Archives for March 2026

OVERVIEW:

Requirements to be in the congregation; cleanliness; civil statutes; divorce; civil statutes; first fruits offering; charge to hear and obey.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

By the time the children of Israel had heard all of the statutes, commandments, and judgments in Moses’ second address (Deuteronomy 5–26), for what life was to be like in this new land God was preparing them to enter, they must have been thinking, “Man! How are we going to keep all of this stuff straight?!” The truth is, there were a lot of requirements, stipulations, and specifications for the new lifestyle God had in mind for their new life in the new land! But, lest we miss the purpose behind all these seemingly rigorous and meticulous details, Moses concludes this section in today’s reading by revealing the real intent of God’s heart. (26:16–19) He tells the children of Israel that all of these instructions were given simply because God desired “to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayst be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.” (26:19) How awesome is that?!

As we have constantly sought to remind ourselves through the 365 Days of Pursuit, we must always keep in mind that the children of Israel are a picture of the individual believer in the New Testament. God tells us in 1^st Peter 2:9–10 that His intent and purpose for us is to make you and me “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” Again, I say, how awesome is that?! The real desire of God’s heart for His people has always been the same! That we might be a peculiar people, because of the holy life we live in the midst of this dark world, and as we seek to glorify the holy name of our God!

Recognize, however, that one of the most blessed and marvelous differences between us and the children of Israel is that we have been made free from the EXTERNAL law of Moses, because we have been placed “in Christ”, who Himself, fulfilled all of the stringent requirements of the Old Testament law! (Matthew 5:17) He did that, so we might be free to live by the law of the Spirit who has taken up residence in us INTERNALLY! With that in mind, be blessed today by some of the key truths God has revealed to us as New Testament saints:

Romans 7:6 “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Romans 8:1-4 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:18 “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

Oh, let us never be moved, as Paul feared we might, from “the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2^nd Corinthians 11:3) Let us never be moved from “the simplicity” of the greatest commandment: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30–31) No, we are not bound to serve the law of Moses. We are free FROM the law of Moses, so we can be free to FULFILL the law of the Spirit, and to FULFILL the law of love. (Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:13–14) Praise God for “the simplicity” of life “in Christ”!

But note in today’s reading in chapter 23, that certain people were not to be admitted into the citizenship of the children of Israel. They could reside in the area, but due to impurities (mutilation, illegitimacy, ancestry, etc.) they could not join the congregation of Israel. Again, the point is, the Lord desired a pure and holy congregation of peculiar people. The simple reality was, sin had lasting consequences! Moses reveals in chapter 23 that the reason holiness, cleanliness, and purity had such an important place inside the congregation of Israel was because the holy, clean, and pure presence of the Lord was in their midst!  (See 2^nd Corinthians 6:16–18)

The last part of chapter 23 speaks of vows and generosity. Vows were/are sacred to God. Vows made to God were not to be made flippantly, and once they were made, were to be kept! God repeats this same truth in Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 where He lets us know that it is better not to vow a vow, than to vow a vow and not pay it. Verses 24 and 25 of Deuteronomy 23 tell the children of Israel that they are to be a generous people while at the same time, being careful not to take advantage of the generosity of others.

Deuteronomy 24 is a very significant chapter because of its teaching regarding divorce. In Matthew 5 and 19, our Lord deals with the issue of divorce that is addressed here in Deuteronomy 24. Jesus emphatically lets us know that divorce was not God’s plan from the beginning (Matthew 19:8) but it was a concession made by God “because of the hardness of your hearts.” Note in 24:2, the woman in a divorce situation is permitted become another man’s wife, but verse 4 refers to her as being “defiled”. There’s no way around it, sin always has lasting consequences.

Once again, God reveals in chapter 24 the compassion of His heart for the poor, the fatherless, widows, and strangers. God wanted to make sure that the rich and powerful never took advantage of them, and that they were never able to oppress them. God wanted Israel to always remember that they had been slaves in Egypt, and wanted them to treat others in their affliction the way He had treated them. (The New Testament equivalent of this principle for us is found in Ephesians 4:31–32.) This new land and nation God was establishing was to be a nation of abundant generosity and care for others. If the children of God are to be a reflection of their Father, they (we) must be abundantly loving and generous!

Chapter 25 gives instruction for those who would serve as judges in Israel, followed by detailed specifications for the Old Testament teaching regarding the kinsman-redeemer. A living example of this principle in operation is found in the book of Ruth, as Ruth, a Gentile from a cursed race (the Moabites), is redeemed through the relationship she had with Boaz, her Jewish kinsman-redeemer from the city of Bethlehem. The principle of the kinsman-redeemer found here in Deuteronomy 25, as well as the living example found in Ruth 3–4, is a beautifully descriptive picture of our Lord Jesus Christ becoming our “kinsman” by taking on human flesh in Bethlehem, so He might “redeem” us Gentiles who are part of the cursed human race in taking us to be His lawfully wedded wife! The Bible is an amazing Book!

The chapter continues with statutes for honesty in business. In the commerce of that day, merchants would carry their own weights that would be placed on the scales when making transactions. Some determined that they would put a lesser weight on the scale when BUYING a certain commodity, and a heavier weight when SELLING a commodity. Practically speaking, it was a very deceptive and dishonest way of being able to “buy low and sell high”. God lets them know that such practices were an “abomination” to Him. (25:16) Be reminded, our omniscient Lord knows of our honesty with people, and deals with us accordingly.

The offering of the first fruits in Chapter 26 was a special one-time gift that was to be offered to the Lord from the first harvest in the new land. This offering was to be a hallowed worship experience that included a time of remembrance, a time of rejoicing, and a time of confession. Once the Lord brought them into the land that was promised, He wanted them to recognize that they would be living in houses they did not build, eating from crops and gardens they did not plant, and living in abundance from the gracious hand of the Lord!

In 26:16–19, God wanted the children of Israel to make a confirmation of all that had been commanded them. He had commanded that all of His statutes, commandments, and judgments be kept with all of their heart and soul. The people avouch that they will walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. The Lord avouches that they will be His peculiar people, holy to Him. This concludes Moses second address in Deuteronomy.

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE GENEROUS ONE — Deuteronomy 24:19–21 (2^nd Corinthians 8:9; Romans 8:32)

As THE KINSMAN REDEEMER — Deuteronomy 5:5–6 (Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:13–14)

As THE FIRSTFRUIT OFFERING — Deuteronomy 26:10–11 (1^st Corinthians 15:20, 23) As THE DELIVERER — Deuteronomy 26:8 (Galatians 1:3–4)

OVERVIEW:

Levites and priests; prophets; cities of refuge; civil statutes; warfare; unknown murders; family statutes; civil statutes; sexual sin.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As Moses continues his second address in chapter 18 of today’s reading, he begins talking about the fact that when they came into the land, there would be no inheritance for those who comprised the Levitical priesthood. That almost sounds inconsiderate, disparaging, offensive and unfair until you find in verse 2, that the Lord had provided an inheritance for the Levites that was a 1000 times more blessed than mere territory on a map! Their inheritance was to be none other than the Lord Himself! Wow! In fact, as we discussed when we were coming through the book of Leviticus, the word “Levite” means “joined to”. The Levites were “joined to” the Lord in a spiritual relationship that was so much more significant and satisfying than any kind of earthly or physical proprietorship.

As you consider the blessings of the Levitical priesthood, keep in mind that they are an Old Testament picture of us! We are now of the ones who are “joined to” the Lord; we are now the ones who comprise His “royal priesthood” (1^st Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10); and we are the ones for which God now intends to find our inheritance solely “in Christ”, not in the things of the earth. Colossians 3:1 and 2 tell us, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Verses 15–19 of chapter 18 provide one of the greatest prophecies in the entire Old Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ. God reveals to His people that another “Prophet” like Moses will come! You’ll remember that in the Gospel of John, there were numerous times during Christ’s earthly ministry when He was asked if He was “that Prophet”, or people made reference to the fact that He was, indeed, “that Prophet”. The reality is, they had been anticipating this “Prophet” because of this very prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18. In fact, as Peter was preaching in Acts 3:22–23, he quoted this very passage in reference to Christ. As Stephen was preaching his infamous sermon, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures regarding Israel’s Messiah, to the ruling counsel in Israel in Acts 7:48, he, too, quoted this very passage. Sadly, nearly every person who was aware of this prophecy from Deuteronomy 18 missed Christ’s fulfillment of it, even though it was staring them right in the face!

In 18:20–22, God lets us know that throughout history we will always be able to clearly identify the prophets through whom He is actually speaking. They always have one key distinguishing feature: they are always 100% accurate 100% of the time!

As we come into chapter 19, God through Moses, continues the conversation once again about designating key cities in the new land as cities of refuge. As has been previously discussed, the cities of refuge are a picture of the refuge we have in Christ. In the same way the innocent manslayer would plead his case to the elders of the city, Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our heart to God, who is our Refuge. Hallelujah!

Note in 19:13, God begins the biblical teaching concerning the preciousness of the shedding of what He calls “innocent blood”. This phrase is found at least 20 times in Scripture, and is obviously, dear to the heart of God because of His knowledge of the fact that His only Son would one day be the ultimate when it came to “innocent blood” being shed.

Chapter 19 concludes with several civil statutes. God reveals that moving a landmark is actually stealing land from your neighbor. He instructs that matters of law are to be established with a minimum of two witnesses, and preferably three. This principle is repeated in the New Testament in Matthew 18:16; 2^nd Corinthians 13:1; 1^st Timothy 5:19, and Hebrews 10:28. We would do well to consider this principle! How many times have we established something in our own mind on the word of only one person? As God continues revealing His will regarding these practical civil matters, He details that in cases where the person who is suing another person for a specific amount in a false lawsuit, the false accuser would be required to pay that amount to the defendant. Wouldn’t that limit a great number of lawsuits in our 21^st century world?! Note that the commandment concerning fair and just judgments in the last verse of the chapter (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth) is directed to the civil government, and not to individuals. Sadly, it was soon twisted (as it often is to this day!) to provide an excuse for personal vengeance, vengeance that is always reserved by and for the Lord. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19)

As Moses continues his address in chapter 20, God let’s Israel know that the army that would be utilized in the promised land would be different than any military power in the history of the world. This army would be led by priests who would simply address the children of Israel, reminding them that the strength of their army is found in placing their confidence in the fact that the Lord is with them, that He is the One who will fight the enemy, and that they will see Him grant the victory. (20:4) It is the biblical principle of Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” It is also a picture of how the New Testament reveals that we are to do battle! Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT.”

It should be noted, however, that even though God intended to grant this army constant victory, God wanted to be certain that they were completely focused and fearless! In 20:5-9, God gives four reasons that young men in Israel could be excused from military duty:

1. If they had recently purchased a new house;
2. If they had recently planted a vineyard;
3. If they had recently taken a wife; and
4. If they were just plain afraid!

God wanted His army free of distractions and deserters! Likewise, in the warfare we face, let us be focused and fearless!

As the children of Israel were approaching a city to overtake it, God tells them in 20:10–20 that they were to first seek to take it peacefully by allowing the inhabitants of the city to surrender, if they would agree to pay taxes to them, and to become their servants. If the city chose not to surrender, God told them to go into it and wipe out every male, sparing the women, children, and animals, and then to go in and take the spoils of the city for themselves. For the six nations listed in 20:17, however, they were to go in to those places and wipe out anything that moved or breathed! It would appear that these peoples and cities were of such a demonic nature and possession that the only solution was extinction.

As we come into chapter 21, God gives further instruction concerning the shedding of “innocent blood”. Note that there was a ceremonial washing (21:6) that was included in the whole process of being released from the guilt of shedding this “innocent blood”. (21:6–9) In light of the principle established here, it becomes quite interesting to recognize that many centuries later, on the day of Pentecost following the nation of Israel’s guilt in shedding Christ’s “innocent blood” on the cross (Acts 2:36), that when they asked Peter what they should do because of their guilt in shedding the “blood” of the only “innocent” man who ever lived (not to mention their very own promised Messiah!), that Peter’s instruction to them utilizes the principle established here in Deuteronomy 21, and includes the “ceremonial washing” of baptism as a part of their repentance for crucifying the Lord of glory. (Acts 2:37–38) Note, that this baptism that Peter referenced in Acts 2:38 is not for acquiring New Testament salvation, but is exclusively the biblical requirement for removing Israel’s guilt for being the ones responsible for shedding the “innocent blood” of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. (21:8-9)

After providing instructions for taking a wife from the captives of the new land (21:10–14), Moses then gives statutes for families. He lets Israel know that inheritances were to be divided by statutes, not emotions. Next, Moses explains that stubbornness and rebelliousness in a son was an offense worthy of death! Notice that there are three times in this passage where God references a stubborn and rebellious son not obeying or hearkening to the voice of his parents. We must recognize that our goal in bringing up our children is that OUR voice will control and instruct their little mind and body. As our children mature, the control and guidance is to constantly be directed and shifting to the LORD and His WORD. The biblical reality is, if they never learn to respond to the authority of OUR voice when they are children, they will not respond to the authority of GOD’s voice when they are adults.

Chapter 22 gives statutes on many civil and family matters. It covers the whole gamut from taking care of your brother’s belongings, to clothing, construction, plowing, divorce, adultery, rape, and incest. Over, and over again, the statutes and commandments are written to purify and sanctify a land in which the holy God of the universe would dwell with His people. Recognize that this had been a land of transvestites and homosexuals, a land of incest and adultery, and a land of selfishness and self-gratification. The Lord desired a pure and holy nation in a completely undefiled land. It is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament instruction given to us in 2^nd Corinthians 6:17–18: “…come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As PROPHET – Deuteronomy 18:15 (John 5:46; Acts 3:22–23) As SIN BEARER – Deuteronomy 21:22–23 (Galatians 3:13; 1^st Peter 2:24)