Deuteronomy 23: Maintaining Holiness and Showing Compassion
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:
Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the Lord in their third generation.
When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.
If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.
Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.
Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.
When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.
When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.
Deuteronomy 23 addresses a variety of seemingly disparate topics, but a central theme unites them: maintaining holiness within the community of Israel while simultaneously demonstrating compassion and justice. This chapter reveals God's concern for both the spiritual purity and the practical well-being of His people.
Exclusion from the Assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1-8)
The chapter begins by outlining specific groups excluded from full participation in the assembly of the Lord. This wasn't arbitrary discrimination but served symbolic and practical purposes. A man whose testicles were crushed or whose male member was cut off (Deuteronomy 23:1) was excluded, not because of personal sin, but because physical wholeness symbolized spiritual integrity and the ability to contribute to the nation's future generations. This was a ceremonial regulation emphasizing the need for perfection before God.
Similarly, those of illegitimate birth (Deuteronomy 23:2) were barred until the tenth generation. This likely referred to offspring from unions between Israelites and those from forbidden nations, such as the Canaanites. This restriction aimed to protect the purity of the Israelite lineage and prevent the adoption of foreign religious practices. The exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites (Deuteronomy 23:3-6) stemmed from their historical hostility towards Israel during their wilderness wanderings, including the Moabites' hiring of Balaam to curse Israel. Their lack of hospitality and active opposition warranted this consequence.
In contrast, the Edomites, being descendants of Esau and thus related to Israel, and even the Egyptians, with whom Israel had once resided, were to be treated with respect (Deuteronomy 23:7-8). After three generations, their descendants could enter the assembly of the Lord. This demonstrates God's nuanced approach, balancing justice with the possibility of reconciliation and inclusion.
Maintaining Camp Purity (Deuteronomy 23:9-14)
The chapter then shifts to matters of practical hygiene and ceremonial cleanliness within the Israelite camp. During times of war, soldiers were to maintain ritual purity (Deuteronomy 23:9-11). This included cleansing themselves after bodily emissions, ensuring they were ceremonially clean before returning to the camp. Similarly, the disposal of human waste was carefully regulated (Deuteronomy 23:12-14). A designated place outside the camp was to be used, and excrement was to be covered. This emphasis on hygiene wasn't merely for health reasons; it was a tangible reminder that God, who is holy, dwelt in their midst, and they were to maintain a clean and pure environment for Him. God takes every detail of His people’s lives seriously.
Protecting Fugitive Slaves (Deuteronomy 23:15-16)
A remarkable provision is made for fugitive slaves. Those who escaped from their masters and sought refuge in Israel were not to be returned (Deuteronomy 23:15). Instead, they were to be welcomed and allowed to live freely in any city they chose (Deuteronomy 23:16). This act of compassion stands in stark contrast to the practices of surrounding nations and reflects God's concern for the oppressed and vulnerable. This law likely referred to slaves escaping from neighboring nations. It was a righteous act to offer them sanctuary, demonstrating a commitment to justice and human dignity.
Condemning Cult Prostitution (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)
The chapter vehemently condemns cult prostitution, a practice prevalent in Canaanite religion. No Israelite woman was to become a cult prostitute, nor was any Israelite man to engage in such practices (Deuteronomy 23:17). Furthermore, the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog (likely referring to a male prostitute) were not to be brought into the house of the Lord as an offering (Deuteronomy 23:18). Such practices were considered an abomination to God and a perversion of true worship. This prohibition underscored the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of the temple.
Lending Practices (Deuteronomy 23:19-20)
Regulations concerning lending and interest are also addressed. Israelites were prohibited from charging interest to their fellow Israelites but were permitted to charge interest to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:19-20). This distinction aimed to protect the economic well-being of the Israelite community and prevent the exploitation of the poor. It reflects the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18), extending compassion and support within the community.
Keeping Vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)
The importance of keeping vows is emphasized. While making a vow to the Lord was voluntary, once a vow was made, it was to be fulfilled without delay (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Failure to keep a vow was considered a sin. This highlights the seriousness with which God views our commitments and the importance of integrity in our relationship with Him.
Gleaning in Vineyards and Fields (Deuteronomy 23:24-25)
The chapter concludes with a provision allowing Israelites to eat grapes from a neighbor's vineyard or grain from a neighbor's field, as long as they did not take more than they could eat on the spot (Deuteronomy 23:24-25). This practice allowed the poor and hungry to glean from the abundance of the land, demonstrating compassion and ensuring that no one went without food. However, it was forbidden to harvest with a sickle or gather into a container, preventing abuse of the privilege.
Deuteronomy 23 offers a comprehensive glimpse into the multifaceted life of the Israelite community. It highlights the importance of maintaining holiness, practicing justice, and showing compassion to both insiders and outsiders. It reveals a God who cares deeply about the spiritual purity and the practical well-being of His people, calling them to reflect His character in every aspect of their lives.
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:
Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the Lord in their third generation.
When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.
If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.
Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.
Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.
When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.
When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.
Deuteronomy 23 addresses a variety of seemingly disparate topics, but a central theme unites them: maintaining holiness within the community of Israel while simultaneously demonstrating compassion and justice. This chapter reveals God's concern for both the spiritual purity and the practical well-being of His people.
Exclusion from the Assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1-8)
The chapter begins by outlining specific groups excluded from full participation in the assembly of the Lord. This wasn't arbitrary discrimination but served symbolic and practical purposes. A man whose testicles were crushed or whose male member was cut off (Deuteronomy 23:1) was excluded, not because of personal sin, but because physical wholeness symbolized spiritual integrity and the ability to contribute to the nation's future generations. This was a ceremonial regulation emphasizing the need for perfection before God.
Similarly, those of illegitimate birth (Deuteronomy 23:2) were barred until the tenth generation. This likely referred to offspring from unions between Israelites and those from forbidden nations, such as the Canaanites. This restriction aimed to protect the purity of the Israelite lineage and prevent the adoption of foreign religious practices. The exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites (Deuteronomy 23:3-6) stemmed from their historical hostility towards Israel during their wilderness wanderings, including the Moabites' hiring of Balaam to curse Israel. Their lack of hospitality and active opposition warranted this consequence.
In contrast, the Edomites, being descendants of Esau and thus related to Israel, and even the Egyptians, with whom Israel had once resided, were to be treated with respect (Deuteronomy 23:7-8). After three generations, their descendants could enter the assembly of the Lord. This demonstrates God's nuanced approach, balancing justice with the possibility of reconciliation and inclusion.
Maintaining Camp Purity (Deuteronomy 23:9-14)
The chapter then shifts to matters of practical hygiene and ceremonial cleanliness within the Israelite camp. During times of war, soldiers were to maintain ritual purity (Deuteronomy 23:9-11). This included cleansing themselves after bodily emissions, ensuring they were ceremonially clean before returning to the camp. Similarly, the disposal of human waste was carefully regulated (Deuteronomy 23:12-14). A designated place outside the camp was to be used, and excrement was to be covered. This emphasis on hygiene wasn't merely for health reasons; it was a tangible reminder that God, who is holy, dwelt in their midst, and they were to maintain a clean and pure environment for Him. God takes every detail of His people’s lives seriously.
Protecting Fugitive Slaves (Deuteronomy 23:15-16)
A remarkable provision is made for fugitive slaves. Those who escaped from their masters and sought refuge in Israel were not to be returned (Deuteronomy 23:15). Instead, they were to be welcomed and allowed to live freely in any city they chose (Deuteronomy 23:16). This act of compassion stands in stark contrast to the practices of surrounding nations and reflects God's concern for the oppressed and vulnerable. This law likely referred to slaves escaping from neighboring nations. It was a righteous act to offer them sanctuary, demonstrating a commitment to justice and human dignity.
Condemning Cult Prostitution (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)
The chapter vehemently condemns cult prostitution, a practice prevalent in Canaanite religion. No Israelite woman was to become a cult prostitute, nor was any Israelite man to engage in such practices (Deuteronomy 23:17). Furthermore, the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog (likely referring to a male prostitute) were not to be brought into the house of the Lord as an offering (Deuteronomy 23:18). Such practices were considered an abomination to God and a perversion of true worship. This prohibition underscored the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of the temple.
Lending Practices (Deuteronomy 23:19-20)
Regulations concerning lending and interest are also addressed. Israelites were prohibited from charging interest to their fellow Israelites but were permitted to charge interest to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:19-20). This distinction aimed to protect the economic well-being of the Israelite community and prevent the exploitation of the poor. It reflects the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18), extending compassion and support within the community.
Keeping Vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)
The importance of keeping vows is emphasized. While making a vow to the Lord was voluntary, once a vow was made, it was to be fulfilled without delay (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). Failure to keep a vow was considered a sin. This highlights the seriousness with which God views our commitments and the importance of integrity in our relationship with Him.
Gleaning in Vineyards and Fields (Deuteronomy 23:24-25)
The chapter concludes with a provision allowing Israelites to eat grapes from a neighbor's vineyard or grain from a neighbor's field, as long as they did not take more than they could eat on the spot (Deuteronomy 23:24-25). This practice allowed the poor and hungry to glean from the abundance of the land, demonstrating compassion and ensuring that no one went without food. However, it was forbidden to harvest with a sickle or gather into a container, preventing abuse of the privilege.
Deuteronomy 23 offers a comprehensive glimpse into the multifaceted life of the Israelite community. It highlights the importance of maintaining holiness, practicing justice, and showing compassion to both insiders and outsiders. It reveals a God who cares deeply about the spiritual purity and the practical well-being of His people, calling them to reflect His character in every aspect of their lives.