Setting – Moses outlines commandments regarding administrating justice. He also provided commandments regarding kings.
Content – No ox or sheep with blemishes were to be sacrificed; this was an abomination to the Lord. Anyone found serving other gods, or worshiped the sun; moon or any heavenly hosts, which God hasn’t commanded, shall be put to death. If any one were suspect of serving other gods it was to be investigated and based upon the confirmation of two or three witnesses, he or she would be put to death by stoning. One witness was not enough for this conviction.
For cases that are unable to determine a verdict, they were to be brought before the Levitical priest or judge. Once they reach a verdict, they were to execute this verdict. They (v. 11) “…shall not turn aside from the word which they declare to you, to the right of the left.” If they don’t listen to the verdict, (v. 12b, 13) “…that man shall die; thus you shall purge the evil from Israel. Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again.”
When they set a king over them, he is not to be foreigner. The king is not to multiple his horses, wives, silver or gold. He is to sit before the Levities and copy the law on a scroll. He is also to read it all the days of his life as well as observe it.
Application – God makes it clear that serving things other than Him isn’t tolerated (v. 4, 5), “Behold, if it is true and the thing certain that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, (v. 5) then you shall bring out that man or that woman who has done this evil deed to your gates, {that is,} the man or the woman, and you shall stone them to death.” God wanted Israel to know that serving anything other than what He commanded was punishable by death.
If only we were to take serving God that serious. God is a gracious and forgiving God, but God hasn’t changed since the Old Testament. Only through Christ are we forgiven. But the standard is still the same, nothing but God is acceptable.
Moses also outlines the requirement for a king. Fathers and men of leadership should follow the same requirements. Not looking to multiple their horses, which translates to modern day security, nor their silver or gold, which means riches. These blessings were to be provided by God. We need to stop trying to acquire the ‘stuff’ beyond what is needed. If the Lord provides more, then we are blessed. Additionally, we are to remain humble (v. 20 NLT), “This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. This will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.” We are to follow God’s commandments and to read and observe them all the days of our life. Simply stated, we are to daily read God’s word and follow it.
Content – No ox or sheep with blemishes were to be sacrificed; this was an abomination to the Lord. Anyone found serving other gods, or worshiped the sun; moon or any heavenly hosts, which God hasn’t commanded, shall be put to death. If any one were suspect of serving other gods it was to be investigated and based upon the confirmation of two or three witnesses, he or she would be put to death by stoning. One witness was not enough for this conviction.
For cases that are unable to determine a verdict, they were to be brought before the Levitical priest or judge. Once they reach a verdict, they were to execute this verdict. They (v. 11) “…shall not turn aside from the word which they declare to you, to the right of the left.” If they don’t listen to the verdict, (v. 12b, 13) “…that man shall die; thus you shall purge the evil from Israel. Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again.”
When they set a king over them, he is not to be foreigner. The king is not to multiple his horses, wives, silver or gold. He is to sit before the Levities and copy the law on a scroll. He is also to read it all the days of his life as well as observe it.
Application – God makes it clear that serving things other than Him isn’t tolerated (v. 4, 5), “Behold, if it is true and the thing certain that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, (v. 5) then you shall bring out that man or that woman who has done this evil deed to your gates, {that is,} the man or the woman, and you shall stone them to death.” God wanted Israel to know that serving anything other than what He commanded was punishable by death.
If only we were to take serving God that serious. God is a gracious and forgiving God, but God hasn’t changed since the Old Testament. Only through Christ are we forgiven. But the standard is still the same, nothing but God is acceptable.
Moses also outlines the requirement for a king. Fathers and men of leadership should follow the same requirements. Not looking to multiple their horses, which translates to modern day security, nor their silver or gold, which means riches. These blessings were to be provided by God. We need to stop trying to acquire the ‘stuff’ beyond what is needed. If the Lord provides more, then we are blessed. Additionally, we are to remain humble (v. 20 NLT), “This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. This will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.” We are to follow God’s commandments and to read and observe them all the days of our life. Simply stated, we are to daily read God’s word and follow it.
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