SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 25
BIBLE VERSES:
“When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty.” (Deuteronomy 25:1)
“Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” (Deuteronomy 25:13-16)
“When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!” (Deuteronomy 25:19)
When there are disputes between men, they have to take take their cases to the court for the judge to decide. He must acquit the innocent and condemn the guilty. The guilty man is to be flogged not more that 40 lashes. Do not muzzle an ox while it its treading out the grain.
If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her brother-in-law must marry him and fulfill the duty to bear a son to carry the name of the dead brother. However, if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, the widow must go to the delder to inform them of his refusal. The elders of his town shall summon him and convince him. But if he persistently refuses, the widow shall take off one of his sandals and spit in his face saying:”This is what id done to the man who will not build up his brother’s family line That man’s line shall be know in Israel as “The Family of the Unsandaled”. (vs. 7-10)
If two men are fighting and one of the wife comes to rescue her husband by seizing him by his private parts, her hand shall be cut off.
Weights and measure must be accurate and honest. For the Lord detests anyone who deals dishonestly.
When you possess your inheritance in the promised land, do not forget what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt.
THOUGHTS:
THIS CHAPTER EMPHASIZED THE FOLLOWING:
- To condemn the guilty and acquit the innocent.
- To respect and take good care of animals by not muzzling the ox to prevent it from eating.
- To protect the family inheritance.
- To use accurate scales and honest measurement.
APPLICATION IN CHRISTIAN LIFE.
- To judge fairly and justly without accepting bribes.
- Christian workers should receive financial support and not be denied its benefits.
- To emphasize the importance of family ties and the line of descendants.
- To be honest in business dealings.