Deuteronomy23:15-25 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Deuteronomy 23:15-25. Let’s go!
Deuteronomy 23:15-16 (NIV)
15 If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand him over to his master.
16 Let him live among you wherever he likes and in whatever town he chooses. Do not oppress him.
On verses 15-16: These verses show God’s heart of compassion toward slaves who have run away from an oppressive master. Similarly, we were all slaves to sin. but God rescued us and became our refuge, not wanting us to return to our previous master who oppressed us.
Deuteronomy 23:17-18 (NIV)
17 No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.
18 You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
On verses 17-18: What can we learn from these verses? God’s heart is full of integrity and so He cares how you earn the money you offer to Him. Since our work is meant to be a form of worship to God, we need to ask ourselves: is the work I am doing and the way I am doing it pleasing to God? Am I conducting business and earning money in shady, illegal ways, or in ways that serve God’s purposes on earth and reflect God’s integrity? We need to see our work and the money we earn from it as an important way that we give God worship.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20 (NIV)
19 Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.
20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.
On verses 19-20: Just as Moses told the Israelites not to charge their own people interest, similarly be gracious toward your spiritual family, your brothers and sisters in Christ. As Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” The concept of family runs deep in God’s heart. When you love the people in your church family well, you give God room to bless you more.
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 (NIV)
21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.
22 But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty.
23 Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
On verses 21-23: Since God Himself is faithful, loves integrity and always keeps His promises, God holds us accountable to the vows we utter and the promises we make. Always aim to keep your word and don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Deuteronomy 23:24-25 (NIV)
24 If you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat all the grapes you want, but do not put any in your basket.
25 If you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to his standing grain.
On verses 24-25: These verses are based on the expectation that the Israelites were to be gracious hosts toward those who visit them. Where does that expectation come from? Ultimately it comes from the belief that God Himself is full of grace. Still we are not to abuse the grace God gives us. Similarly, here Moses tells the Israelites that when they visit other people’s homes they should feel free to receive but not abuse the grace their hosts show to them. In other words, don’t be greedy or abuse the grace that people extend to you. Be courteous and thoughtful when you’re with others, especially when you are someone’s guest.
Father, thank You for showing us through these verses that Your heart is family-oriented, full of compassion and integrity. I pray that my heart would be the same. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
