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.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21:

My husband called me this morning in a frustrated fit. He was stuck in traffic due to an accident. The traffic wasn’t the problem, though. It was the disrespectful people driving that made him so angry. Traffic was bumper to bumper and at a standstill, so some people decided they would use the emergency lane to get ahead. Eventually the emergency lane was as full as the others – so full that the rescue vehicles could not get through. The traffic was on a bridge with no shoulder to use get out of the way. There was no way for the EMS to get to the accident. After a while, my husband saw a helicopter coming in for a landing. It was the only way to get to the people who needed help. Can you imagine? People were so busy worried about themselves, they couldn’t take a moment to let rescue vehicles get to where someone needed their help. It made my husband mad. It makes me sad to think there is that much disrespect and selfishness out there.

God expected respect among His people. He even outlined some of the ways He wanted the Israelites to respect one another. Deuteronomy 21 has 5 scenarios where respect for others was important.

Read Deuteronomy 21:1-9.

If a person was found murdered outside of a city and no one knew who killed him, how would they decide which city to take care of it?

What were the elders of the city to do?

Why were they to get rid of the guilt for this crime?

How does this law show respect?

All of this sounds really strange to my 21st century ears. This law about an unsolved homicide is not found anywhere else in the Pentateuch, but isn’t it interesting that God demands retribution for murder even when the criminal is not found? He does not allow the crime to just be dropped. That life matters to Him.

Read Deuteronomy 21:10-14.

What was required to be done if a man desired to take a captive woman as his wife?

What happened if she did not please him?

What was the man NOT allowed to do?

How does this law show respect for the captive woman?


Read Deuteronomy 21:15-17.

It is important to note here that the phrase “If a man has two wives” is translated in Hebrew as “has had two wives,” meaning the first wife was deceased and the man had remarried. Moses is not condoning bigamy.

Why was the first son to retain the expected double portion of inheritance?

Who does this law respect?

How is the first son respected?

Read Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

Who is supposed to be respected in this scenario?

What happens in parents are not respected?

If a child does not respect their parents and the parents are obviously trying to teach the child the right way to behave, what does that say about the child?

Would fear of this law keep children in line? Why or why not?


This harkens back to Exodus 20:12 and the 5th commandment: honor your father and mother. Long term sin patterns of incorrigible disobedience were beyond hope. That was the idea, at least. Although for the men of the town to do the stoning, it must mean this is not a child. This is an adult man who is not doing his part, has been given time after time to repent and correct his behavior and is obviously choosing not to take the help offered. Although, I can totally see myself telling my eighteen year old son, “Hey! You better straighten up. Deuteronomy 21 gives me permission to stone you if you misbehave.” All jokes aside, there is more to respecting your parents than just paying attention when you are little. Continued respect – for their name, for their feelings, for their belongings - was expected.

Read Deuteronomy 21:22-23.

How was a criminal respected, even after death?

These verse obviously foreshadow the death of Jesus on the cross. He was not left on the cross after dark. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took his body and buried it before sunset (John 19:38-42). Paul also mentions these verses from Deuteronomy 21 in Galatians.

Read Galatians 3:10-14.

Who was the curse on the tree?

We are redeemed from the ________________ of the Law because Jesus became the ___________ for us.

Why was it important that Jesus do this?

Without Jesus, we would only be justified by our perfect obedience to the Law. However, our sinful nature keeps up from perfection. There is no way for us to be found not guilty before God in our own efforts. We have all used His name in a disrespectful way, dishonored our parents, stolen a little something along the way, looked at someone in lust, and coveted the possessions of our neighbors. We are all sinners at heart. It is only because the perfect Son of God gave his life on a tree to pay our sin debt that sets us free from this Law. It is our faith in Jesus that justifies us before God. The righteous man shall live by faith! Thank you, Jesus for making the way.

According the Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love the LORD will all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). This starts with R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You cannot love when you are always disrespecting. Why? Because respect comes from the heart. It comes from a place of value. If you do not value the other person, you will inevitably feel contempt or hatred or just nothing. We are called to fear our God because He is the creator of all things and deserves our respect. He, in turn, calls us to respect others by treating them as we treat ourselves. The world could use a little more respect nowadays, a little more love. It starts with obedience to Christ.

Lesson to Remember: God provides the way. Jesus is our righteousness and we are only right before God because of our faith in him.

A Way to Walk: Learn to fear the LORD and walk in obedience to Him. Reach out to others with the respect due to someone who is created in His image.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20:

Right now, there are a lot of people who are afraid. Afraid of catching the coronavirus. Afraid of a loved one getting sick and dying. Afraid they can’t pay their bills because they’ve lost their job. Afraid because they may not have food for their family. Just afraid. We are battling an unseen enemy, one that does not reveal its attack until days or even weeks later. How can you effectively fight an enemy you can’t see? Our fears reveal something about us though, just like it revealed something about the Israelites thousands of years ago. Let’s dive in and see if we can find exactly what our fears show us.

Read Deuteronomy 20:1-4.

What we see can sometimes bring fear. What things did Moses say they would see?

Moses said, “Do not be afraid of them.” Why not?

What were the priests to tell the Israelites?

Read Deuteronomy 20:5-9.

The officers were to speak to the men next. What 4 conditions did they allow for a man to leave and not fight?

Verse 8 gives the reason God allows them to leave. What is that reason?

What does this say about God that He would make allowances for these men?

Read Deuteronomy 20:10-18.

What were they instructed to do before they besieged a city?

List the two options for the city.

What were they to do for the cities the LORD was giving to them as an inheritance?

What two reasons were they given to totally destroy these cities?

Read Deuteronomy 20:19-20.

What were they instructed to NOT do in these verses? Why?

Moses asks a rhetorical question: “For is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?” What does this question reveal about the expected attitude of war?

While the Israelites are reminded that God will be with them in battle, God, in His grace, understands that some will be afraid regardless. He understands this fear can be contagious. Isn’t that the truth? You cannot have the slightest qualms about something and someone in their fear can plant those seeds in your mind, water them with continued discussion, and before long, you are afraid as well. That’s exactly what happened when the Israelites first scouted the Promised Land 40 years before this scene in Deuteronomy. Ten men voiced their fear and it spread like a contagious disease. That fear proved the majority of the Israelites were not ready to rely on the LORD even though He promised to go before them and make the way possible.

Have you ever been influenced by someone else’s fears? If so, how did it affect you?

How did you overcome those fears?

Likewise, have you ever influenced someone else with your fears? If so, how did it affect them?

What do you think would have made your fears subside?

We see a similar fear in the disciples in the disciples in Mark chapter 4. Jesus was teaching to the multitudes by the sea. When he was finished, he instructed the disciples to get into the boat and go over to the other side of the lake.

Read Mark 4:35-38.

What kind of weather did they encounter?

What was happening to the boat?

Where was Jesus and what was He doing?

My brother has always love a sail boat. He has owned some kind of sailing vessel since he was a young man, and has held his captain’s license for many years now. One day he invited my husband and I for an afternoon sail in the Charleston harbor. It was summertime, and as is normal on a Charleston summer afternoon, a thunderstorm arose. It was bad. Lightning popping. Wind whipping. Waves crashing. It was not your normal storm my brother said later. We were heading straight for the jetties, which is not a good thing. My brother went into captain mode very quickly, barking out orders. My husband was a great help since his brother had owned a shrimp boat when my husband was younger. He knew just what to do. I was no help, so my brother ordered me below deck.

Have you ever been in a boat cabin during a huge storm? There is absolutely no way you could sleep. The boat pitches from one side to the other so quickly and with such force that you are thrown around inside like a marble in a jar. So I find it interesting that Jesus is sleeping during this storm that was so bad the disciples thought they would die. They were afraid and went to wake Jesus.

Most of the commentaries I read on this declare the sleeping Jesus is a great picture of his humanity, that he was so tired even this violent storm didn’t wake him. To this I have two things to say. First, these commentary writers have obviously never been in a boat during a storm. They would know otherwise, if they had. Second, I agree that this does show us the mortal limitations of Jesus, but let’s remember, he is also God with us. I’m wondering if Christ in his deity didn’t have more at play here. I’m sure he knew the storm would arise, and he did point them in the direction of the other shore. Perhaps their sudden situation was a test of their faith. Perhaps it was designed to show them where their faith was lacking. Perhaps Jesus wanted them to know him more, to know who he really is.

Read Mark 4:39-41.

How did the storm calm?

What did Jesus ask them?

What happened to the disciples then?

What question did they ask?

What is the answer?

John MacArthur says, “The only thing more terrifying than having the storm outside the boat was having God in the boat!” Isn’t that the truth? Calming the sea with the simple words, “Hush, be still,” revealed to them exactly the power and authority of Jesus. Imagine. He spoke and suddenly the storm was gone. He controlled nature! That’s huge! But, the situation also revealed their lack of faith. “Do you still have no faith?” Jesus asked them. Still? After they had walked with him, listened to his teaching, watched him perform miracles – did they still lack faith?

It makes me wonder, where do I still lack faith? For sure, our fears will reveal where our faith is small.

What are your greatest fears, the ones that keep you up at night and make you anxious?

What fears do you have now because of the coronavirus situation we are living through right now?

What do these fears reveal about your faith?

What are you not trusting the LORD for?

You might have a battle in front of you that is of your own choosing, or you might have a storm that appears suddenly. Either way, He’ll let you feel the fear so that you can see right where your faith is lacking. Fear is a faith meter! Sometimes you might feel like God isn’t there and doesn’t care. You might even be like the disciples and think, “Do you not care that I am perishing?” But He is right there with you. He just wants you to see what it is you need to give over to Him.

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

What did Paul beg of God?

Did God take this “thorn” away from him? Why not?

What does “My grace is sufficient for you” mean?

Is Paul upset by this? Why or why not?

Paul is forced to rely on his Lord to overcome the “thorn” that makes him weak. It is only in this weakness that he is strong. He is strong because he is relying on the Lord’s strength and not his own. Scripture never promises that life will be smooth sailing for us. No. In fact, we are promised that we will have battles to face, we’ll walk through some fires, and that we will have troubles, maybe even our own “thorns” that make us weak. But, we are also promised that our Lord will be with us and will give us strength. Immanuel, God with us, promises “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Let us place our faith in Him and sail on, fight on, and “grow in our grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). To God be the glory! Amen!

Lesson to Remember: God gives us strength in our weaknesses when we give our fears to Him.
A Way to Walk: Remember to let your fears reveal where your faith is small, then give those fears to the Lord. In Him alone, you will find the strength you need.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19:

There are a couple of scenes from my childhood that I can remember clearly. Most of them are when I did something really wrong. The lawnmower was one of them. I don’t know why my daddy thought it would be a great idea to give me a riding lawn mower, but he did. It was old and he fixed it up, painted it bright colors, and put me on it telling me to drive. I did . . . right over all the monkey grass that edged our walkway. I didn’t mean to chop up all the monkey grass; that’s just where the mower went. I remember how sad it looked: cut to the quick, white, no green to be seen. I felt so bad. I may have even cried. I knew I was doomed to be punished. My daddy didn’t scold me though. Maybe he realized it hadn’t been a good idea. I got to keep my lawn mower. He just took the blade off. Sometimes it isn’t our intention to mess something up. My daddy knew this, and God knows this too. He even made provisions for it in Deuteronomy 19.

Read Deuteronomy 19:1-3.

How many cities were they to set aside?

What was the purpose of these cities?

Read Deuteronomy 19:4-7.

Who is allowed to flee to one of these cities?

Why is he allowed to go there?

Why do you think God would establish a city of safety for this person away from the “avenger of blood?”

Read Deuteronomy 19:8-13.

What was to happen if a man guilty of murder flees to one of these cities?

What is the difference between this man and the man that is allowed to stay there?

Verse 13 gives the benefit of following these commands. What is that benefit?

Why would this be a benefit?

Read Deuteronomy 19:14.

Why does God not allow them to move the boundary marks of their property?

Read the rest of chapter 19.

Why does God require more than one witness, do you think?

What happens to a false witness?

How does the chapter end?


God took measures to protect the innocent, and we see this throughout the chapter. He provided a place for the person who unintentionally kills someone. He requires two or more witnesses to ensure that folks with a personal vendetta weren’t allowed too much power. He makes sure false witnesses are punished appropriately thus dissuading people from lying against one another.

This last statement, “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,” was unheard of in ancient laws. Today we might think the “eye for an eye” rule is a bit harsh, but it was meant to be an equalizer. Those in power, those with wealth, would not receive less punishment if guilty or be allowed to demand more punishment if wronged. Most ancient laws, even Hammurabi’s Code, gave more rights to the rich and powerful, leaving the poorer people at a disadvantage. This statement was a great equalizer, showing God’s view that all men are important and equal in His eyes. God protected those who were not able to protect themselves.

People are people though. Obviously, some Israelites went hard core with this concept using it for retaliation. Jesus confronted the Jews for using this “eye for an eye” concept as a reason for personal vengeance. In Matthew, Jesus explains that he has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.

Read Matthew 5:17-18.

In regards to the Law, what has Jesus come to do?

How much of the Law will be abolished before everything is accomplished?

Christ is the fulfillment of the Law. Let’s think about that for a minute. It is actually a huge concept when you consider all the things the Israelites did to make sure the Law was followed. Let’s look at the basic Law that was given, the 10 Commandments.

Read Exodus 20: 1-17.

Number these commandments. The first one is completed for you.

_____ Do not lie.
__1___ God is #1.
_____ Do not commit adultery.
_____ Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
_____ Do not use the LORD’s name in a disrespectful way.
_____ Do not steal.
_____ Do not covet or be jealous of your neighbor’s things.
_____ Do not worship other gods.
_____ Honor your mother and father.
_____ Do not commit murder.

Jesus fulfilled all of these Laws. He kept the Law perfectly in both his actions and his heart. In fact, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained to the Jewish people that these Laws were not just actions to be completed, they were attitudes of the heart. To lust after a person that is not your husband or wife is adultery, even if you never act on that feeling. (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus was sinless.

Jesus also fulfilled the ceremonial law by being the embodiment of the symbols. For example, he is the Passover lamb who died for us so that we would be spared from second death. I have to pause here. Do you get this? Our just God demands payment for broken laws, but He wants you there with Him. So He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty that would be demanded of you. (Romans 6:23) The cross is a perfect picture of God’s justice wrapped up in His love. He is just. He has provided a payment for your sins, but He will not force it on you. You must decide to take it. Not only is Jesus the Passover lamb, but He is the Word of God, the bread of life, the cup of redemption, and much more. As Christians we are not obligated to carry out the sacrifices commanded in the Old Testament because Christ has already accomplished their end: forgiveness of our sins.

Not only is Christ the moral and ceremonial fulfillment of the Law, he is also the fulfillment of the judicial law come to personify God’s perfect justice. Let’s look at this a little closer.

Read Matthew 12:18-21.

Who is the servant in these verses?

Who chose the servant?

What will he lead to victory?

To whom will this give hope?


These verses show Jesus coming in gentleness to restore what seems useless – the battered reed and smoldering wick. He proclaims justice to the Gentiles, and leads justice in victory. God makes clear in these verses that Christ is His chosen servant and holds His spirit. It is important to note here that our God is just. He punishes the wicked and protects the innocent. That is not always an image we want to consider nowadays. We want the loving God who saves everyone no matter how awful you are, but God never paints that image for us in scripture. He offers forgiveness, but He is just.

>Read Matthew 5:38-42.

Does Jesus refute this law that comes from Deuteronomy 19?

What does he say to do instead?

The law given in Deuteronomy 19 was meant to limit punishment so that the punishment fit the crime. No one could extol more or less from you than was right and just. Jesus was calling people to surrender to the Law, just as he would surrender to God’s Law on the cross for us.

I’m concerned today that our world has a warped sense of justice. In a place where it is legal to kill an innocent unborn child, but a person receives jail time for abusing a dog, something must be wrong. Don’t get me wrong. I love my dogs and wouldn’t want anyone to hurt them, but murder of the defenseless and innocent should never be a “choice.” If God demands protection of the innocent and is a just God, I can only imagine what He will do with these things and the people who are allowing and supporting them. Will it be a life for a life when they stand before Him?

Sometimes, when I stop to think about these things, I am overwhelmed. Some of the things that happen in this world are monstrous. I feel like the useless battered reed and smoldering wick in Matthew 12. My realm of influence is small. I cannot stop the evils of the world. But I know the One who can . . . who will.

Read Revelation 19:11-16.

Is this a picture of forgiveness? Why or why not?

If this is a picture of justice, then what does this say about Christ?

What is His weapon?

If His weapon is His Word, wouldn’t it be important to know the Word before it is used to judge you?

Read Revelation 21:1-8.

Who will make things new?

What two adjectives describe His words?

In His justice, our Lord will right the wrongs. He will make all things new. The one who thirsts, the one who overcomes, he is the one who believes in Jesus Christ.

What will this person inherit? (Look back in verses 1-4.)

Who will not inherit these things?

What will they receive instead?

Friend, do you thirst for Christ? Are you counted among His overcomers? If so, you will be counted among those who dwell in the New Jerusalem. The LORD’S justice will prevail. Crying and pain and death and mourning will be gone forever. And you will get to hear Him say from His throne, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them . . .”

If this is not you, it is not too late. It is as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner who needs a savior. Then, place your faith in Jesus and His work on the cross, repent from your sins, and choose to follow Christ. He is faithful and true. He will do it. Come, Lord Jesus! Let it be!

Lesson to Remember: God is a just God who protects the innocent.

A Way to Walk: Be thankful that Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Law and work to honor Him, for He has accomplished what you could not, and He offers you the freedom and peace his forgiveness guarantees.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as we walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18:

What kind of things did you play as a child? For me it was make believe things based off movies or television shows. Star Wars. I always wanted to be Princess Leah, defender of good, slayer of evil. Or some days it was Donnie and Marie, where I wanted to be the singer of beautiful songs. That was really make believe because I cannot sing. In fact, my mom, who was a good singer, used to ask me to stop. No kidding. I also loved to play house in the little house my dad built and my mom furnished with miniature sized furniture. There is a little bit of each of those make believe personas that is still part of me. I still want to defend what is right and just and good. I still sing my guts out . . . when I’m alone. And I love taking care of my family and my home. I think we can all identify a little bit of our childhood play in our adult selves. Remember your thoughts about your childhood play. We’ll come back to it and its influence on us later.

The end of Deuteronomy chapter 16 and chapter 17 outlined the role of judges and the Levitical priests when it came to hearing criminal cases before the LORD. Chapter 17 ends with an outline for the king’s behavior. One thing the king was asked to do was to write himself a copy of the law on a scroll in the presence of a Levitical priest. As the experts in the law, the priests were an important part of the nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 18 addresses three things for the priests: their inheritance, some forbidden practices, and the promise of a great prophet/priest to come. Let’s tackle these three things.

Read Deuteronomy 18:1-8.

The Levites did not receive an inheritance of land. Who is their inheritance?

How is this similar to our inheritance as Christians? (Read Revelation 5:10 for a clue.)

Read Deuteronomy 18:9-14. List the 9 things that were NOT to be found among the Israelites?

The beginning of verse 12 and verse 13 gives the two-part reason these things are forbidden. What is it?

The Israelites are going into a land full of different nations. Who do these nations listen to for advice?

The text doesn’t outright say this here, but who is Israel supposed to listen to for advice? Who are we, as Christ-followers supposed to listen to?

From your personal experience, what happens when we don’t listen to God?

I find this list of forbidden things interesting for one reason: We still have these things around today and people are still listening to them. We have commercials for dial-a-psychic on regular TV. We have been culturally overtaken by the Harry Potter world. Isn’t there even an entire theme park devoted to it? We have children’s television shows based on witches and spell casting – both good and bad. We have spiritists who travel around promising to help you hear from your dead relatives. Our fascination with the super-natural world is clearly evident today just as I’m sure it was evident to the Israelites when they moved into some of these nations.

I think we inherently know there is something forbidden about these things, even if we don’t know Deuteronomy 18 forbids it. It is plain we understand because of the excuses we’ve concocted. It’s not real. It’s just a fantasy book. It’s just pretend. The good witch always wins. I just wanted to know this one thing. I was just curious what would happen. This is an archetypal character who overcomes his struggles, so it isn’t really about witchcraft. Excuses are a sure sign of justifying your actions. Justifying is something we do when we want to continue in our sin. Do we really think God has changed His mind about these things?

I’m not being judgmental here; I’m just trying to figure out why we as Christ-followers still entertain these ideas. I watched Bewitched growing up. I’ve read several Harry Potter books, seen the movies. I’ve watched those TV shows with renowned prophets who told of things to come, and they were obviously not from God. So, I’m certainly not judging anyone. I’m just wondering why we don’t heed the warnings. We’re told they aren’t from God. We’re told they are detestable to Him, and yet with toy with the idea of it all. How presumptuous of us! And we even feed it to our children. Strains of a proverb run through my mind: Teach them in the way they should go and they won’t depart from it when they are older (Proverbs 22:6).

In the cycle of ideas, tolerance leads to acceptance, acceptance leads to practice. And when it isn’t from God, practice leads to depravity. Eventually, God will give us over to our depraved mind if we practice it long enough. (Romans 1:21-25). Remember that child’s play we talked about in the beginning? What happens when our children are playing witches, casting spells in their imaginations, talking to the dead? And they are. As a teacher for over 25 years, I’ve personally witnessed this in the children of Bible believing families. Do these things live inside of them when they get older? Will they want to rely on someone, something other than God to quickly work things out when life is tough? If we are tolerating, will they accept or even practice these detestable things before God? Will our tolerance lead to a depraved mind? It may seem like a little thing to us, but God is telling us otherwise.

I have learned over the years that when I disagree with God or when I don’t understand, I can’t just say, “Well that’s ridiculous. That doesn’t fit our modern world,” and then do what I think is right anyway. No! It is there for a reason. It is best to ask Him and search His word for some understanding. So, if we are having trouble with this, then we need to go back and ask why God prohibited it in the first place. This is a two-part answer.

Read Jeremiah 27:9-10.

The goal of their spiritists was to remove the Israelites from their Promised Land. God has given us a promised land, the place of our inheritance. That place is with Him. We have an enemy, Satan, who desires to keep us far from that land. If our enemy thinks enticing us to rely on him, listen to him and his information will keep us or our children from God, he will most certainly do it. Listen! Your enemy does not want you there. Dazzle them. Intrigue them. Entertain them. Satisfy them with a little information. Make God’s word seem silly. Keep them from the promises of God. That’s his M.O.

What happens here is that we don’t put our trust in the LORD. We put our trust in something else, someone else, perhaps thinking that God is holding out on us. That is exactly the lie that was fed to Eve in the garden: There is something God didn’t tell you. He is holding back on you. Here. Eat this and you will know the things God didn’t tell you. That was the enemy’s trick then. It is his trick now. Don’t fall for it! There are some things we are not meant to know and that’s okay.
So, the first part of our answer is that listening to these forbidden sources will keep us from His promised land.

Read Malachi 3:1 and 3:5-6.

The messenger in verse 1 is John the Baptist, also prophesied in Isaiah 40:3. He clears the way for Jesus. Malachi also prophesizes the second coming of Jesus who will “suddenly come to His temple.” Jesus will return on the Day of Atonement to cleanse His people, forgive them, and make “swift judgement” against those who don’t fear Him. Therein lies the problem; they do not fear the LORD. They do not love Him with all their hearts. They do not remember what He has done for them. They do not respect His authority over them. And because they do not love, remember, or fear Him, they cannot follow Him or observe His commandments. The LORD God is not in His proper place in their heart or lives.

God gives a statement and a promise in verse 6: “For I, the LORD, do no change; therefore you, O Sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” The promise reminds the Jewish nation that His promise to them is still good. They are still His people. But the statement could also be a warning. God tells us in Deuteronomy and other places in scripture that we should fear Him and follow His commands. This, too, still stands. His expectations for us have not changed. He still detests the occult and those who practice it. I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to be presumptuous and toy with things detestable to Him. They may seem harmless to me, but obviously, God knows something I do not. Isn’t it best to trust Him even when I don’t understand?

The last section of Deuteronomy 18 tells us about the prophet we can listen to and follow.

Read Deuteronomy 18:15-22.

What did the people as of God when they were at Mt. Horeb?

Where will this prophet come from?

What will God put in His mouth?

Read Acts 3:18-23.

Who is the prophet that Moses spoke of in Deuteronomy 18: 15-22?

What are we to do with this knowledge? (v. 19)

What will happen to those who do not heed the words of Jesus?

Being on the other side of the cross, we have the privilege of knowing the prophet God promised. We know Jesus! We also know that Jesus upholds everything God has already told us. He did not change a thing. (Matthew 5:17-18). We cannot under grace continue to entertain ideas that God detests. We cannot feed them to our children when we should be feeding ourselves and our children on the Word of God. God still desires a place of authority in our hearts and minds. Respecting His authority is the “fear” He requires of us. We must still, even today, love, remember, fear, observe, and teach our children to put God first in their hearts.

I want my children and my children’s children to know Jesus, believe His promises, and desire to honor Him in all they do. Will it be difficult to stand up and be firm in my testimony against these things when the culture around us sees it as child’s play? It sure will! But Jesus never asked us to tip-toe around His Word. He told us to take up our cross and carry it daily. (Luke 9:23-26) Being different from the rest of the world because of His Word is part of your cross. Will you take it up and carry it?

A Word of Encouragement: My friend Marty always says about scripture, “If you can’t say ‘Amen!” you should at least say, ‘Ouch!” If I stepped on your toes today, I hope you can at least say, “Ouch!” I hope you will at least search the scriptures for yourself and debate with the LORD yourself. He is not opposed to you working it out with Him. And this applies to anything in scripture that you are uncomfortable with. He is opposed to you simply dismissing His words. Read. Pray. Search for His answer, His understanding. In time, it will come. Plus, you will learn something about yourself and about Him in the process, and that is always a good walk to take.

Lesson to Remember: God’s Word is a firm rock on which to stand. It does not move like the shifting sands of our culture.

A Way to Walk: Be humble before your LORD. Walk with a heart that is willing to work things out with Him and submit to His wisdom, even when you don’t understand.