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Today's Bible Reading...
March 9 - Deuteronomy 24-27
God's laws protect human dignity. In an age when books were scarce it was the
custom to record laws on stones, and set them up in various cities, so the
people could know them. Moses commanded Israel to do this when they arrived in
Canaan. The stones were to be plastered with plaster, and the laws written
theron. Joshua did this(Joshua 8:30-32).
1. 24:1-4 recognizes a practice that already existed in Israel. It does not
suggest that a man divorce his wife on a whim.
2. 24:5 New married couples should have time to be together the first year. The
relationship needs to grow. Don't expect or place too many demands on newlyweds
that they don't have time to establish their marriage.
3. 24:10-22 Help those who are victims of oppression and circumstances. Do not
take advantage of the poor.
4. 25:1-3 If you must deal out punishment -
1. Do it quickly after the offense.
2. The punishment should fit the crime.
3. The degree of punishment should reflect the seriousness
of the offense.
4. Discipline with the dignity of the offender in mind.
5. 25:4 Oxen were used to tread out the grain on a threshing floor. To muzzle
the ox would prevent it from eating while it was working. Paul used this
illustration in the New Testament to argue that people working in the church should not be denied benefits and financial support. (I Corinthians 9:9-12; I
Timothy 5:17,18). In a broader sense be generous with people who work for you.
6. 25:5-10 The purpose of a "levirate" marriage was to carry on the name and
inheritance of the dead man. A woman would marry her dead husband's brother to
carry on his line. (Tamar fought for this right in Genesis 38.)
7. Remember what God has done for you. Share with others the story of your faith
journey.
God, help me to be loving in all my relationships. Give me a kind and generous
heart. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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