In this chapter, Moses speaks to the people of Israel about the process concerning unsolved murders, marriage to a captive woman, firstborn rights, and dealing with a rebellious son.
Moses begins explaining what happens when a person is found murdered in a field, and you don’t know who committed the crime. He informs the people that the leaders of the town nearest the dead body will follow specific steps, and then they will pray over a cow and say, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did we see it happen. O Lord, forgive your people Israel whom you have redeemed. Do not charge your people Israel with the guilt of murdering an innocent person.” (Deuteronomy 21:7-8) Moses then tells the people that following these steps will cleanse the guilt of murder from the community.
Moses then explains the process for marrying a captive woman of a people that Israel has conquered. He states, “If this happens, you may take her to your home, where she must shave her head, cut her fingernails, and change all her clothes. Then she must remain in your home for a full month, mourning for her father and mother. After that you may marry her. But if you marry her and then decide you do not like her, you must let her go free. You may not sell her or treat her as a slave, for you have humiliated her.” (Deuteronomy 21:12-14)
Moses then discusses the rights of the firstborn son. He explains that the oldest son must always get the larger inheritance, the customary double portion, regardless of the family makeup and circumstances.
At this point, Moses explains the steps involved for dealing with a rebellious son who will not obey his father or mother. He states, “In such cases, the father and mother must take the son before the leaders of the town. They must declare: “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious and refuses to obey. He is a worthless drunkard.” Then all the men of the town must stone him to death. In this way, you will cleanse this evil from among you, and all Israel will hear about it and be afraid.” (Deuteronomy 21:19-21)
He completes the chapter citing a regulation that if a person is hanged on a tree for a crime he/she has committed, never leave the body on the tree overnight; it must be buried the same day.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to treat others with dignity, and to conduct our lives according to your will. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Thank God that we are living in a time of grace! "Being manifested to be Christ's epistle ministered by us, written, not with ink, but the Spirit of the living God; not on stone tables, but on fleshy tables of the heart." "Who has also made us competent, as ministers of the new covenant; not of letter, but of spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit quickens." 2 Cor. 3:3, 5. Amen! 🤗