CHAPTER 24-25:
We’ve read so many laws given to the Israelites. Some have made sense. Others have seemed over the top. All in all, they are a reflection of His character and were meant to guide the Israelites and help them remain close to Him. These last two chapters hold a variety of laws. We will read them today and look for an overarching message. We’ve got lots to read today, so I’ll keep the commentary brief.
Read Deuteronomy 24:1-5.
Was divorce allowed?
Would a man be able to take back a wife he had previously divorced? Why or why not?
Why was a newly married man relieved from his service in the army for a year?
I love that God wanted a husband to give his wife happiness! He is a God who cares about everyone.
The rest of Deuteronomy 24 and 25 is a list of various laws. We will tackle them all at one time.
Read Deuteronomy 24:6 – 25:19. Read and fill in the blanks.
1) Don’t take a hand mill or a ________________ as a pledge because it will prevent one’s daily survival.
2) Kidnappers will be put to __________________.
3) Follow the guidelines for dealing with ___________________________, the contagious disease.
4) When you make a loan, don’t forcefully exact payment or take a _________________ as a pledge. The person may need it for warmth.
5) Don’t oppress hired help. Pay them _______________ day.
6) Fathers can’t be put to death for the sins of a _______________. Everyone is responsible for their own sin.
7) Be just when dealing with aliens, orphans, and _________________. Don’t be overly harsh and remember their circumstances. Don’t take a widow’s cloak in ___________________. She may need it for warmth.
8) Leave some harvest in the field. Don’t take it all. Allow the __________________, ___________________, and _________________ to glean the leftovers from the field. Remember you were a slave in Egypt, so show empathy for others.
9) A guilty man was to be punished in front of the judge with no more than ____________ stripes.
10) Let a worker (ox) eat while working.
11) An unmarried brother was obligated to take the wife of his ________________ brother and give him a child. If the brother was unwilling, the wife could take his sandal, spit in his face, and say , “____________________________________________________________” in order to humiliate him.
12) If two Israelites were fighting and the wife of one grabs the genitals of the other to keep him from slapping her husband, her _________________ was to be cut off. NOTE: This was the only case of mutilation mentioned in the Pentateuch.
13) The weights and measures in trade were to be equitable and fair, free from _____________________. Obedience to this would be blessed.
14) Remember the ____________________ and how they attached the stragglers in the desert. In your rest and prosperity, don’t forget their evil deeds, warns the LORD.
When you look back over all of these laws, what word best describes them as a whole?
Unjust fair irrelevant recommended equal
Why did you choose that word?
We get a picture of the heart of God based on these laws. What can you see about God from them?
What kind of heart are we to have towards both God and others?
Read Mark 12:28-31.
When asked to pick the greatest commandment, Jesus answered explained we should love the LORD with all we have first, then we should love others as ourselves. How do these Old Testament laws fulfill this explanation from Jesus?
What is more difficult for you: love God with all you’ve got, or loving your neighbor as yourself? Why?
Remember, agape love is an action. It is what we do. Does knowing this help you love better? Why or why not?
We are image bearers of our Creator. Our hearts and our actions should reflect Him. In fact, that is our purpose as Christians, to reflect His character. May we work toward that end with every increasing glory!
Lesson to Remember: God requires fairness when dealing with others.
A Way to Walk: Our actions and our attitudes should reflect our LORD. Walk in a way that brings Him glory.
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