DBG - March 6 - Deuteronomy 15-18

In this chapter Moses covers laws concerning the Sabbatical year, Hebrew slaves, and firstborn animals.

vs. 1-11 – Every seventh year was a Sabbatical year.  We saw this in Exodus 23 where the land was allowed to rest and no planting was done, and in Exodus 21:2 where Hebrew slaves were to be released.  Here it is added that debts were to be forgiven.  This goes beyond just monetary policy, as we see in vs. 7-11 the command to be generous to the poor.

vs. 12-18 – The is a repetition of the commands regarding Hebrew slaves in Exodus 21:1-11.

vs. 19-23 – There have been laws regarding firstborn animals being the Lord’s in places like Exodus 13 and Numbers 18.  This restates those regulations and adds that a firstborn animal that was disqualified from being a sacrifice could still be eaten.

In this chapter we see commands regarding the three pilgrimage feast of Israel.  Why the other feasts are not covered is not apparent. 

vs. 1-8 – The feast of Passover is covered here and in Exodus 12, Leviticus 23:4-8, and Numbers 28:16-25.

vs. 9-12 – The feast of weeks (Pentecost) is covered here and in Leviticus 23:9-14 and Numbers 28:26-31.

vs. 13-17 – The feast of Tabernacles is covered here and in Leviticus 23:33-44 and Numbers 29:12-16.

vs. 18-20 – The need of and roles for civil judges is given, as we also saw in 1:15-17 and other places.  They are to be in the gates of the cities, which if you study out is the gathering place for business and governmental affairs among the Jews.

vs. 21-22 – Another condemnation of practicing idolatry.

In this chapter Moses covers condemnations of idolatry, a civil court system, and requirements for future kings.

vs. 1-7 – Again idolatry is condemned. Interestingly it is connected in vs. 1 to the offering of an unacceptable sacrifice to the Lord.  Offering such a disgraceful offering would show a heart that did not have God first. 

vs. 8-13 – A higher level of courts is established beyond the judges in each city.   Cases can be escalated to the priests and Levites for judgment.

vs. 14-20 – This is an amazing passage.  God gives instructions for kings that will rule over Israel, which will not happen for another 400 years!  The reason – to be like the nations around them – is the same that is made in I Samuel 18:19-20.  There are five requirements placed on the king.  First, that they be an Israelite.  Second, that they do not “multiply horses”, which refers to building up a military.  Horses in Scripture are used for war and donkeys in time of peace.  Third, they are not to “multiply wives”.  This is not just because of sensual desires, because marriages are often part of alliances with other kingdoms.  Fourth, they are not to “multiply wealth” to themselves.  Fifth, they are to make their own copy of the Law for personal use and study.  Taken as a whole, these commands are meant to keep a king’s heart trusting in God, not in himself or idols.

In this chapter we see provision for the Levites’ care, condemnation of idolatry, and a Messianic prophecy.

vs. 1-8 – Provision is made for the sustenance of the Levites.

vs. 9-14 – Various pagan practices are condemned.  For a child “to pass through the fire” is to offer them as a sacrifice to an idol, usually Molech.  Other practices involve divination, spirit mediums, and magic spells.  These are either frauds or powered by demonic influence. 

vs. 15-19 – It has been a while since we could highlight a Messianic prophecy.  Here is probably the clearest in the writings of Moses.  Moses was a great man and greatly used by God, but a greater is coming.  This can be none other than Christ.

vs. 20-22 – Here is the test of the prophet.  Anyone can claim they are speaking for the Lord, but how do you prove it?  Simple, see if their prophesies come true.  Those that presume falsely to speak for God are to be put to death.  This not only weeds our false prophets but discourages people from attempting it.  A true prophet had to have true conviction that their message was from the Lord.

To me, the most remarkable passage in today’s reading is the portion of Chapter 17 that deals with the future kings.  God knew that the people would eventually desire a king.  Yes, it was a rebellion against God, but God still wove it into His grand plans for the Messiah.  We saw in Chapter 18 that the Messiah would be prophet.    Psalm 110:4 says that He will be a priest like Melchizedek.  II Samuel 7:12-13 promises that He will rule on David’s throne for ever as king.  This last is not possible without a kingdom.  God was already preparing centuries before the demand for a king that there would be kings and that they would lead to the coming and reign of the King of Kings.

Our hymn today is “The Offices of Christ” by Isaac Watts.  We read today that Christ would be prophet.  Watts glorifies Him as prophet, priest, and king.

We bless the Prophet of the Lord,
That comes with truth and grace;
Jesus, thy Spirit and thy word
Shall lead us in thy ways.

We reverence our High Priest above,
Who offered up his blood,
And lives to carry on his love,
By pleading with our God.

We honour our exalted King;
How sweet are his commands!
He guards our souls from hell and sin
By his almighty hands.

Hosanna to his glorious name,
Who saves by different ways!
His mercies lay a sovereign claim
To our immortal praise.