><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 14-15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) The principle underlying the laws of chp 14 is that CHristians are to behave differently from the world. WHat do we learn here concerning the Christian's attitude a) to death and bereavement v1,2;cg 1 Thes 4:13; b) to food and bodily indulgence (v3-21;cf 1Cor 6:12,13;10:23,31); c) to money and possessions(v22-28;cf 1 Cor 16:2)? 2) What do the laws of chp 15 teach concerning a) redemption through Christ; b) the Christian's duty of putting the need of his brother before his own rights(cf MT 5:38-42); c) equality in the church of God(cf Acts 2:44;4:34;2 Cor 8:14)? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 14-15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 14 & 15 Chapter 14 A Peculiar People 14:2 "--- you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." Out of all the peoples we are chosen by the Lord to be a peculiar people, sealed by God unto God. Therefore, we shall not cut ourselves, tattooing as the Babylonian pagan practice, nor to eat unclean meats. And not forgetting the Levites to demonstrate our fear the Lord our God always, 14:23b. Chapter 15 Did You Have Your Ear Pierce at the Gate of the House of God? 15:16-17 "----'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you and your household since he fares well with you; then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever.---" To serve the Lord God willingly, we need to be brought to the gate of the house of God and having our ears pierced for everyone in the street to see and to know that we are slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why to pierce our ear instead of tying our hand or our foot? Symbolically we need our hands to work for the Lord and feet to walk with the Lord. And we need a listening ear to obey the Lord's commands. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) 14:2 says: 2 you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. This is the underlying theme for this section. We are to separate ourselves as Christians from the ways of the world. We need to have a different atittude towards the things of this world. Just as God instructed the Israelites, so we too must change our way of thinking regarding the worldly things and our interaction with the world. 2) Chp 15 teaches us that God is our supplier. He is generous to us, so too we need to be generous to our brother. We need to adopt Christ's attitude of service, generosity, and compassion. We need to apply these to our daily living. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 16-17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In connection with the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles, what two requirements are made of the worshipper, and why? With regard to free-will offerings, on what principle is the amount of the gift to be determined? Cf 1 Cor 16:2;2 Cor 8:12; 1 Pet 1:8 2) What does 17:2-7 teach us about the need for church discipline? Cf MT 18:15- 18;1 Cor 5;1 Tim 1:19,20;Tit 3:9-11. 3) What was to be the character of Israel's king if one were appointed, and what was to be the source of his wisdom? Cf 2Tim 3:15-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 16-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles were characterized as JOYFUL. One was expected to bring a freewill offering, in proportion to the blessings the Lord had given them. Discipline of believers was very strict, yet fair. It required two to three witnesses for putting the guilty party to death. It is clear that v7b, "You must purge the evil from among you." It was not God's desire for the people to have a king, since the Lord was already their King. However, in the event that they did, Moses detailed that he should be: one appointed by the Lord, an Israelite brother, not greedy or wealthy/flashy in what he owned, without many wives, Most of all, he was to have a copy of God's law and read it consistently, to be God-fearing and HUMBLE. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 16 and 17 The important teaching in today's reading: Cameout of the land of Egypt (world) in Haste, 16:3. You shall never return that way, 17:16; You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous, 16:19; You shall pursue justice that you may live and possess the land, 16:20 (to be blessed); Threetime in a year all you shall appear before the Lord, 16:16. Are they Christmas, Easter or father's day? Everyman shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you, 16:17; Compare this with tithing, Deut. 14:22- 26. It may very like imply that you may be able to do beyond tithing; Offer to God the perfect gift, the best of what you have, 17:1; Who does evil in the eyes of the Lord shall be stoned, 17:2, with two or three witness, 17:6. The witnesses shall cast the first stones, 17:7; A leader shall be (1) chosen by God, 17:15; (2) not dependent on power, 17:16; (3) not built up his protection, forming allied like Egypt, 17:16; (4) discipline with his sexual conducts; (5) Not lover of money; and (6) devoting to the Word of God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The worshipper of the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles was required to given according to his ability. This was so that even those without much would be able to comply and give honor to God. It is like the widows mite parable, where she gave her all to the Lord, which was more than those around her were doing. 2) This section shows that there is a need when a body disciplines its memebers to be sure about the application of the discipline. It must be done in a proper manner to insure fairness and impartiality. 3) Israel's king was to be: - chosen of God - a countryman - not greedy or self seeking - not seeking many wives - one who meditates on God's word. 2 Tim 3:15-17 says: 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 18-19 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What were the special ministries of priests and prophets? Observe in chp 18 how both alike were God's provision for His people's needs. Of what kind of person in heathen religion did the prophets in Israel take the place? How may we still distinguish between true and false prophets? Cf is 8:19,20; 2Pet 1:19;2:12. 2) In whom was the prophecy of 18:18,19 finally fulfilled? See Acts 3:22,23;7:37. Do we listen to Him as we should? Cf Mk 9:7 3) In what way do the regulations concerning cities of refuge both protect against injustice and at the same time enforce just penalty? See further Nu 35. 4) How do the regulations of chp 19 seek to apply the spirit as well as the letter of the sixth(v1-4), and eighth(v14) and ninth (v15-21) commandments respectively? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 18-19 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Priests received no share w/ Israel, only the offerings made to the Lord by fire. There was a veritability test for prophets - if what they spoke in the Lord's name occurred, then they were truthful. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in 18:18, being raised from the dead! In Mk 9:7, after Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John, they are instructed to "Listen to Him!" I do have to ask myself - do I really listen to Jesus? It is God's command. Cities of refuge were safe havens for those not maliciously intending to kill, who accidentally murdered a person. They were ideally located in the middle of the land - easy escapes. However, justice for a guilty, violent murderer, v13 states, "Show him no pity." The 6th, 8th and 9th commandments are do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony against your neighbor. Detailed case examples are given in ch. 19. They are done w/ the idea of purging evil from "the land the Lord your God has given you", yet show God's fairness and justice. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 18-19 Deuteronomy 18:15 The Prophet "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him." NAS "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;" KJV NAS identifies this prophet as "a prophet" and KJV as "a Prophet". This "Prophet" is the Messiah. John 1:21 "And they asked him, '''What then? Are you Elijah?''' And he said, 'I am not.' Are you the Prophet? And he answered, '''No.''' " NAS The Prophet is referring to the Christ, John 1:21. Deuteronomy 19:21 Eye for Eye "Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." Old Testaments was written based on the Law. Everything is dealt with the fairness of the Law. We are in the time of God's love and grace. II Corinthians 3:6 "---- a new covenant, not of the letter (letters engraved on stones, 3:7), but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Priests ministered to the tabernacle. THey were the caretakers of God's house, and did not have a portion of the land set aside for them, instead their inheritance was from God. Prophets were the mouthpieces of God. They were ones whom God chose to speak His words to the people. Prophets took the place of diviners, soothsayers, fortune tellers. 2Pet1:19 tells us how to tell a true prophet 19 ¶ So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2) v18,19 are talking about the Messiah - Christ. Acts 3:22,23 tells us: 22 "Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23 'And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' 3) The cities of refuge were for protection of the innocent and insurance of justice for those wrongdoers. 4) Chp 19 seeks to apply the spirit and the letter of the 6th, 8th, and 9th commandments. The law was revisited here so that when the people entered the promised land, there would be no questions as to how to apply the law. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 20-21 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What general principles may be deduced from chapter 20 regarding a) the conduct of military warfare, and b) spiritual warfare in the army of Christ? Cf Lk 14:25-33. 2) What illustration do these chapters give both of the compassion and of the severity of God? 3) What application do the writers of the NT make of 21:22,23? Cf Jn 19:31; Gal 3:13; 1Pet 2:24. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 20-21 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Soldiers called to war had to focus on the battle, not other things. If we are not spiritually alert, our faith may be wounded. Service to our Lord must be foremost. Luke 9:62, "NO ONE WHO PUTS HIS HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOKS BACK IS FIT FOR SERVICE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD." God had compassion on an "unloved wife", that her firstborn son should not be neglected. However, a rebellious son was to be stoned. God did not tolerate any evil. How blessed we should feel to have Christ, our atoning sacrifice, for we would surely die before God without Him. Gal 3:13-14, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that BY FAITH WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT." What a mighty work He did on the cross, may we contemplate the overwhelming burden He bore for us with thanksgiving. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 20 and 21 Our Enemies God will go with us to fight against our enemies and save us, 20:4. Our enemies are Hittites -Diana (the mother goddess of fertility) worshipper; Canaanites, idol worshipers; Hivites, idolatrous people; Perizzites and Amorites - those who are constantly against God's people,20:17. Marry with captive women shall be done under the conditions that Shave her head - for purification; Pare her nails - separate her from her old ways; Put aside her captive dress - considers herself to be a godly woman. 21:11-12 Conducts of Family Problems 21:18-21 When family problems go out of control, it shall be handled under the authority of God. In Moses' days, a rebellious son would be charged with death penalty. Family problems as well as church problem, a lot of issues are practiced differently today. May the Lord give us wisdom to live a life on the firm foundation of our faith. Throughout the ages, the principle of church life should not be altered. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) From this chapter, we find that if God goes with us, we cannot fail. This is true of military warfare and even more so of spiritual warfare. Verse 4 is the watch verse 4 for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.' 2) This chapter shows God's compassion on those He loves and also his punishment on those that oppose him through the commands concerning warfare. 3) John 19:31 shows us 31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Gal 3:13 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE" -- 1 Pet 2:24 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 22-23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) 22:1-21. In what ways do these laws safeguard life, property and reputation, and thus put into operation the sixth commandment and the law of love to one's neighbour? 2) 22:13-30. How do these laws uphold the principle of chastity implicit in teh 7th commandment? How do the laws and customs of our contemporary society compare? 3) 23:1-25. What steps were to be taken to maintain the purity of the congregation and thus of the worship of God? How is this applied in the New Testatment to the church on earth and to heaven itself? Cf 1Cor 5;Rev21:27 and Study on Deut 16-17? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 22-23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Strong moral and community responsibilities were expected of the Israelites. The sixth commandment, "you shall not murder, " was taken to a new level. One was expected to provide the "insurance" of a parapet so that no one would die falling off your roof! It's food for thought regarding our social and moral responsibilities as Christians. We ought to be other-minded in many ways, not only reading the Bible and praying. A hundred shekels of silver for giving an Israelite virgin a bad name was a hefty price to pay. It was a strong deterrent to dishonest behavior. Today's society starkly contrasts, with divorce being a relatively simple legal procedure. Notice also that a woman has a responsibility to scream if she was raped "in town". This shows how heavily God judged and weighed the intentions of the heart in all these cases. I Sam. 16:7b, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." In ch. 23, we see things that we might not consider critical in today's society were unclean and unacceptable to God in the OT time. However, we also see the amazing law that was set out for the Israelites. A picture of God as absolutely Holy, yet merciful and compassionate is formed through reading these laws. What a mighty God we serve! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 22 & 23 Social and Moral Laws In these chapters, the NKJ gave the subtitles as Domestic and personal matters, Purity at marriage, Adultery, Fitness for worship participation, Maintaining holiness, Loans and vows. When we compare these topics of today's moral level and practices, "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God." 22:5 There are so many things which could be discussed about this subject. Today, even Israel has women soldiers. The other night while I was sitting in the swing, a baby bird came down in front of my feet. I did not bother to pick it up and take care of it. The next evening, that baby bird was dehydrated. If I read 22:6-7 before that evening, I would handle the case differently. This is the reason we need to study the Word daily. For emasculated men and illegitimate children, I symphonize them for not allowed to enter the assembly of the Lord, 23:1-2. Ammonites or Moabites were Lots descendents, Gen. 19:30-38, they were idolatrous in their religious practices. Moses told Israelites not to associate with them. However, Ruth was a Moabitess woman, Matthew, 1:5. God's plan is beyond our logic and human standards. On the contrary, the Lord told them to show kindness to Edomites, (a proud race of Esau) and Egyptians (the ones treated them as slaves), 23:7. Hard to understand! God does not want any unclean offering to Him - "You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog (male prostitute) to the house of the Lord your God ---" 23:18. This is the essential difference between God and gods. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) These laws try to protect property, reputation, and station. They embody love your neighbor as yourself. If we were to put this into practice daily, we would find our live greatly changed. 2) These laws try to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the state of purity that exists within this institution. Our current societal state is a mockery of this. We have so strayed away from the concept that God established for one woman and one man to join in marriage. 3) This chapter outlines the ways in which purity of the congregation was to be maintained. Purity of worship is something we each one need to examine our hearts for. Too often we dutifully roll into the church every Sunday. We need to prepare ourselves for worship that our worship will be pure and an acceptable offering and sweet smelling savour to the Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 24-25 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Chapter 24. The principle behind all these regulations is that of the eighth commandment: equity and honesty in all walks of life. Make a list of the ways in which this is to be practiced according to this chapter. Examine your own life by these standards in order to discover points on which you are prone to fail. 2) What application does Paul make of 25:4? See 1Cor 9:9; 1 Tim 5:17-18. 3) Taking Amalek as a type of the 'flesh', that is, of our fallen carnal nature, compare what is said here with Ex 17:14-16;Gal 5:17,24. When and where is such an enemy most likely to attack, and how ought such an enemy to be regarded by us? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 24-25 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Ch. 24 emphasizes social relationships of OT divorce, etc., It is beautiful how God has such a caring heart for the alien, fatherless, and widows. He instructs the Israelites to "leave some food behind" in their fields for the less fortunate to gather. 25:4 is an interesting concept that is carried out in the NT also. "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." By muzzling the ox, it cannot eat the grain as food. Likewise, the church should care for and support the Lord's servants. Those who are especially diligent should receive even more - a double portion (I Tim 5:17-18). It is amazing how the spirit of God's law is implied in concrete examples! The OT is rich in spirit, reflecting God's true nature; we should take time to understand it better. The Lord told Moses He would "...completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." Similarly, we should be DEAD TO SINS. Romans 6:12-14, "..do not let sin reign in your mortal body..OFFER THE PARTS OF YOUR BODY TO HIM AS INSTRUMENTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...because you are not under law, but under GRACE." Christ's saving Grace should compel us to obey Him even more. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 24 and 25 Divorce and other Subjects From chapters 22 to 24, there are repeating concerns about purity at marriage and divorce concerns. "Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives", Matthew 19:8. New Testament appears to allow two reasons for divorce: adultery (Matt. 5:32; 19:9) and an unbelieving spouse (I Cor. 7:12-16). Today, sexual abuse is also a major concern in Christian divorce cases. Divorce is a problem. Remarriage is another problem. Relationship without marriage is a common social practice. Homosexuality is even worse a sickening way of life. Lord COME BACK SOON! -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter outlines equity in many forms. It starts with divorce and remarriage issues, then moves on to kidnapping, leprosy, loans, poverty, transferred sin, and more. 2) Paul uses 25:4 to show the idea of hope in the work being carried out. in 1 Cor 9:9-11 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING." God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 3) Ex 17:14-16 14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." 15 Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; 16 and he said, "The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation." We need to be on our most cautious guard when we are weakest and least suspecting, for it is then that our enemy attacks. Gal 5:17,24 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.