Deuteronomy 17-19:Purity Is Of Utmost Importance

Hi folks,

Yes, it's been months, but I'm determined to continue this for as long as it takes for us to finish reading the Bible. Was chatting with Emily a few weeks back, and she seems ready to get back on it too. Are you all with me??

:)

In these next few chapters we really see God emphasizing holiness and justice in so many different ways.

1. Sacrifices Must be Without Defect
It would be "detestable" to bring a lamb or goat that has a defect.

2. Purge the Evil Among You
God specifically instructs the Israelites to STONE to death anyone among them who is doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. God sets up a system to make sure that this is done as fairly as possible. One can only be stoned based on the testimony of 2-3 witnesses, not just one.

Furthermore, issues that are too difficult to determine will be handled by the Levitical priest and the judge. Anyone who shows contempt for the priest or the judge will ALSO be stoned.

3. The Appointed King Must be "from among you."
God instructed them to choose an Israelite as a king (not foreigner!). Not only that, the king MUST work with the priests and follow all of God's laws and commandments.

4. Do Not Mix with the Foreigners!
The foreigners that the Israelites would replace practiced detestable acts, such as sorcery, divination, witchcraft, child sacrifice, etc. God specifically commanded them not to engage in such practices. Instead, God told the Israelites he would provide them with a prophet, through whom God would speak.

5. Take Care of Your Priests
God specifically gave instructions for the Israelites to support their priests, since the priests serve the people and do not receive their own inheritance. "The LORD is their inheritance."

6. Provide a Refuge
Though God provided many laws to maintain holiness, He understood human nature and provided ways to protect those that might be harmed unnecessarily. He understood the desire that humans have for revenge. He knew that if a person accidentally hurt another, that person's family would want revenge, even if it wasn't his fault.

God asked the Israelites to set aside a few cities that would act as refuge areas for these people.

Of course, if a person murdered with malice aforethought, the rules were completely different. In that case, God instructed them to bring him back to his avengers. "Show no pity."

7. Fairness Is Important
At the end of it all, God reminds them that you can never convict anyone based on the testimony of one witness. God emphasizes how important it is for the judge to listen to all the facts, evidence, before he makes his impartial decision.