Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29:

Covenant. Inheritance. Obey. Blessings. Curses. All of these words have been swirling together throughout the book of Deuteronomy. But the most important thing the Israelites needed to do was love the LORD with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Love is what makes it all possible. Love is part of the image of God we hold in our design. It is the part that will help us choose to obey the LORD, for when you love the LORD more than the world, you will choose Him.

Read Deuteronomy 29:1-4.


Who is listening to the words of Moses in this chapter?

In spite of all they had experienced, what were they still lacking?

The Israelites were still lacking a heart to know the LORD, eyes to see and ears to hear. They were spiritually blind to see what the LORD had done for them. We are on the other side of the cross and have the gift of the revelation of Christ. How much more have we been given in this knowledge! How much easier it should be for us to understand in our hearts our position before the Holy God and our need for redemption. In return for our repentance and our heart to follow Jesus, we are given a deposit guaranteeing what is to come, a pledge of our heavenly inheritance. We are given the Holy Spirit.

Read Ephesians 1:13-14.

What encouragement do you get from these verses?

We’ve read these verses before, but please read them again. Read Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Where does our new heart come from?

Whose spirit do we receive?

Why is it important that these things - our new heart and spirit – come from Him and not ourselves?

How does this make you more able to follow Him?

Read Deuteronomy 29:5-9.

What supernatural things sustained them in the wilderness?

What made them able to defeat their enemies?

Read Deuteronomy 29:10-15.

Who is making this covenant with the LORD?

Was anyone excluded? Why not, do you think?

What is God establishing on this important day?

Their identity was to be the people of God. The LORD would be their God and they would be His people. He was establishing a promise with them to protect them and provided for them beyond measure – IF they would follow Him and be His people. God was making the promise to the current generation as well as those in the future, for God is faithful and always upholds His promises.

Read Deuteronomy 29:16-21.

Were the Israelites ignorant of the dangers of idol worship practiced by the neighboring nations? Why or why not?

The assumption here is that if they know the dangers, then they will not participate. What do you know is dangerous, but still participate in?


Does participating in this pull you away from God, distract you from His truth? In what way?

What was the promise given to the Israelite who decided their peace came from other places, not the LORD?

Have you tried to find your peace in other places? If so, where? How successful were you?

Read Deuteronomy 29:22-29.

Moses knew the Israelites would not be able to follow the LORD without fault, so he assumed the curses would occur. Would the Israelites know why they were being cursed? How do you know?

Moses ends with some amazing wisdom: “The secret things belong to the LORD, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (v. 29). God does not always give us the specifics we sometimes want. What should I do? How do I serve? What is my answer? What will happen? But He does give us exactly what we need to find and follow Him. He gives us enough light for the step we are on. And more than that, He promises He is with us and for us.

I’ll have to be honest, as a writer, I have been worried about all the negativity in this book. The more I wrote, the more I repeated the downfalls and sins of the Israelites, the more I repeated the curses, the more I worried that you would become uninterested. Who wants to hear about curses over and over?

I marinated on Chapter 29 for a while because I didn’t know what to say that might encourage you because the truth is we are sinners – all the time. We are just like the Israelites turning away doing our own things, find our satisfaction, provision, and promises in other things. Even after we are saved, we still turn away. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this whole thing isn’t all about the sins and faults of the Israelites; it’s about God’s long-suffering love for His people. Can you imagine His frustration? Just when the hearts of one sinful generation get it right, the next one comes along and goofs it up. And who is still there – hand out-reached, heart full of love, inviting His people into His promises? Our heavenly Father! Year after year. Generation after generation. Millennium after millennium. Steadfast. True. Merciful. Ever-loving. Our God!

I cannot resist His faithfulness. Oh, how sweet He is! In the midst of my own sin, His love and mercy call to me. I want to run to Him, be pulled into His sweet presence, and dwell there forever. After all He has done on my behalf and all He wants to do in the future, my heart is the least I can offer Him.

If you have been feeling disenchanted with the sin cycle of the Israelites and the curses brought about by it, know this: our God is a master at restoration. The sin cycle, with all of its curses, brings His people back to Him. Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, our father is waiting there for our return, ready to place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and embrace us with a hug. And even though we’ve been disobedient, he says in his long-suffering love, “I’ll always take you back. Welcome home.”

Lesson to Remember: God is long-suffering.

A Way to Walk: Work to love God with all your heart. When you goof up, repent and try again, but just because we are forgiven and God is long-suffering does not give us the right to abuse His forgiveness or patience with us. In fact, continual purposeful sinning may be a sign that you are not saved and do not have the Holy Spirit in you to help and guide you. If that is the case, then you need to go back to the beginning and reconsider salvation and what it means to have faith, then repent and follow Jesus. Ask the Lord. Ask a Christian friend. They will help you.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28:

My mom had always wanted to build and live in a log cabin. I think it was her pioneer roots that fed this hope of hers. Her family traveled the Oregon Trail in covered wagons, staked out land in the Oklahoma Land Grab. They were people who built things from the ground up. So one day, she and my step-father bought a little 3 acre plot of land and started building. They did as much of the work as they could by themselves: sheet rock, painting, installing cabinets. Binkey (my step-father’s nickname) even installed hardwood floors from planks of wood he had been saving: wild cherry, oak, and even tiger’s eye maple. It was a cozy little house made out of love. When it was all finished, Binkey built mom a koi pond in the front yard. He placed a concrete edge around it and in the edge, penned in mountain rocks, he wrote “Blessed Hope.” That was the name they gave their little piece of property. It was two-fold in meaning, I think. They felt blessed in the fact that their hope to build this little bit of heaven on earth actually came to fruition. They also loved the Lord and held a hope of the blessings to come in heaven.

I rode by “Blessed Hope” the other day, just to see what it looked like years after both Momma and Binkey have gone to the real “Blessed Hope.” The house looked well taken care of. The beautiful flower beds and Binkey’s garden were gone, but the yard was green and groomed. The “Blessed Hope” marker was gone too. I’m sure whoever removed it had no idea what it meant. But I know. And I also know the hope of the blessings that await us in the LORD. He has written them out plainly for all to see. He has repeated them over and over for us, for we are forgetful creatures. He has also clearly stated the curses that await for those who do not obey. Chapter 28 gives us the details of both. There is a lot of reading today. Let’s see what God says.

Read Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

These verses promise blessings. What are the “if” statements that stipulate the blessings?

Read Deuteronomy 28:3-8.

If you could pick a word to sum up the blessings, what word would you pick: nothing, something, everything? Why did you choose this word?

Read Deuteronomy 28:9-14.

What else did you learn about God’s blessings?

What stayed the same?

Read Deuteronomy 28: 15-20. Make a list of the curses as you read.

Did you notice the “if” statement that started this list of curses?

Why do you think Moses keeps repeating this?

If you do this ______, then the LORD will do this ______. That is how this section is set up for us. A person’s actions were in the verses you just read. Now we are about to read the consequences of those actions. You might want to look for the words “the LORD will” to help you find the list of consequences.

Read Deuteronomy 28:21-68. Be prepared for some gruesome consequences. Make a list of consequences as you go, or underline “the LORD will” in your Bible to help you find them easily.

“What terrible things the LORD outlines in chapter 28.” That is what I wrote at the top of my page in my Bible. And do you want to know what is even worse? They all happened. Even the cannibalism happened during a siege on Israel. You can read about it in 2 Kings Chapter 6 starting in verse 24. The Israelites moved into the Promised Land, became distracted by the things around them, complacent in their wealth, and they forgot about following the LORD. All of the curses came upon them. It makes me so sad to know that man can fall to such depravity. I am no exception. I can fall just like the Israelites did. So can you.

You know, I’m not sure how much clearer God could make things for us. He tells us over and over who He is and what He wants. He gives us warnings and promises of blessings. He illustrates with examples, images, metaphors, parables, and just plain words. He tells us He loves us, wants us to be with Him, and gives us glimpses of the beautiful things to come. But He also shows us the curses that await for those who dare to hate Him, who dare to create their own god and follow a lie.

Why, oh why, would we not listen to Him? Why would we ever disregard the words of the Creator of the universe? And, if we do believe Him and if we do want to follow Him, then why would we do it half-heartedly? And why would we NOT share what we know with those around us?

I cannot think of any reasonable answer. I cannot think of any excuse we have for not listening, obeying, or telling others. None. And yet . . . we don’t. We get wrapped up in our own mini-worlds, our own desires, our own thoughts, and we disregard our Creator and our Savior.

And yet . . . He still reaches out to us. He still offers to forgive our wayward hearts. He still wants to pull us close, protect us, provide for us. He still loves us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” – a blessed life with Him for all eternity (John 3:16).
God is faithful. His Word is true. And His promises are sure. He has promised both blessings and curses, but he has done everything possible to ensure you are blessed beyond measure besides forcing you to choose Him. He will not make you. You must choose!

Choose now! Acknowledge that you are a sinner, you have not obeyed, and you need His forgiveness. Ask Him for it. He will forgive you, for this is His promise. Amen! Then go and commit your life to Him, or recommit, if you know you have been unfaithful in your walk. He is our blessed hope! Love Him for He loves you. Remember what He has done to save you and protect you and provide for you. Fear Him as your faithful and true and sure Creator and Savior. Obey Him out of thankfulness and respect. Then go out and teach others what you know about Him. Bring Him glory and be blessed! Amen!

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful and true.

A Way to Walk: Live out each day with the resolve to be faithful to Him. When you goof up, and you will, ask for forgiveness, do what you can to right the wrong, and go forward in the confidence that you are His child, loved and cared for by Him. Be thankful!

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27:

I love a to-do list. There is nothing as satisfying as looking back at a long list of things I need to accomplish and seeing them all crossed off. But my romance with my to-do lists is not always a happy ending. More often than not, I over estimate and load too many things on my daily list. Then I feel disappointed in myself for not getting everything completed, and go into loser mode. Loser mode is never good. In fact, it is a curse that I cannot escape alone. My husband knows me well and is great at freeing me from the loser grips. He is such a blessing.

Blessing and curse. Deuteronomy 11 spoke of the blessings and curses that the Israelites were to place on two separate mountains - the blessing on Mount Gerizim, the curse on Mount Ebal. Today’s reading expands on the curses first mentioned in chapter 11. They are somewhat like a to-do list, or a NOT to-do list. So, I can totally empathize with the problem that will spring from this list.

Read Deuteronomy 27:1-4.

What were the Israelites to build when they first entered the Promised Land?

What were the lime-coated stones supposed to have written on them?

What was the reason for doing this?

Do you sometimes need a visual to remind you of things, like a to-do list, or a witty saying on the wall that keeps you focused?

If you were going to give yourself a visual reminder of something the LORD is placing on your heart and mind right now, what would it be?

The problem with to-do lists is that when they sit there too long with things left undone, I tend to not see them. Oh, I guess I see them, but I don't pay attention to them. They are just part of the scenery. I think this is true for a lot of things. I live in a beautiful city with landscapes and iconic scenes that people long to see in person, but I drive right past them without a second thought. They are just part of my every day view therefore nothing special. Knowing that is how people tend to be, this lime-coated pillar with God's Law written on it will probably lose its visual value over time. If we are not careful, the same will be true about God's Law for us: it will lose its value in our every day world. And that little thing God just placed on your heart, it will fade too - if you let it. We will need to be intentional about remembering the things the Lord has called us to do, and not allow them to be swallowed up in the rush of life.


Read Deuteronomy 27: 5-8.

What else were they to build?

What were the specific instructions for this altar?

This is what was done at Mt. Sinai 40 years earlier. The people gathered in celebration of the covenant with God, and they offered peace offerings and thanksgiving to the LORD. So, they were to do this again when they entered the land God had promised to them. Both were celebrations of deliverance - one from Egypt and one from the desert. They commemorated the fulfillment of God's promises to them. We should remember too - remember the day we were saved, remember what Jesus did for us, remember how we felt. It is good to remember for if you don't remember you will forget and if you forget you will not be as thankful or as obedient and the love for your Lord will grow cold. Love. Remember. Fear. Obey. Teach.

Read Deuteronomy 27:9-14.

What was special about this day?

What was required of the people?

In what way would the curses be announced to everyone?

Read Deuteronomy 27:15-26.

When you read the curses, what things stuck out to you? Why?

Were there any new items on this list that had not been mentioned before?

Would you place the new item in the category of respect toward God or respect toward fellow man?

What is said at the end of each announced curse?

What does “Amen’”mean?


Amen! We say it all the time. At the end of every prayer. When we agree with someone. So these Israelites were saying “Amen” to all of these curses that were being pronounced over them if they did not obey. “We agree. Bring it on,” was essentially what they were saying. I can’t even imagine! Can you? They must have felt very sure of themselves. But then again, so do I sometimes, and I still fail, and not just with my to-do list.

Years ago, I had this little ongoing conversation with the Lord about “Amen.” I never ended my prayers with it. I wanted to leave them open-ended, like my conversation was always open with Him. “They can put it on my tombstone when I die,” I would tell the Lord, because then it would be over and I would be with Him.

He let me go on like this for a while, but then He started working on my understanding of “Amen.” One day I was prompted to look the word up in the dictionary. Webster’s says, “to express solemn ratification or hearty approval.” Okay. I understood that. Then I looked it up in my Vine’s Bible Dictionary. Oh! It is so much more than “the end.” In the Old Testament, the word “amen” is a transliteration, which means that the Hebrew letters are replaced by similar sounding English letters. Hanukkah is a transliterated word as well. But as languages go, sometimes there isn’t an equivalent word in another language. For example, our word for love is pretty generic. We can love our husband and love pizza with the same word. In the Greek, there are multiple words for love so that you can be specific: agape, eros, philia, storge.

The meaning of the word “Amen” can be seen in Deuteronomy 7:9: “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful [the Amen] God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments. . .” The transliterated "the Amen" was replaced with "faithful" because that makes more sense to us in English. The idea is that God is faithful and you can count on His word to be true.

You see this same concept again in Isaiah 65:16: “Because he who is blessed in the earth, will be blessed by the God of truth [God of Amen]; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth [God of Amen].” The phrase God of truth is literally translated God of Amen. He is the very God, the true God, and you can depend on what He says. He is faithful.

After knowing this, how do you feel about the Israelites saying “Amen” at the end of all of those curses?

Has this changed your thoughts about the word we place at the end of each prayer, maybe even thoughtlessly? If so, what has changed?

Read Psalm 111:7.

How is “Amen” translated in these verses?

Read Hosea 5:9.

How does “Amen” fit with a warning?

Read Revelation 3:14.

Who is the Amen in these verses?

If you aren't sure, the next verse will help. Read 2 Corinthians 1:19-20.

Who accomplishes all the promises of God?

Let that soak into your brain for a second. . . Jesus is the “Yes” to every promise of God. Think about all the promises God has made just in the book of Deuteronomy – promises to bless, provide for, protect. Jesus is “the Amen,” the faithful, the true. He fulfills all of these promises as well as all of God's promises throughout the Bible. Think about all the promises of curses we just read. The final curse is for anyone who does not uphold all of the law given that day. That is impossible. No one can could possibly do everything right all the time. We are sinners at heart. Our to-do list would be left undone because we aren't able. We would be cursed, no way around it because God is faithful to His word. He is the Amen.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Who was the one to accomplish the impossible?

Jesus was the only one able to NOT receive the curses promised by our true and faithful God. He is the only sinless man.

Now back up and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

What are we in Christ?

How does God view us when we are in Christ?

Because of this great trade, our sin for Christ’s sinlessness, we are righteous before a holy God. We are sinless. The curse that should have been on you is not. What should be our response?

Do you purposefully work to tell others about Christ out of thankfulness for your curse being removed?

What is the thing that holds you back the most?

God is faithful. He will do what He has promised. His word is true. And Jesus is that word. He is “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness.” He stands and offers you a blessing instead of a curse. Won’t you take it, and then go and share His good news with others?

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful and true.

A Way to Walk: Tell others about Jesus so they too may be new creations, reconciled to God. This will bring Him glory!

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26:

It's that time of year again! Time to sign my annual teacher contract. Every year I must sign the contract the district offers to me in order to teach again the next year. My contract is somewhat vague. It states the school I’ll be teaching in, but then reserves the rights to move me other places if needed. It outlines some duties, but then adds the “anything else I may be asked to do in order to help the school function” clause. I’ve always felt the contract was more for the district than for me. Yes, I get my job, but the terms do not guarantee me anything other than a job.

The contract God makes with the people of Israel is not so vague or one-sided. Deuteronomy 26 ratifies the Sinaitic Covenant between the LORD and the second generation of Israel to escape Egypt. They accept the terms by acknowledging the LORD is their God and promise to obey Him and listen to His voice. In return, they will be His people, chosen above all other nations, they will receive His blessings, and will be a witness to His glory to all the other nations. Let’s see what Moses reminds them of as the outline of the laws comes to a close.

Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11.

What does the word “when” in the first verse imply? Is their entry into the land guaranteed?

What does the LORD ask them to do with the first fruits of the land?

What are they to confess in front of the LORD?

Why do you think the LORD would ask this of them?

Have you ever considered giving the first fruits of your labor to Him? Why or why not?

How often do you take the time to confess to the LORD that He is your provider and has placed you in a land of abundance in comparison to the world around you?

If the Israelites are a physical picture of our spiritual nature, what spiritual abundance have you received from Him?

Do you labor to make His name, His glory known to those around you? Why or why not?

Read Deuteronomy 26:12-15.

God makes sure which people are taken care of during the 3rd year?

Verses 13-14 are confessions to the LORD, to all He has commanded. The confession includes two important things required of them: “I have _______________ to the voice of the LORD my God”, and “I have ___________________________ that You have commanded me.”

Verse 15 asks for a blessing from the LORD. What is the blessing?

How does this verse also confess of the LORD’s faithfulness?

Read Deuteronomy 26:16-19.

How are they to do these commands?

List the things the Israelites have declared to do as their part in the contract.

List the things God has declared as His part of the contract.

Has God declared you to be His? If so, when and how?

The Israelites were acknowledging the relationship they had with the LORD. All healthy relationships have a give and take to them, and verses 16-19 clearly show this. Have you ever considered your relationship with the Lord in this way? If so, how? If not, why not?

With these things in mind, if you could change some things about how you hold up your end of your relationship with the Lord, what would you change?

Treasured possessions. Set high above all others. Praise. Fame. Honor. What more could they have wanted? This is a good deal! It is a beautiful contract between the God of the universe and His chosen people. In the beginning, God had entrusted His creation to mankind to oversee, to take care of it, to protect it. God wanted communion with mankind as His creator and giver of good gifts. If you remember, in Genesis, God would come and walk with Adam and Eve in the garden. He was their God and they were His people. This is still His desire, and we see it throughout scripture.

Read Jeremiah 24:7.

Read Jeremiah 31:33.

Read Ezekiel 11:20.

Read Ezekiel 14:11.

Read Ezekiel 37:23 and 27.

2 Corinthians 6:16.

Hebrews 8:10.

What is it that God desires?

What is preventing this from happening?

I know those verses were repetitive, but I wanted you to see how much the LORD repeats himself. Over and over we see God’s ultimate desire running throughout scripture. God wants us to be with Him. So what happened? The problem occurred when man took His eyes off of the creator and began to question His good gifts. When Eve was tempted in the garden to look at the forbidden fruit, when she questioned that God was keeping something good from her, decided that it looked fine, even though God said “Don’t,” and then ate the fruit . . . and when Adam, as protector of the land and protector of the order God had established, allowed Eve to eat without stopping her or shooing the serpent away, and then he ate of it too, the communion with God was broken. Mankind had turned from God, listened to a liar intent on destruction, and judged for themselves what they thought was right.

Honestly, it sounds a lot like today. Instead of listening to the good things God has for us in His word, we listen to the world’s distorted lies wrapped in emotionally pleasing packages, then we judge for ourselves what is good and right. We turn from God, then get mad at Him for all the bad things that happen. Like a spoiled child who wants everything their way, we can’t see the benefits of listening to the wisdom of a parent. We don’t want to follow rules. We want to do it our way, then expect to be blessed on all levels.

I can certainly look at my own life and see places where I listen to the world and my own desires more than I listen to my Lord. How I spend money is one example. Establishing a budget that includes a tithe takes thought and planning. I remember well when the Lord started working on my heart in this area. I was a young married woman. We didn’t make much money and lived pay check to pay check. I could not afford to tithe regularly. But the Lord would not let me use this as an excuse. Through scripture, He prompted my heart to give what I could until I could get my finances straight. I was encouraged by the account of the widow’s mite, though it was small, her heart for the Lord was big. That little bit of money was just as important and even more precious to the Lord than the rich man's bag of coins. So each week I would give what I could, even if it was just $5. Then I worked on paying some things off and rearranging my budget to allow for a more appropriate tithe. Here is the thing: it isn’t about the money. It’s about your heart. Is your heat for Him? That is what matters.

And it isn’t all about money and tithing. Do you honor the LORD with your time through discipling others or teaching or leading? Do you honor Him with your mind by renewing your thoughts with His truth in Bible study and prayer? Do you honor Him with your words, your attitudes, your praise. Do you honor Him with thanksgiving?

Where is the Lord prompting you to do a better job with your offerings to Him?

It’s important to stop now and pray about it. If you don’t, you might let the moment slip by and you will lose some resolve, peace of mind, or instruction the Lord wants to give you in this area.

What things can you do to be more intentional about your offerings and obedience to Him?

All of these things are offerings to the Lord. All of them are acts of obedience. They are your opportunity to give back to the Lord who has given you so much. We really need to stop looking at the things we do for the Lord as expectations or demands on His part, and start viewing them as our gifts back to Him. He has done so much for us. The least we can do is give something in return.

Truly, this world is full of distractions to draw our attention away. If we want to worship the Lord, follow Him, or even just offer back our thanks to Him, we will need to be intentional. It won’t happen automatically. One of the most important intentional things you can do is study His word. Spending time in His truth renews your mind. It give you a solid rock to stand on. It builds your strength to stand firm and be courageous. It nourishes your heart and mind to love, remember, fear, obey, and teach.

God’s promises given at the end of Deuteronomy 26 were meant to encourage the Israelites. As a Christ-follower grafted into His family tree, they can bring you encouragement as well. Along with being a treasured possession set high above, you are also “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

This world is far from the perfection God desired in the beginning, but one day He will make it perfect again. In His good time, it will happen. He will make all things new for His people. He will right the wrongs, wipe our tears, and destroy death. He will declare, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them” (Revelation 21:3). I don’t know about you, but I am longing for this day – a day when all will be perfect and I will be with my Lord. Come, Lord Jesus!

Lesson to Remember: God desires to be our God, and He is faithful in His part.

A Way to Walk: Be intentional about your gifts to the Lord. Whether it is spending time in His word, managing your finances, discipling a new Christian, being a Godly mother, something else, or all of the above, all of these things are an opportunity to give back to the Lord who has been so good to you. Do it with thanksgiving in your heart and on your lips.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapters 24-25

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.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23:

I don’t know about you, but I have been extra careful with my cleanliness lately. Thoughts of coronavirus have me very conscious of what I touch and how I clean. I’m sanitizing the buggy handle at the grocery store, spraying germ killer on my gloved hands as I shop, and generally washing everything with increased vigor. I have never been more aware of cleanliness in my life. I can’t imagine living like the Israelites and being concerned with cleanliness and purity to such a high degree all the time. It would be exhausting. It would make me anxious and worried. I’m so glad for the cross, for freedom from the overwhelming expectations complete purity demands. Paul said, “It is for freedom that Christ set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Let us be thankful for this freedom as we read more of the expectations put forth for the Israelites. Chapter 23 continues with guidelines for purity in worship and citizenship, as well as warriors’ personal cleanliness, and a few thoughts about purity of heart.

Read Deuteronomy 23:1-2.

Who could not enter the assembly to worship?

The eunuch who allowed himself to be emasculated had crushed his God given image and was therefore impure and not allowed to worship. This picks up from the study of chapter 22 and the idea that we are created in God’s image. Our gender is part of that gift and God detests for it to be disrespected, for this shows a disregard for God Himself, a lack of fear, and a love for something other than God.

Read Deuteronomy 23: 3-9.

Why were the Ammonites and Moabites forbidden to worship with the assembly in God’s presence?

The account in Numbers tells how the Moabites would not sell food or water to the Israelites as they passed through the land. In fact, their king hired the prophet Balaam to place a curse on Israel. God would not allow Balaam to curse them; he was forced to bless Israel. In return, Balaam devised a plan to have the Moabite women seduce the Israelite men into worshipping their gods, causing God Himself to punish them. God had not forgotten the disrespect shown to His people.

One of the most notable Old Testament women was a Moabite, however. Ruth. She was even included in the lineage of Jesus. So why was she allowed to worship? It was a heart thing.

Read Isaiah 56:1-8.

Why were the eunuch and foreigner allowed to worship?

These verse speak of both the eunuch and the foreigner who have given their heart to the LORD and are obedient to His commands. The heart is what makes the difference. When you come before the LORD with a willing heart ready to worship, that is acceptable and good. While these verses foreshadow the coming Messianic kingdom, when Jesus will rule on earth, they reveal that the intention of the Law is the heart. If your heart is for the LORD, you are welcome to worship. Ruth’s heart was for Him. “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God,” Ruth told Naomi (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s heart desired to follow the LORD. A heart for God was the very thing these people forbidden to worship lacked.

Read Deuteronomy 23: 10-14.

How were they to keep their camp clean?

God also expected purity among the soldiers going off to battle. Remaining physically clean as well as keeping the land free from impurities was important. They were also to keep from seeing indecent things, which would influence their thoughts in impure ways. Remaining pure and focused on the LORD during times of war was essential to their success.

Read Deuteronomy 23:15-25.

Name 4 ways the Israelites were to remain pure of heart.

Helping the unfortunate. Idol worship. Money issues. Making vows to the LORD. How we handle all of these is a matter of the heart. One of these is an issue God dealt with me in a very clear way. So much so, that I haven’t forgotten, nor do I think I ever will. It concerned a vow I made to Him.

Years ago, I received my income tax refund and decided I would buy a new computer printer. I wanted the top of the line! Money in hand, I headed to the nearest office supply store ot make my purchase. I came home with a very nice printer. It had functions I would never use. Like a hungry person at an all-you-can-eat buffet, my eyes had been bigger than my stomach . . . or printing jobs, in this case. I didn’t need all of that stuff. So after looking at it sitting there in the box for a couple of days, I decided to take it back.

I made a vow to the LORD to return it for the next model down and give the money I got back from the exchange to a mission project He had placed on my heart. Back to the story I went, except I didn’t trade for the next model down. After looking at all the printers and all the functions they offered, I decided I really only needed what was offered in the lowest cheapest model. I traded for that one. I felt satisfied with my exchange.

Except when I got home, I remembered my vow to the LORD. I had about $400 in return money that I’d promised to give to Him. That was a lot of money for my young self. I had never given that much – ever! That’s too much to give, I began to think. I might need that money for something else. I know I had spent it on a printer, but . . . I decided to pray and explain the situation to the LORD. Let me just say . . . it was explained, and I wasn’t the one explaining.

Have you ever seen The Lord of the Rings? Do you know the character Smeagol, the hobbit who has been transformed by the ring into a cave-dwelling, greedy, sneaky, hyper-ring-focused thing who crawls around naked saying, “My Precious” with evil, hungry eyes? Him. Do you know him?

As soon as I started to explain my return situation to the LORD, that is who popped into my mind. Smeagol. I was like Smeagol. Greedy. Hungry to keep my precious money. Trying to manipulate my way in front of the LORD.

“Is that me, LORD?” I cried. “Is that who I am?” I cried and cried. I didn’t want to be Smeagol. I cried for some time sprawled on the floor, apologizing for who I was at heart. I had a Smeagol heart, not a pure heart. How could I go on? Finally, I asked Him, “How can I even get up from here knowing that’s who I am?” And very gently, my Savior reminded me, “Because you are redeemed.” Sweet redemption, given in grace, full of mercy – that’s how we go on.

Make no mistake – there is no cave deep enough for the Smeagol inside of me to hide from my Lord. He is El Roi – the God who sees me. And make no mistake – any vow I’ve made to Him will be required of me. I learned two things that day that I will never forget. First, God takes our words seriously, even the ones we flippantly spout off without thought, and especially if those words involve a promise to Him. So be careful what you say.

Second, and most importantly, I learned what redemption really means. It isn’t just a word on the page for me any longer. God looks at our covetous, self-seeking, evil hearts, and through Christ, he forgives us. And it isn’t a begrudging forgiveness. He isn’t mad about it, like a person would be. And, it isn’t full of conditions or expectations or things I have to do. No. El Roi sees exactly who I am and He forgives me anyway. No conditions attached. It is mercy so sweet and so full of love that all I can ever do to show my thanks is bow to Him in humility and gratefulness, and then attempt to obey Him the rest of my life.

Has the Lord ever pointed out a flaw in your character, an impurity in your heart? If so, how did it make you feel?

What did you do in return?

Did it leave you feeling guilty and ashamed, or did you come to a different understanding? Explain.

Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I hope you know redemption through our only Savior, Jesus. The world will condemn you. Your enemy, Satan, will whisper condemnations in your ear. Your own conscience may even put you down. Jesus will not. He will most certainly point out where you are at fault, where you need to fix some things, but it is only to help you overcome, and he will be with you every step of the way.. He will not leave you wallowing in a cave of despair. He will remind you that you are His, that He has already paid your ransom, and that He loves you. Don’t listen to the voices that condemn. They are liars trying to keep you from overcoming. Listen to Christ. Listen to Him say, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Isaiah 43:1)

Praise the LORD! We are His! Let us offer thanks and obedience for His great love!

Lesson to Remember: Christ is our redemption

A Way to Walk: Our obedience to the Lord is a thanks offering for His great love. How you obey reveals how you feel about Him. Walk in a way that is honoring and glorifying to the Lord your God. We obey not out of obligation, but out of love and thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22:

This chapter is a compilation of a variety of laws, but the majority of them deal with sexual morality. That is something our culture needs to think about. We’ve come a long way from Deuteronomy 22, but maybe it is time to consider the path we’ve taken. Let’s get started on the various laws before we tackle the elephant in the room.

Read Deuteronomy 22:1-12. Make a list of the laws as you read.

Some of these laws make sense, like the law forbidding transvestism. Don’t violate God’s order of creation; man and woman are distinct genders. Or, if someone finds something, they should return it to the owner or, if they don’t know who owns it, keep it until they come looking for it. Another one is to not kill a mother bird and take the eggs because that protects a future food source. Put a fence around a roof to keep people from falling off. Makes sense.

Others don’t make as much sense. Things like don’t plow with an ox and a donkey seem odd to us. This was because the two animals can’t plow a straight line when placed together. Their bodies and abilities are different, which would lead to problems. Mixing wool and linen was associated with pagan worship practices, so this was prohibited.

The law about tassels actually comes from Numbers 15:38-41. These blue tassels were to be placed on their garments to help them remember the LORD and all that He had done for them, as well as remembering all His commandments. He wanted them to remember. Devout Jews still use these tassels on their prayer shawls and garments today. They are called tzizit. I had a Jewish friend who showed me how to make them. We made them as little bracelets to wear on our wrists. This isn’t the proper way to wear them, but having that little blue visual reminder around my wrist was very good for me. That’s exactly what God intended: remember.

Read Deuteronomy 22:13-30.

What is the difference between purity and virginity?

Would you say these laws are more about purity or virginity? Why?

Purity is important to the LORD. Purity of heart. Purity of mind. Purity in our actions. Our lack of purity is the reason Jesus came and died on a cross for us, to forgive us, to cleanse us, to make us pure before our holy God. The Israelites were forced to think about purity all the time. But purity is not something we consider much these days. Perhaps we are too far away from the cross. We take our purity for granted.

Our world is full of sexual impurity. Free love is everywhere. If you feel the urge, satisfy it. That is our mentality. It fills our screens, fogs our eyes, corrodes our minds, and shapes our desires. TV. Movies. Music. Even commercials are sometimes filled with sexual images. And worst of all, pornography. So accessible. So easy. So private. Your thirst is quenched and no one even knows . . . for now.

Our world has worked to tear down laws and expectations of sexual morality. We don’t even know why God put these expectations there in the first place. To keep us from having fun? To make us feel guilty? No. Be certain, God has given us many good things to enjoy in this life, and if something is forbidden, then it will bring us harm in the end. To understand why God expected and protected purity and faithfulness in marriage, we must understand who we are, and what marriage reflects. Let’s start with who we are.

Read Genesis 1:26-28.

In whose image are we created?

What command did God give man and woman?

Let’s be clear. God designed a man and a woman for one another and for procreation. When you consider how He created this union, with its ability to both physically and emotionally connect those two people in the most intimate way, it is clear that God meant for a sexual union to be both pleasurable and uniting. And since we are commanded to do this as husband and wife, it is also beautiful, good, and holy. All you need to do is read Song of Songs. The husband and wife in this book of the Bible truly enjoy one another. Sex is a good gift given to us by our Creator for pure pleasure. It is meant to be enjoyed, but it is a gift reserved for a husband and a wife. Outside of marriage, sex is not pure, not holy.

So we are created in God’s image and He has given us the gift of sex within marriage. What else do we need to know about ourselves?


Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

What does Paul mean when he says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable?"

The need for food and sex are both physical and could both be considered not preventable. This could be used as an excuse to justify sexual immorality. How does Paul argue against this?

Who does he say the body belongs to? Who is it a member of?

If “two become one flesh” outside of marriage and either of them are Christians, who have they connected Christ to?

When you are a Christian, who are you joined with?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.

What is your body?

Why is it important to flee sexual immortality?


When you are a Christian, your actions involve more than just yourself. Did you know that? That’s why Paul says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (v. 20). Your body is the temple of God. In the days of Deuteronomy, God dwelt with the people in the pillar of cloud and fire. When the temple was built, God’s presence was in the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. Priests who entered had to be ceremonial cleansed before they could come into the presence of God. We are on the other side of the cross. We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, bought with the price of his blood, and the Holy Spirit has descended on His people individually. When you are saved, you are given the Holy Spirit to live within you. He goes with you. You are the temple of God. You are a walking church. Flee from immorality!

As humans, we are created in the image of God, created to be united with our spouse. As Christians, we are the temple of the living God. We are also a reflection. Marriage is a covenant relationship that reflects our relationship with the LORD. What does covenant mean? A covenant is a contract or a promise. It is the way God made His promises to people. For example, He made a covenant with Noah and with mankind to never flood the earth again (Genesis 9:8-14). God made a covenant with Abraham to make him the father of many nations and God promised to be their God (Genesis 17:1-8). God made a covenant with David promising to raise up a ruler from his descendants that will rule forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This, of course, is Jesus. God’s covenants are everlasting. He does not back down on a promise.

Marriage is referred to as a covenant with God in many verses including Genesis 31:50, Malachi 2:10-14 and Proverbs 2:17. It is an agreement not meant to be broken. A promise meant to be fulfilled. It is designed to reflect God’s faithfulness to His people as a husband and wife are faithful to one another. But there is another reflection found in marriage.

Read Genesis 2:23-24.

The two are to become __________ flesh.

Read John 17:20-23.

What image does Christ desire for believers to reflect?

Read 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Why are believers called to be holy?

The oneness found in marriage reflects the relationship between the Father and Son and believers. It is a unity that is built on relationship, on love, and it is glorifying to the LORD. We are loved by Him when our identities reflect Christ. He gave his life; we are bought with a price. We have been redeemed. We have been placed in a position of immeasurable grace, have been given permission to dwell in His presence. We’ve been promised a kingdom that isn’t ours, a city we didn’t build. Our bodies are temples of His Holy Spirit, meant to remain pure and holy, meant to honor Him with reverence and worship. As His image bearers, we called to be holy because He is holy. We have been provided for, protected, and sung over by our King. That is who we are in Christ.

If you and I don’t know who we are in Christ, if we don’t intentionally work to remain in this truth, then we will build our identity on the thoughts of the world. These lies will slip in through subtle, constant, repeated messages around us. Like air, we will breathe it in, and it will become part of us. It will shape our hearts and our minds until we are far from Christ . . . so far, we might not even see His truth. Or worse, we might not want it.

God has given us the gift of sex in marriage. It is a good and holy gift. What you do with this gift says a lot about you and your regard for your LORD. How do you show you love Him? You obey. To obey is better than sacrifice. To obey means you love Him more.

Maybe you are single and feel that playing the field will help you find the right Mr. or Mrs. Maybe you are dating and cannot hold back the desire you have. Maybe you are unsatisfied in your marriage and that co-worker is so very attractive to you. Maybe you are in a marriage that just isn’t working. How do you deal with these things? How do you harness your emotions and rein in your desires? You do what Romans 12:1-2 tells you.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mid, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

You renew your mind. Be in the Word of God – reading, studying, praying. This will cleanse the world from your thoughts and fill your thoughts with His truth. Then be intentional about what you allow in your life, be intentional about your relationships. Live in a way that is acceptable to Him. This in itself is a form of worship. Living this way is good, acceptable, and perfect. It isn’t too late. You can start anew right now for “those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalm 34:5).

Lesson to Remember: God is a holy God, and as His image bearers, we are called to be holy.

A Way to Walk: As reflections of the image of God, we are to live and walk in a way that is glorifying to Him. Sexual sins, or any sin, defile His holy temple, which is our bodies. We must remember who we are in Christ.