Day 38 Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 23-27

Deuteronomy 23: The Daily Rules of the People (I) 

[Overview]

This chapter continues to deal with various social rules. However, the various rules that appear in this chapter actually contain the common theme of Israel’s purity. Among men, those with broken spleens or castrations, and the descendants of Ammon and Moab are prohibited from entering the assembly of the Lord (verses 1-8). Next, rules that must be prohibited in the camp during wartime appear (verses 9-14), and rules for slaves, prohibitions against prostitutes and prostitutes, and rules that prohibit lending to fellow countrymen at interest appear (verses 15-20). In addition, vows made to God must be repaid and it is prohibited to steal the produce of one’s neighbors (verses 21-25).

Here, the specific direction of life that the people living in the society of Israel, which had a theocratic political system that was different from any other country in this world, were to live is presented. The various and detailed regulations show God's detailed concern and affection for the people of Israel.

Deuteronomy 24: The Daily Rules of the People (II) 

[Overview]

This chapter deals with the rules for protecting the marginalized and the weak among various social norms. This is essential for showing God's mercy and maintaining the unity of the community. In Israel, a divorced and remarried woman was not allowed to return to her former husband (verses 1-4). In addition, newlywed men were exempted from military service for one year, those who kidnapped and trafficked were to be put to death, and those with leprosy were to follow the teachings of the priest (verses 5-9). In addition, it was forbidden to take a neighbor's collateral and not to delay the wages of a laborer (verses 10-15). In punishment, the system of collective punishment was prohibited, and in trials, fairness was required, and some was to be left for foreigners, widows, and orphans during the harvest (verses 16-22).

This chapter contains detailed instructions on the weak and the poor among the Israelites. Israel, as God's people, has always had to be concerned about the weak people who exist in human society and take responsibility for protecting them.

Deuteronomy 25: Rules for the People 

[Overview]

This chapter deals with the rules established among general social rules to maintain public order and establish justice. When executing punishment, only 40 lashes were allowed and the mouths of oxen that were threshing grain were not allowed to be muzzled (verses 1-4). In order to prevent the extinction of the family line, the law of intermarriage was introduced, and a woman who grabbed a man's scrotum was to have her hand cut off to prevent public immorality (verses 5-12). In addition, it is commanded that trade be fair and not to cheat on weights and measures (verses 13-16). Finally, the order to thoroughly wipe out the Amalekites was given because of their sin of hindering Israel's entry into Canaan (verses 17-19).

This chapter also mentions the social life of the Israelites, which was one of the subjects that Moses' second sermon was interested in and pursued. It explains in five aspects that the Israelites should have a unique identity that is different from other nations. He also commands that the Amalekites be completely destroyed.

Deuteronomy 26: The Confession of Faith and Practice of the People of Israel 

[Overview]

This chapter concludes Moses’ sermon on the regulations that the Israelites had to keep when entering the land of Canaan (see Deuteronomy 4-26). In that sense, Moses mentions the regulations on the dedication of the produce of the land. The Israelites were to offer the first produce they had after entering Canaan to God and be thankful for God’s grace in saving them from Egypt and leading them to Canaan (verses 1-11). In addition, in the third year, the year of tithing, they were to use the offering for the foreigners and orphans and pray for God’s continued protection (verses 12-15). Finally, Moses said that if they kept all these regulations, God would make Israel excellent above all nations (verses 16-19).

This chapter, which is the conclusion of Moses’ second sermon, ends by once again emphasizing the love of God and love of neighbor that he had been continuously emphasizing. Thus, by reminding Israel of the spirit of the covenant they had with God, he prepares for the concluding part of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 27: Ritual Commands on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim 

[Overview]

This chapter begins Moses' last sermon, and unlike the previous part that discussed the content of the law, it mainly exhorts people to receive God's blessing by observing the law, choosing between two opposing outcomes: blessings and curses. The first part of the chapter commands that the stone tablets on which the law was written and the altar for God be set up on Mount Ebal, and that burnt offerings and peace offerings be offered there (verses 1-10). The second part commands that all the people gather on Mount Ebal, perform a ceremony to swear to obey the law, and announce blessings and curses according to whether they obey or not (verses 11-26).

Chapter 27 of Deuteronomy commands two regulations that the Israelites must follow when they enter Canaan. They were to build an altar to offer sacrifices to God, and regulations on blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience to the law. Moses is once again emphasizing the importance of worshiping God and keeping the law.