Deuteronomy (5) Pt. 2 | Laws, Moses Dies (Ch. 23- End)

Continuing from where we left off , let’s jump right into Ch. 23.

Ch. 23:01-08- Who Cannot Be Part Of The Congregation

Some interesting parts of these scriptures. Illegitimate birth cannot be part of the congregation up the tenth generation. Up to the tenth generation happens with a number of different people, so this is something to remember. It also is important to note just why the Jewish people, especially those of the Old Testament, were extremely big on family bloodlines.

Ammonites or Moabites cannot be part of the generation, ever. They didn’t meet kindly with the Israelites from their journey away from Egypt. Instead, as we read in Numbers about Baalam the prophet. He was hired to curse the Israelites, but God had him bless them instead.

The people are told not to seek peace or prosperity from them ever.

Important: In the book of the Ruth, we learn of a special woman who was loved even though she was a Moabite.

Edomites are welcomed, they are considered brothers. And Egyptians are welcomed because Israel was an alien in their land. The children of the third generation of these two can enter the assembly of God.

Ch. 23:09-25 Cleanliness of Camp, Miscellaneous Laws

Keep camp clean was important, and hygienic.

Some laws covered slaves who ran away, had the choice to decide where they wanted to stay. Their old master could not demand they stay with them. Interest could not be charged to a brother, but foreigners. Whatever vow is made must be kept, otherwise, it becomes a sin. Thus, not vowing isn’t considered a sin. Should you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you can eat from it, but you cannot put any in a container.

Ch. 24 Divorce, Miscellaneous Laws (Interesting Marriage Law)

A wife who has been divorced, married, and divorced again, cannot return to her first husband.

Interesting: When a man is first married, he cannot go out to war or be charged with business. No, instead he is to stay with his wife for one year, bringing happiness to her. (Noted)

(NIV) Deut. Ch. 24:16, “Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.”

Important: Ch 24:19, Talks about in the field, leaving behind a sheaf (bundle of grain stalk). If this happens the people are told not to retrieve it. That will be for the stranger. Again, this ties forward to Ruth.

A number of these laws talk about leaving behind food for strangers. Not to be greedy.

Ch. 25- Marriage Duty Of Surviving Brother, Miscellaneous Laws, Destroy the Amalekites

Ch. 26- Offerings of Firstfruits and Tithes, Special People of God

Ch. 27- Stones Inscribed with Laws, Curses Pronounced

Ch. 28- Blessings Of Obedience, Curses On Disobedience

Ch. 29- Covenant Renewed In Moab

Ch. 30- Blessing Of Returning To God

(NIV) Deut. Ch.30:14, “No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”

Ch. 31- Joshua the New Leader of Israel, Law To Be Every Seven Years, And Prediction Of Israel’s Rebellion

Moses is 120 years old. He knows his time is coming, so he introduces Joshua to the people.

(NIV) Deut. Ch. 31:06, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Telling Joshua,

(NIV) Deut. Ch. 31:08, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God reveals to Moses that Israel will forsake Him, and He will forsake them. God teaches Moses a song to teach to the people. This song will stand as a witness against the people when they cry out and claim God is not with them.

Ch. 32- Song of Moses

Ch. 33- Moses’ Final Blessing on Israel

Ch. 34- Moses Dies on Mount Nebo

Important: Not seen anywhere else. God buried Moses.

(NLT) Deut. Ch.34:06, “The LORD buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place.”

Moses was definitely one of a kind.

(NIV) Deut. Ch. 34:10-12, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.”

Timeline Review

Summary- Ch. 1-3

Obedience- Ch. 4

Commandments – Ch.5-6

Israel Obedience & Law– Ch. 7-15

Festivals- Ch. 16

Rules & Laws– Ch.17-25

Stones Inscribed– Ch.26

Blessings & Curses- Ch.27-28

Covenant & Blessing– Ch. 29-30

Joshua Selected & Moses’ Final blessing– Ch.31-33

Moses Dies– Ch. 34

Key Points Of Deuteronomy

-Take Care of Each Other

– Be Kind To Strangers

– Remember What God Has Gotten You Through

– Don’t Be Greedy 

– You Are Responsible For Your Sin 

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Next time we will begin the journey to the Promised Land in the book of Joshua.

What did you take away from the book of Deuteronomy?

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