could be eaten in a common meal (De.12:15; 14:4-5).

The perfect firstborn animal was to be a peace offering to God.

??? Why was it important that the sacrifice be perfect??? - The sacrifice represented Christ, the sinless, perfect Lamb of God.

Deuteronomy 16

v.1-8

The Passover

The Feasts of Trumpets and Atonement are not mentioned for they do not require the whole assembly at the sanctuary.

v.1-2

PURPOSE: Israel was to teach their children that the Passover commemorates God's deliverance from Egypt (Ex.12:26-27).

Originally the sacrifice was a year-old sheep or goat (Ex.12:5).

WHO: All male Israelites were to attend (De.16:16).

Gentiles were excluded from the feast unless they became a proselyte (Ex.12:43-49).

WHEN: Also celebrated a month later for those unable to attend because of ceremonial uncleanness (touching a dead body) or on a distant journey (Nu.9:6-12).

WHERE: The place which the LORD your God chooses (De.16:16) to establish His name.

WHAT: A feast (De.16:15).

This gave Israel the opportunity to acknowledge the LORD as Deliverer, Provider, and Protector during travel including families who stayed home.

Israel expressed their faith in Egypt when they slayed a lamb and placed the blood above the door.

v.3

"bread of affliction" represents Israel's slavery in Egypt.

Not only were they not to eat leaven, they were not to have it in their house (1Co.5:7).

v.4

7 days without leaven

The sacrifice was to be completely consumed.

v.5-8

The first Passover was in the homes of the individuals. But after the central sanctuary is built (the place where God's name would dwell; De.12:5,11; 14:23; 16:2,11; 26:1,15), the Passover could only be observed there. This shows a change in procedure.

v.7

The "tents" were temporary dwellings for those who have come to the central sanctuary.

v.8

6 days eat unleavened bread, but some work can be done. On the 7^th day no work is to be done. It is called "a solemn assembly to the LORD your God."

It is on this "seventh day" that the whole assembly was to be made before the LORD.

v.9-12

The Feast of Weeks

v.9

"count seven weeks"

"from the time you begin" to harvest the grain in March-April.

v.10

"freewill offering … just as the LORD your God blesses you" - Paul may have had this in mind in 1 Co.16:2 in the context of giving as God has "prospered" you. The system of tithing may not be in mind in 1 Corinthians.

"tribute of a freewill offering" - Nothing is specially prescribed here. (See De.16:16-17).

Festivals show worship to be a joyous experience sharing in God's bountiful blessings (De.16:11; 14-15; 12:7,12,18; 14:26).

In the feasts, God finds pleasure in our pleasure.

v.13-17

The Feast of Tabernacles

It was called this because after the harvest (Le.23:39), Israel was to live in booths for one week.

v.14

JOY

??What is the characteristic of the festival??

The characteristic of the festival is JOY. Too often we think of the OT period as merely a time of law and restrictions, but actually JOY was emphasized.

Verse 11 and 14 shows that the feasts were not ONLY for the males.

Since the LORD is generous to them, they are to be generous to others (De.14:21; 24:19-21).

v.15

"so that you shall be altogether joyful." - God finds pleasure in our pleasure.

v.16-17

The giving was to be proportionate as God has blessed them (De.15:14; 16:10).

??Are we to "figure out" what we should give??

??How do we figure out what we should give?? Is it a number or percentage?

v.16

Moses reiterated that the men were to go three times a year to appear before the LORD.

"They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed." -- There were to make sure they brought something to give.

THREE GREAT ANNUAL FEASTS

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

Feast of Booths

v.18-18:22

De.12:1--16:17 deals with worship of the LORD by His people.

De.16:18--18:22 deals with the responsibilities of the officials to maintain pure worship in the promised land, and administer justice impartially.

v.18--17:13

Judges and Officials

v.18-20

v.18

"righteous judgment" The standard they were to use was the 5 books of Moses.

Moses earlier appointed judges to settle disputes (Ex.18; De.1:12-18).

v.19

"not distort justice"

Not partial (lit. "recognize faces") toward someone [treat them as though they have no prior knowledge of them.

Not take a bribe

This verse reads like a proverb.

God knows the human heart is bent toward evil, and selfishness.

v.20

"justice justice" the repeat is for emphasis.

"that you may live and possess the land" - This implies that if they are not following justice, they will not see the land.

v.21

Israel was not to do anything that might accommodate worship of the LORD to pagan systems.

"Asherah" - A wooden pole which was symbolic of a goddess of fertility, a cohort of Baal.

v.22

"sacred pillar" - a stone pillar which was symbolic of male fertility (De.7:5; 12:3; Ex.34:13).

Deuteronomy 17

v.1

defective sacrifice - is detestable to the LORD (Le.22:19-24).

Remember Cain and Abel (Ge.4:3-7)? Why was Cain's offering NOT accepted?

?Was he expected to know something? Or was it attitude?

To offer less than the best to God is to "despise" His name (Ma.1:6-8, a list of charges God brings against His people. They were offering sick animals to Him).

If we were checked out for the way we do business with God, we would be arrested. Many often give "seconds" to missionaries. Things you wanted to "get-rid-of."

God own all anyway. We cannot give Him anything. God allows us to give to Him so it blesses our soul. We do not give to benefit God. He already owns all.

Giving less than the best…	Is failing to acknowledge Him as the ultimate Provider of all that is best in life. Is a failure to acknowledge the vast gulf between a holy God and sinful people. It shows an unworthy view of God. It shows the faith of the offerer is dead.
?Is there anything here that applies to us? ?Does time apply to this passage? - The "best" of our time.

v.2

"within thy gates"- The gates of the city. How serious!

De.13 talks about those who seduce into idolatry. De.17 talks about those who are seduced.

"Idolatry" is treason to the Hebrew commonwealth.

"covenant" - Not to serve other gods.

God is not teaching those who commit the act a lesson. They are about to die. He is teaching the people the lesson - not to serve other gods.

v.3

Horoscope - "sun", "moon", "hosts"

Greek mythology: Apollo was the god of the sun. Artemis was the god of the moon. People worship these because they believe these heavenly bodies are kind to them.

The people are involved in the execution, which demonstrates their rejection of the false gods (De17:3). This is not a civil crime, but a religious one of idolatry.

Job 31:26-27 shows how far back the worship of the heavenly bodies really goes.

The Art Bell Show for example, seems to be filled with people obsessed with aliens. IT is almost alien worship.

v.4

"Inquired diligently"; "it be true"; "and the thing certain"

Careful Process (De.17:4)
"it be told thee"	Someone says it to you
"you hear it"	You hear it.
"inquire diligently"	You ask questions concerning it.
"it be true"	You ask whether it is true or not.
"the thing certain"	They tell you it is true.
"then …" (v.5)	Then you can take the next step.

v.5

?Where are they supposed to take them? "unto thy gates"

?Where is "thy gates"? Outside of the city (Nu.15:36 "without the camp").

Today we are so "loving" and "kind" and "understanding" that we neglect the death penalty.

v.6

?Why is "one witness" not sufficient to put someone to death? - God knows man's heart. Also one person could lie, and there would be no way to prove or disprove it.

It might make crime more difficult to prove, but it guards the innocent.

In our society we are no longer focused on right or wrong. If a crime has taken place, we feel we must "do something" about it. Something is better than nothing even if the something will not prevent a similar crime from occurring again.

?What is better: (1) a guilty person getting away with it or (2) a innocent person suffering for something he do not do? - A guilty person may occasionally escape, but this is better than the innocent suffering.

Moral rule of conduct: Slow to suspect, but quick to put down evil.

(Nu.35:30 "One witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die").

?Can "one" witness in our society send a person to prison or the gas chamber? - Yes!

?Is this to protect anyone? God is protecting the innocent.

v.7

?Who are the first to strike the convicted one? - The witnesses" Why? - If their testimony is later disproved, they in effect, have committed murder.

The witnesses; those who heard an offence were to "lay their hands upon the head…" first.

PRINCIPLE: We should NOT have sympathy with wrong. Even if we "know" the convicted person.

"so thou shall put the evil away from among you" - Is there a N.T. application for us in this passage? ANSWER: We should "put away" the individual from fellowship: Required steps.

Investigate the matter (sin). No rumors or half-truths.
He is unwilling to repent.
Mt.18:15-20.; 1Co.5; 1Ti.5:19

Fellowship: Required Steps
1	Investigate the matter (sin). No rumors or half-truths
2	He is unwilling to repent.
3	Mt.18:15-20; 1Co.5; 1Ti.5:19

v.8-13

Obedience to authority. There was a central tribunal, which consisted of priests and the officiating chief judge. This was to be established at the future central sanctuary. This site is where the LORD chooses to place His name. The decisions made were final. This system made the rule of justice paramount, which helped prevent anarchy.

The priest's decision was in accordance with God's will, and thus was to be obeyed.

If God would grant every prayer we ask, as we ask them, that would be a big mistake (Ro.8:26 "for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit makes intercession for us…").

Ex.18:19-26, Moses setup:

"rulers of thousands"

"rulers of hundreds"

"rulers of fifties"

"rulers of tens."

v.8

Evidence on both sides seem impressive. What should be done?

Disobedience of the Priest's decision was punishable by death. What do we do? We appeal, and appeal till we get the answer we want.

If the Law specifically covers an issue, then there is no need to take the matter to the Priests. In our society, we do take things to court to have a law changed. But God's Law is final. It will not change.

The connection between religion and justice may seem to be lost. Both are defined in one word, namely, "righteousness." Religion is righteousness between Man and God. Morality is righteousness toward Man.

"A matter too hard for you in judgment …matters of controversy"
Type of case	Description	Biblical Examples
"between blood and blood"	Cases where blood had been shed and death the result. This includes accidental and murderous intent.	Ex.21:13; Nu.35:9
"between plea and plea"	Cases of disputed rights and claims.	2Ch.19:10
"between stroke and stroke"	Cases where corporal injury is suffered. This includes whether in strife or from assault.	Ex.21:18
NOT: This does not have the idea of an appeal from a lower court to a higher court. This does not have the idea of a case immediately going straight to the high court.
IS: The idea is if a case is too difficult for the ordinary judge, then he would have it go to the priest and the Levites. The ordinary judge does not make a decision on the case.

v.9

Duties of the Priest (Levites)
	Duty	O.T Passages	N.T. Passages
1	They were to offer sacrifices.	Le.2-9	Ro.12:1; Ph.2:17; 4:18
2	Intercede for the people before God.		1Ti.2:1
3	To teach and interpret the Law	Le.10:11; De.33:10; Ma.2:7
4	Regarded as the highest court, being well versed in the Law of God.	De.17:8-13.	1Co.6:3; 11:31; Mt.19:28; Ro.14:10
There would be one place that the LORD would choose to put His name (Jerusalem). The priest's authority was relative and conditional. It was not absolute. If they became unfaithful, and their judgments unjust, they were guilty of presumption and were to die (De.18:20). We are called priests (1Pe.2:5), so how does this apply to us?

v.14-20

A "king"? Is Moses anticipating Israel's failure? This is a reference to a future king (see 1Sa.8:5 "now make us a king to judge us like all the nations").

The prohibitions of the king imply the people have a choice.

Ultimately, the monarchy became hereditary. The Priests (Levites) were hereditary.

v.14-15

A Kings qualifications. Do you see any negative connotation to a king? No, we simply see his qualifications.

If God did not want there to be a human king, why even mention it here? Why bring it up?

Kings Requirements (De.17:14-20)
Qualifications (De.17:14-15)		Behavior (De.17:16-17)		Education (De.17:18-20)
Chosen by God	Later the Prophets chose on God's behalf: Samuel supported Saul (1Sa.9-12). David (1Sa.16). Nathan's support for Solomon (1Ki.1).	(1) Do not acquire a great number of horses	Humanly speaking, a strong infantry army had many horses. But Israel was to trust in the LORD for protection, not on military strength (see Ex.14-15, God demonstrated this point already).	Carefully copying the Law	He is to copy all the Law, not just these requirements (De.17:18). The king is to have his own private copy of the Law. This may be something he was to write with his own hand.
Must be an Israelite	Someone raised in the Jewish religion would be better for protecting the purity of God's religion.	(2) Do not go back to Egypt	Egypt was a great place to acquire horses. God did not want Israel to go back to where Israel was in slavery.	Carefully reading the Law	He is to read all the Law that he may learn to "fear the LORD" (De.17:19).
		(3) Do not have many wives	Kings often married foreign women to form political alliances. If the king trusted the LORD, he would not need alliances. This is a form of compromise. Foreign wives could cause the heart to follow idols. It was Solomon's wives that turned his heart from God.	Carefully following the Law	He is to obey all the Law so that he does not exalt himself above the people. Plus to obey is to prolong his days, kingdom, and children (De.17:20). Jo.1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night…" Ps.1:2; 119:15-16, 24, 97-99.
		(4) Do not acquire a large amount of silver and gold	To help the king no to develop a sense of independence from the LORD, and lust for material things (Pr.30:8-9). David started collecting these metals for the temple. Solomon continued to collect them. The grievous taxation caused the split Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms.
?Are we kings? (See ). If so then this applies to us. Solomon broke these prohibitions (1Ki.10:14-15, 23, 26-28; 11:1-6). The priests were the custodians of the Law (Pentateuch). Israel's kings were to be subject to the King of kings. Israel did not estimate their privilege by being ruled directly by Jehovah. A spiritual government by an invisible Ruler is difficult to grasp. A king exists for the nation, not the nation for the king. The aim of the king is the widest public good.

De.17 deals with the King. De.18 Deals with Priests and Prophets.

Deuteronomy 18

v.1-2

"The Levitical priests," "the whole of Levi". This includes both the priests and the general body of Levites. The priests are to be distinguished from the Levites. A priest was a Levite, but a Levite was not always a priest.

Shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel (v.1).

Shall have no inheritance among their countrymen (v.2).

= The LORD is their inheritance (v.2).

Why "no portion or inheritance"

Being exempt from the cares and labor of world business, they are exclusively devoted to his service.

Being dispersed among the different tribes, they are more available for teaching and directing the people.

A bond of mutual love should be formed between the people and the Levites as the people provide for the Levites.

SUMMARY THOUGHTS

? Does this imply that those who cannot devote their whole lives to the ministry should not teach?

They would not have a unified tribal territory (De.10:9; 12:12; 14:27, 29).

v.1

"The LORD's offering by fire" - This refers to the meal, sin, and trespass offering (Nu.18:9).

"And his portion" - This includes tithes, firstlings, and the first fruits.

v.2

"The LORD is their inheritance" - The LORD chose the Levites as His first born consecration portion of Israel (De.18:5; see Nu.3:5-13), and then He is giving Himself to the Levites as their portion.

? Has God chosen us as His inheritance?

? Is God our inheritance?

v.3-4

Priests officiated at the central sanctuary and received from the people
Sacrificed ox or sheep (v.3)		(v.4)
The shoulder (or front legs) Two cheeks (or two jaw bones) Stomach (or rough stomach)	These were regarded as the choice parts.	First fruits of your grain Your new wine Your oil First shearing of your sheep (wool)	These gifts were over and above the ordinary dues. These were gifts on the part of the people. Neglect incurred only moral blame, not judicial penalty.
These are not the sacrifices done by the priests. These were personal sacrifices. ? What personal sacrifices do we offer?

v.5

"To stand and serve" - They were to act as mediator between the people and God.

God chose Aaron and his descendants from among the tribes of Israel to minister in the LORD's name.

"forever"

Aaron's Priesthood "Forever"
c.1442 BC	c. 30 AD	Forever
God chose Aaron and his descendants as priests	Christ's ministry, death and resurrection superseded the Aaronic priesthood (old Mosaic covenant). Christ became the igh Priest of the New Covenant.	The New Testament broadens the priesthood to include all Christians (1Pe.2:9). Every Christian has come into the family of Jesus Christ (He.2:10-14), and so are in Jesus' priestly line.
De.18:5	He.2:17-18; 4:14-5:10; 6:19-7:28
SUMMARY THOUGHTS

v.6-7

A Levite was to minister on the LORD's behalf (in His name). If he travels, he receives equal support with the other Levites. They would assist the Priests (1Ch.23:28-32), but not minister as priests. These are Levites, but not of Aaron's line. Only those in Aaron's line can be priests.

Only a portion of the Levites engaged in the service of the sanctuary. The rest lived in their towns throughout the tribes.

v.6

"Now if a Levite comes" - The Levite is not homeless, but is regarded as a sojourner in the land.

v.8

"sale of their father's estates" - A Levite may have received money from a prior sale from his family's property and possessions (Le.25:32-34). Though he may have this money, a Levite who engages in the service of the sanctuary should receive gifts from the worshipers.

Redeeming Possessions
If a Hebrew becomes poor he may have to sell some of his property to make ends meet. In this case his nearest relative should redeem or buy back the land (Ru.3:12-4:6; Je.32:7-12). Or the poor Hebrew may later be able to redeem it himself. The value is determined in reference to the date of the Jubilee (Le.25:16, 50-53). It is a form of pro-rated.
But there are two exceptions:
EXCEPTION: 1	Jubilee release did not apply to a house in a walled city And it could not be redeemed after a year from its sale.
EXCEPTION: 2	Levites always have the right to redeem their city property.

v.9-13

Detestable Things (De.18:9-13)
Passage	Detestable Thing	Description
v.10	"pass through the fire"	The worship of Molech involved some human sacrifice, including their own children (Le.18:21; 20:2-5; De.12:31; Je.19:5; Ek.16:21; 23:37).
v.10	"uses divination"	Means "to divide". To prophecy or determine the will of the gods by interpreting omens (Jo.13:22; Is.6:2; 28:8; 2Ki.17:17; Is.3:2; 44:25; Je.27:9; 29:8; Ek.13:6, 9, 23; 21:21, 23, 29; 22:28; Mi.3:6-7, 11; Ze.10:2).
v.10	"practices witchcraft"	Practicing magic by incantations. The English use of witch often restricts it to a female who practices, formally it was chiefly applied to males.
v.10	"interpret omens" ("observer of times", KJV)	To tell the future based on signs such as movement of birds, rain, or fire. This may have included astrology.
v.10	"sorcerer" ("enchanter", KJV)	The attempt to control people or circumstances through a power given by an evil spirit (demon). (De.18:10, 14; Le.19:26; 2Ki.21:6; Is.2:6; Mi.5:12).
v.11	"casts a spell" ("charmer", KJV)	Literally, "one who ties knots." He binds people by magic.
v.11	"medium" ("familiar spirits", KJV)	This is one who believes he knows about the unseen world.
v.11	"spiritist" ("wizard", KJV)	The word literally means, "the wise one". The word itself does not convey anything evil. One who communicates with the dead. The spiritist is actually communicating with demons. They may have been ventriloquists.
v.11	"one who calls up the dead"	This refers back to the spiritist as they contact the "dead." They do this to gain advise, information concerning the future, or help to manipulate a person or situation.
SUMMARY THOUGHTS Our future is NOT determined by magical manipulation. Reliance on these practices shows a failure to trust the LORD with your life. When the people go into the land they are not to adopt the pagan practices of those people. 1Ti.4:1, Paul warns, "in the later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…". This is resorting to the unseen satanic world. De.18:12, God will drive them out because they do these things (see De.9:4). Human nature tends to want to explore the unknown and the future. These spiritualist came along to satisfy mans longing. And, yes, there can be a degree of accuracy to their predictions. But the origin of their predictions is satanic. 2Pe.2:1, "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you…" The variety and number of these terms show how great a hold spiritalism had on the people. True knowledge is in the "fear" of the LORD (De.4:10 "fear … teach"; De.17:19 "learn to fear the LORD"; De.31:12-13 "learn and fear". God is the source of all truth.

v.13

"You shall be blameless" - This means "entire" or "whole". It is used in a moral sense of bein