The ESV Global Study Bible

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:1–18 Much of OT law is “case law,” which explains the correct legal response to specific situations. Here, each situation is introduced with if (vv. 1, 6, 12).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:2 sign or wonder. The Bible records miracles from sources other than the Lord, e.g., the Egyptian magicians (Ex. 7:22; etc.) and Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:3 For the LORD your God is testing you. The Lord uses false prophets to test his people’s faithfulness. Signs and wonders, when accompanied by false teaching, are not from the Lord. love. See 4:37–39 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:4 walk . . . fear. See 10:12–13, 20 and notes. hold fast. See note on 4:3–4.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:5 Even though the prophet or dreamer of dreams is used by God to test Israel, that person is not innocent. purge the evil from your midst. See 17:7; 21:21 (the death penalty is implied in these cases). Israel is commanded not to allow any unbelieving Israelites to live among them (compare 1 Cor. 5:13).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:6 Faithfulness to the Lord takes priority even over close personal relations (compare Luke 14:26–33).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:8 Even if a beloved friend tries to lead a person astray, you shall not yield to him.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:11 Besides punishing the offender, capital punishment serves as a warning to others (see note on v. 5).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 13:12–17 Rumors of apostasy must be checked carefully (inquire and make search and ask diligently) to ensure that they are true and certain. If the rumors prove to be true, then not just the worthless fellows who led the apostasy but also all the inhabitants of that city must die, because they allowed the apostasy to go unchecked. devoting it to destruction. See 2:34–35 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:1–21 Israel’s diet was to be distinctive, showing how the nation itself was different from all other nations (compare Leviticus 11).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:1–2 You are the sons of . . . God. While the NT often refers to individual believers as “sons” or “children” of God, this is fairly rare in the OT (see 1:31; 8:5; Isa. 1:2). The nation as a whole is called God’s “son” in Ex. 4:22–23 and Hos. 11:1. cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. Probably both of these activities were part of pagan worship (Lev. 19:27–28; see also 1 Kings 18:28). Compare Lev. 21:5–6.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:3 Unclean animals are regarded as an abomination (see Leviticus 11; Deut. 7:25–26 and note). Clean and unclean animals are kept separate to illustrate the separation of Israel from other nations (14:2).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:4–8 Clean animals have a cloven hoof and chew the cud. Cleanness cannot be based on the animals’ vegetarian diet, since unclean animals such as the camel, hare, and rock badger are vegetarian.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:11–20 Unclean birds seem to be birds of prey. These eat dead creatures and blood, which are forbidden to Israelites (v. 21).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:21 Israelites cannot eat anything that has died naturally, probably because the blood is still in the animal (see note on 12:16). holy to the LORD. See 7:6; 14:2. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk. To do so would be an insult to God’s creative design (compare Ex. 23:19 and note; Deut. 22:6–7).

FACT

Death penalty for apostasy? Anyone who urged a fellow Israelite to “go and serve other gods” was to be put to death (13:6–11). While the NT does not prescribe death for such an offense, it gives serious warning to anyone who leads another person into sin (Matt. 18:6).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:23 in the place that he will choose. See 12:5–6 and note. you shall eat. Deuteronomy’s emphasis on festive celebration of the land’s blessing is seen here with an annual “tithe party.” The whole household (14:26) plus the Levites (v. 27) are to be included. The person who truly learns to fear the Lord will also learn to trust that the 90 percent remaining after the tithe will be enough.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:24–26 when . . . God blesses you. A blessing is clearly expected. wine or strong drink. The Bible condemns drunkenness (Prov. 23:29–35; Gal. 5:21) and forbids priests to drink while in the sanctuary (Lev. 10:9), but it expects that drinking will sometimes take place at celebratory occasions such as weddings (John 2:1–10). rejoice. See Deut. 12:7.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:27 you shall not neglect the Levite. See notes on 10:6–9 and 12:12.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 14:28–29 An additional tithe is to be given every third year for those who own no land and therefore may be poor.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:1–3 All debts between Israelites, however large, were to be cancelled at the end of every seventh year. Debts owed by foreigners were not cancelled (compare 14:21).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:4–6 There will be no poor among you is in effect a command to be generous: “Let there be no poor among you.” Since the land will be sufficiently blessed by God (v. 6), if the laws are followed (v. 5), there should be no poor. But see v. 11 and note on vv. 9–11.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:7–8 If . . . one of your brothers. The law of vv. 7–8 does not apply to the poor outside of Israel. should become poor . . . lend . . . for his need. The cause of the fellow Israelite’s poverty is not the issue, even if it involves wastefulness or foolishness. you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand. It may be costly to the Israelite to give what is needed, but he must be willing to do so.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:9–11 If the sabbatical year is close, loans are less likely to be repaid, but the one asked to lend should have no such unworthy thought in his heart. Verse 4 expressed an ideal situation (see note on vv. 4–6), but the reality is that Israel will never perfectly keep the law, so there will never cease to be poor people among them. There will always be a need for generosity. Compare Matt. 26:11.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:12 When a wealthier Israelite allowed a debtor to become his “slave,” it was considered an act of mercy (Gen. 47:21–25). Indebted people sometimes chose to remain slaves permanently, because of the security it provided (see Deut. 15:16–17). This type of slavery was very different from the kind of slavery usually seen today, which involves kidnapping and forced labor.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:13–15 When a slave ends his term of service, his former owner is to give him supplies and not let him go empty-handed, to help ensure that he won’t have to return to slavery. The Israelites should desire to treat their slaves kindly as they remember (1) God’s blessings (As the LORD . . . has blessed you) and (2) their own long years of slavery in Egypt (remember that you were a slave; see 8:2–3 and note).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:16–17 Piercing with an awl marks permanent ownership. See Ex. 21:5–6; and note on Deut. 15:12.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 15:19–23 Giving the firstborn is an expression of thanks and trust that more animals are to come. The animal is to be eaten in the central place before the LORD.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:1–17 These verses deal with the three main Israelite feasts (see Ex. 23:14–17). If Deuteronomy’s detailed laws are arranged in the order of the Ten Commandments, this section corresponds to the Sabbath law in Deut. 5:12. On Passover, see Ex. 12:2–39; Num. 28:16–25. On the Feast of Weeks, see Lev. 23:15–22; Num. 28:26–31. On the Feast of Booths, see Lev. 23:33–43; Num. 29:12–40. All the feasts occur at the central place of worship. For those who lived outside Jerusalem, attendance required several days of travel (compare Luke 2:41–52).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:1 Abib. The first month (Ex. 12:2; Lev. 23:5), corresponding to March/April.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:2 flock or the herd. In Deuteronomy, the Passover sacrifice does not need to be a lamb (compare Ex. 12:3, 21).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:3 eat no leavened bread. Unleavened Bread is the name of the seven-day feast after Passover (Ex. 23:15; compare Ex. 12:15–20). remember. Remembrance leads to obedience (see Deut. 8:2–3 and note).

FACT

What is unleavened bread? Leaven is another name for yeast. Because bread made without yeast does not rise, unleavened bread is flat. During the exodus, the Israelites left Egypt so quickly that there was no time for their bread to rise. Unleavened bread was therefore used in Passover celebrations.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:5–6 You may not offer the Passover sacrifice within any of your towns. During their wilderness journeys, the Israelites could celebrate the Passover in their tents (see Ex. 12:21–24). Deuteronomy, however, gives instructions for the time when they will be settled in the Promised Land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:7 Cook means roast, not boil (Ex. 12:8–9).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:9–10 The Feast of Weeks is called the Feast of Harvest in Ex. 23:16. The seven weeks are counted from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain, marking the end of the grain harvest. The Greek name for this festival is Pentecost, meaning 50 days (see Acts 2:1). A freewill offering expresses thankfulness for the harvest.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:13 The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles is called the Feast of Ingathering in Ex. 23:16 and 34:22. It occurred in September/October and marked the harvest of summer fruits such as dates, grapes, and olives. The law was to be read every seventh year during this feast (Deut. 31:9–13).

FACT

Threshing is the process of separating kernels of grain (such as barley and wheat) from their stalks. This was done by beating the stalks or by using an ox or a donkey to pull a weighted sled over the harvest. Often large, flat rocks were used as threshing floors (16:13).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:16–17 all your males. Presumably females were free to attend the feast (vv. 11, 14), but only males were required to attend. The repeated mention of blessing encourages Israel to enter the land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:18–18:22 Most of these laws are about the various leaders for Israel. Leaders, like parents, exercise God’s authority toward those under them. This section recalls the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (5:16).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:19 You shall not . . . Justice comes from God’s character. See 1:17 and note on 1:16–17; 10:17; Ex. 23:6–8.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 16:21–22 tree as an Asherah . . . pillar. See note on 7:5. Canaanite worship items were to be destroyed (7:5; 12:3). This law prohibits bringing pagan religious practices into the central place of worship. Compare 2 Kings 21:7.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:2–3 does what is evil. More specifically, commits idolatry. See 4:19.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:4–5 Because idolatry breaks the first commandment, it is a capital offense. out to your gates. Capital punishment was usually outside the walls or camp (Lev. 24:14; Num. 15:35).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:6–7 On the evidence of . . . witnesses. The standard biblical requirement for finding someone guilty of a capital offense is two witnesses (Num. 35:30). See Deut. 19:16–21 on penalties for false witnesses. Insisting that the hand of the witnesses shall be first to stone the guilty helps prevent false testimony and adds seriousness to their testimony (compare 13:9). purge the evil. See 13:5 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:8–9 Straightforward judicial cases should be decided in local courts. Difficult cases are to be tried in the central sanctuary. Worship and justice are tied together.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:10–13 The decision of the central sanctuary court is final. that man shall die. Refusal to follow the ruling of the court is itself a capital offense, for it is a rejection of God’s justice and rule. purge the evil. See 13:5 and note. not act presumptuously again. See 13:11.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:14–15 I will set a king over me, like all the nations. See 1 Sam. 8:5, 20. Even though it will be several centuries before Israel has a king, Deuteronomy provides legislation for when that happens. God will choose their king.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:16–17 Governmental leaders would constantly face temptation to abuse their power for personal gain. Since the Lord had just rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt, kings would be forbidden to turn to Egypt for help (e.g., Isa. 31:1; compare Deut. 28:68).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 17:18–20 A copy of this law probably refers to chs. 1–30 (see 31:9). Reading and obeying the word of God trains people to fear the LORD (see note on 4:10). to the right hand or to the left. See Josh. 1:7 and note on Deut. 5:32–33.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:1–2 shall have no portion or inheritance. See 12:12 and note. the LORD is their inheritance. See Num. 18:20. It was a privilege to serve the Lord in the central sanctuary. The priests received a blessing being near the Lord’s presence.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:3–4 Parts of the sacrifices and firstfruits are for the Levites. Compare Lev. 7:28–34 and Num. 18:9–24, where the portions for the priests are slightly different.

FACT

Sheep are mentioned more than any other animal in the Bible. Sheep are dependent on shepherds to protect and care for them.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:6–8 Levites who minister in the country are allowed to minister in the central sanctuary occasionally. sale of his patrimony. Apart from their share of offerings, Levites may also make money from their personal property.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:9–11 abominable practices of those nations. See note on 12:2–3. burns his son or his daughter as an offering. See 12:31 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:12 because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out. The destruction of the Canaanites was not an attack on innocent people. It was God’s judgment against serious sin (Gen. 15:16; see notes on Deut. 7:1–2; Josh. 6:17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:15–19 On the voice of the LORD, see 5:23–28. a prophet like you. In the first century A.D., Jews expected a final prophet, whom NT writers identified as Jesus (Acts 3:22–24; 7:37; compare John 1:21).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 18:20–22 False prophets, whether speaking in God’s name or the name of other gods, are to be put to death (13:1–5). However, if a prophet’s words do come true, this does not automatically mean that person is God’s prophet (see 13:5 and note).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:1–21:14 This section corresponds to the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder” (5:17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:1–3 dwell in their cities and in their houses. See 6:10–11. The three cities of refuge are to be located for reasonable access. See Num. 35:9–34 and notes. Joshua 20:1–9 names these three cities.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:4–6 The cities of refuge are to ensure justice for a manslayer who unintentionally kills someone. Otherwise, he might be killed by the avenger of blood, someone from the victim’s family seeking revenge. The law clearly distinguishes between manslaughter (which is unpremeditated) and murder. The death penalty does not apply for manslaughter.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:8–10 The law assumes that Israel’s territory will grow (see 12:20) and that they will need more cities of refuge. That these additional three cities of refuge were never appointed indicates Israel’s lack of faith. innocent blood. A manslayer is innocent of murder.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:13 purge the guilt. Compare v. 19; 13:5 (and note), where the expression is “purge the evil.”

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:14 Moving the landmark, or boundary stone, of a neighbor is essentially theft of land (see also 27:17). The law emphasizes keeping land in families, since inheritance rights are basic to Israel’s life in the land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:16–18 In disputed legal cases, the issue is taken to the central sanctuary, before the LORD (17:8–9).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 19:21 eye shall not pity. See 13:8. life for life. Punishment is to be appropriate for the crime. See Ex. 21:23–25 and Matt. 5:38.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:1–20 These laws on warfare (especially vv. 16–18) may seem to be at odds with the teachings of the NT. But three things should be kept in mind: (1) they applied specifically to securing the Promised Land; (2) the Israelite armies were to offer terms of peace before attacking a city (see v. 10); (3) assuming the rightfulness of Israel’s cause, these laws actually helped to limit the loss of life in warfare. See notes on 7:1–2; 18:12.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:5–7 Three situations would exempt a man from military service. Compare 28:30. God desired that his people enjoy the blessings of housing, crops, and marriage. He could bring victory in battle, even with these three groups of men exempted from service.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:8 Fear could be contagious, so those who were fearful were also exempted.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:10–15 Verses 10–15 apply to cities outside the boundaries of the Promised Land (see v. 15). If the city rejects the terms of peace, God assures victory over it.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:16–18 Only the cities within the Promised Land are to be devoted to complete destruction. The mandate for complete destruction does not apply to cities outside Canaan (see vv. 10–15). God is the victor, and the spoils of war belong to him (see 2:34–35; 7:2). This kind of destruction is a sign of final judgment. See note on Josh. 6:17–18.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 20:19–20 Israel is to inherit trees that it did not plant (see 6:11).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:1 in the land. These laws will keep the Promised Land free from being unclean.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:4 The heifer’s death atones for sin committed by an unknown person.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:10 This law must apply to conquests of cities far away (20:10–15), otherwise the women would have been destroyed (20:17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:12–13 shave her head and pare her nails . . . take off the clothes. These actions indicate a change from her former life, including its religious practices.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:15–23:14 Many of the laws in this section address the sexual faithfulness of God’s people, corresponding to the seventh commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” (5:18).

FACT

Inheritance rights. In Israel, the firstborn son received a double share of the inheritance. The firstborn also had more responsibility for the family than other children. The law protected the special rights of the firstborn (21:15–17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:15–17 This law assumes that polygamy exists but does not condone it. (The ethical ideal for marriage comes from Gen. 2:24. On polygamy, see note on 1 Tim. 3:2–3.) double portion. The OT, in line with ancient Near Eastern practice, gave a double share of inheritance to the oldest son.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 21:18–21 Breaking the fifth commandment (5:16) brought the death penalty. Parents were to report their own rebellious children to the authorities. purge the evil. See 13:5.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:6–7 Like the treatment of trees in 20:19–20, this law preserves life. It requires wise, respectful use of the creation.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:8 Builders and homeowners must take adequate safety measures. Flat roofs were used for various household activities, including sleeping in hot weather.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:9–11 These laws prohibit mixing various items, reflecting God’s ordering of creation “according to its kind” (e.g., Gen. 1:25).

FACT

Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments? In the ancient world, tassels were worn by nobles and other high-class people. In Israel they were worn by everyone as a mark of their special status and responsibilities as God’s chosen people (22:12; Num. 15:37–41).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:14–15 evidence of virginity. This may be a garment stained with menstrual blood (v. 17), which demonstrates that she is not pregnant, or a stain of hymenal blood, showing that the girl’s first intercourse took place on her wedding night. The gate was where legal matters were heard and resolved.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:19 A hundred shekels is a very large fine. Workers in OT times earned half a shekel per month. This law discouraged men from making false accusations and seeking an easy divorce.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:22 Adultery was a capital offense throughout the ancient world. To be convicted, the couple must be caught in the act (found lying). They were both punished equally.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:23–24 betrothed . . . wife. Betrothal was much more binding than modern engagement. The woman is called “wife” in v. 24.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:29 Fifty shekels appears to be the bride-price (see Ex. 22:16). The law protects the woman, who is less likely to be married because she has been raped.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 22:30 uncover his father’s nakedness. See esv footnote; also 27:20. It probably means to bring dishonor to the father. The father’s wife would presumably be a woman other than the man’s mother.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:1 In Deuteronomy, assembly usually refers to Israel gathered at Horeb/Sinai. In this chapter, it looks forward to Israel gathered for worship in the Promised Land. Testicles are crushed probably refers to men made eunuchs in the context of pagan worship.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:2–4 Tenth generation may mean forever (see v. 6). no Ammonite or Moabite. The story of Ruth indicates that there were exceptions (see note on Ruth 1:4). Balaam. See Numbers 22–24.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:7–8 You shall not abhor an Edomite. Edom is descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin (Gen. 25:19–26). Both Edomites and Egyptians may enter the assembly of the LORD. With God, faith is the issue, not race.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:9–14 When Israel’s army was fighting the enemy, it was considered a religious gathering. Laws of cleanness applied.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:15–24:22 These laws address property offenses related to the eighth commandment: “You shall not steal” (5:19).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:15 The refugee slave is most likely a foreigner, not an Israelite slave.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:17 cult prostitute. Cultic prostitution was a part of Canaanite fertility rites. It was strictly prohibited for Israel.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:19–20 To seek a loan in ancient times was an act of desperation, often caused by crop failure. The prohibition against charging interest among Israelites (Ex. 22:25) protected the poor. may bless you. Wealth is to come as a gift from God, not from selfish hoarding.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:21–23 Vows were voluntary, but once a vow was made, it was binding. God keeps his promises and desires that his people do so as well.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 23:24–25 you may eat your fill. These laws benefit the poor and are not an excuse for theft (see notes on 15:4–6; 15:7–8).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:1–4 By charging his wife with some indecency, the first husband acquired her dowry—her father’s marriage present to her—when he divorced her. If she then remarried, she would have received a second dowry. If her second marriage ended, through either death or divorce, she would have been able to keep her second dowry. The first husband is forbidden to exploit her by remarrying her in order to acquire her second dowry. This is the only OT law about divorce. Elsewhere it is assumed that divorce will sometimes occur (e.g., Lev. 21:7, 14; Num. 30:9). See Jesus’ comments on Deut. 24:1–4 in Matt. 5:31–32. In Matt. 19:7, Pharisees use this law to defend their position on divorce. Jesus, however, refers all the way back to creation (Gen. 1:27; 2:24) to show God’s ideal plan for marriage. Deuteronomy 24:1–4 recognizes that people have hard hearts and will sometimes fall short of God’s ideal. It preserves a minimum level of civility in cases of divorce.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:5 The military exemption of one year gives the couple time to have at least one child and develop their relationship. Compare note on 20:5–7.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:6 mill or an upper millstone. If these items were taken as security for a loan, it could deprive a poor person of the ability to earn a living.

FACT

What was an upper millstone? Israelite women ground their grain in mills made of two circular stones. The grain was placed on the flat lower stone and then crushed as the upper millstone rolled over it. To deprive the miller of either stone would make her work impossible (24:6).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:7 that thief shall die. Kidnapping is regarded as theft. It is the only kind of theft that is punishable by death. purge the evil. See 13:5.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:8–9 Since a leprous disease makes a person unclean, a priest must make the official diagnosis. See Leviticus 13 and note on Lev. 13:1–59.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:10 not go into his house to collect his pledge. This law protects the dignity of the poor person who is forced into asking for a loan.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:12 not sleep in his pledge. A person’s cloak could not be taken as security for a loan because it probably also served as the person’s blanket (see v. 13; Amos 2:8).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 24:19–22 The blessings of the land are for the people as a whole to share. Compare 23:24–25, and see Lev. 19:9–10. See also this law in practice in Ruth 2.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:1–16 The laws in this section relate to things like administering justice, providing for widows, and being honest in business. They relate to the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness” (5:20; compare 25:1, 13–15).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:3 The limit of forty stripes was to prevent the guilty person from being degraded or permanently harmed. For fear of miscounting and going beyond 40, later Jews limited flogging to 39, as in the case of Paul (2 Cor. 11:24).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:4 Paul applied this law to the work of Christian leaders: If even an ox deserves to be fed, how much more do gospel workers deserve support (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:5 Her husband’s brother shall . . . take her as his wife. This was called “levirate marriage” (from the Latin word levir, meaning “brother-in-law”). It was to protect the widow and provide descendants for the deceased man. It was a case where polygamy was allowed (the brother-in-law may already be married). See also Gen. 38:8–10; Ruth 4:1–12.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:9 pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. This public event shames the brother-in-law (Num. 12:14). He is not, however, forced into marrying the widow. This protects her from being mistreated by a reluctant husband.

FACT

Shoes and sandals were considered the most humble articles of clothing. They were removed at the doorway before entering a home. People also removed their shoes during periods of mourning. Going barefoot was a sign of poverty and shame (25:9–10).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:13–16 two kinds of weights . . . two kinds of measures. A dishonest person might use one set of weights or measures for selling and another for buying. See Lev. 19:35–36. See also Prov. 11:1. days may be long. See Deut. 5:16 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 25:17–19 See Ex. 17:8–16 for the account of the Amalekites’ opposition to Israel.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:1–19 The final section of specific laws deals with the offering of firstfruits and tithes in the land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:2 first of all the fruit. This law acknowledges the faithfulness of God and the goodness of the land (v. 3). place that the LORD your God will choose. See 12:5 and note on 12:5–6.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:4 the priest shall take. See note on 18:3–4.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:5–10 These verses could be seen as a statement of faith, used in Israel’s worship to remember God’s faithfulness. Aramean refers to Jacob, who married the daughters of his uncle Laban, an Aramean (Gen. 28:5). down into Egypt. See Ex. 1:1–7. treated us harshly. See Exodus 1–2. cried to the LORD. See Ex. 2:23–24. signs and wonders. The plagues of Egypt (Ex. 7:14–12:32). milk and honey. See Deut. 6:3.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:12 in the third year, which is the year of tithing. See 14:28–29 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:14 Offered . . . to the dead describes a forbidden pagan practice.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:15 Look down from your holy habitation. God dwells in heaven, though on earth his name and presence also dwell in the central place of worship. See 4:36 and note on 12:5–6; compare 1 Kings 8:27–30.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:16 with all your heart. See 4:29; 6:5 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 26:18–19 treasured possession . . . holy to the LORD. See 7:6.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:1–28:68 Moses’ Third Speech: Blessings and Curses. Ancient covenant treaties included blessings for keeping the treaty conditions and curses for not keeping them (see chart). These chapters describe the blessings and curses Israel will face for either keeping or failing to keep its covenant with the Lord.

FACT

At more than 3,000 feet (914 m) high, Mount Ebal is one of the highest points in Samaria.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:1–8 Moses looks ahead to a covenant ceremony after arriving in the land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:2–3 on the day. Not necessarily the precise day but simply “when.” plaster them with plaster. White plaster provides a backdrop for the writing. write on them all the words of this law. This is in addition to the permanent written record (31:24–26).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:4–5 today. See note on vv. 2–3. Mount Ebal is north of Shechem (see 11:29). wield no iron tool. Israel’s altars were to be of unhewn stone (Ex. 20:25).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:6–7 Burnt offerings were the basic sacrifices dealing with sin (Leviticus 1). After sins are atoned for, peace offerings celebrate fellowship with God (Leviticus 3).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:9 you have become the people of the LORD. Compare Ex. 19:5–6; Deut. 7:6; 14:2. The covenant of Horeb is renewed here in Moab (29:1). After the conquest, it will be renewed again at Shechem (Joshua 24).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:12–13 Mount Gerizim is south of Shechem. Shechem is on the shoulder of the two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal (see 11:29 and note on 27:4–5). These verses describe a ceremony in which Israel hears blessings and curses concerning the law. In this chapter, however, there are only curses read by the Levites. See Josh. 8:30–35 for the carrying out of these instructions (compare Joshua 24).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:14 Levites must refer to the Levitical priests, since the rest of the tribe of Levi are on Mount Gerizim (see v. 12).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:15 On image, see 5:8–10. “Amen.” All the people express their acceptance of God’s justice and judgment.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:16 On dishonoring father and mother, see 5:16.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:18 On misleading the blind, see Lev. 19:14.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:20–22 On uncovering one’s father’s nakedness, see 22:30; Lev. 18:8. On lying with an animal, see Lev. 18:23. On lying with one’s sister, see Lev. 18:9.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:24 On striking down one’s neighbor, see 19:11.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 27:26 The list of 12 curses is merely a sample of the law. It is not meant to include all situations. Paul quotes this verse in Gal. 3:10 to show that no human can perfectly obey God’s law, and that therefore all need his grace.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:1–68 The focus shifts from specific sins that warrant curses to the content of the curses (vv. 15–68), preceded by a shorter list of blessings (vv. 1–14).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:3–6 For parallel curses, see vv. 16–19. city . . . field . . . come in . . . go out. The pairing of opposites indicates a blessing in all areas of life. fruit. The emphasis on fertility challenges the Canaanite view that Baal was the fertility god.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:7 your enemies . . . to be defeated. Compare v. 25.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:23 heavens . . . shall be bronze. Unable to bring rain. earth . . . shall be iron. Unable to produce food.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:30 betroth a wife. Compare 24:5. build a house . . . plant a vineyard. Compare 20:5–7.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:44 lend . . . head . . . tail. Compare vv. 12–13.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:46 a sign and a wonder. Signs and wonders usually refer to Israel’s salvation from slavery (e.g., 4:34; 7:19; 26:8); the use of the terms here is highly ironic.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:48 Yoke of iron suggests a return to slavery (see also v. 68).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:53 eat the fruit of your womb. The siege from the future enemy will be so dire that Israelites will resort to eating their children to stay alive. See 2 Kings 6:28–29; Lam. 4:10.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:58 glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God. The name is YHWH (Yahweh), revealed to Moses at the burning bush (see Ex. 3:14 and note).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:60 all the diseases of Egypt. See 7:15 and note on 7:12–15.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:61 The book of this law (compare v. 58) refers to chs. 1–30. See 31:9, 24, 26.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:62 Numerous . . . few threatens a reversal of the promises to Abraham. See 1:10 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 28:64–66 scatter. See 4:27. Because the people will continue in their disobedience and will not repent, they will receive the consequences. The curse of exile will come for the northern kingdom from Assyria (2 Kings 17) and for the southern kingdom from Babylon (2 Kings 25).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:1–30:20 Moses’ Third Speech: Final Exhortation. These chapters represent the climax of Moses’ preaching. He pleads with Israel to accept the covenant.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:1 The covenant in the land of Moab restates the covenant at Horeb (Sinai).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:2–3 You have seen . . . before your eyes . . . your eyes saw. See 1:30–31 and note on 1:29–31.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:4 not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. Israel needs God to correct its lack of obedient heart, eyes, and ears. See 30:6 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:5–8 clothes . . . feet. See 8:4. that you may know. See 8:3. Sihon . . . Og. See 2:24–3:17.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:13 establish you today as his people. See 27:9 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:15 Whoever is not here with us today refers to future generations.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:18 root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. If one Israelite begins to practice idolatry, the sin will be contagious, infecting other Israelites (v. 19).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:19 blesses himself in his heart. An expression of pride (compare 8:17 and note on 7:17–18).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:23 The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24–25) is used several times in the Bible as an example of God’s judgment (e.g., Amos 4:11; Matt. 10:14; 2 Pet. 2:6). Admah, and Zeboiim. See Gen. 10:19.

FACT

Brimstone most likely refers to sulfur. It is a bright yellow, highly combustible mineral that puts out a terrible odor when it burns. Brimstone is abundant in the area around the Dead Sea. During earthquakes hot gases are released from inside the earth, which can cause the brimstone deposits to burst into flame (29:23).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:24–28 These verses anticipate future idolatry and God’s curses.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 29:29 secret things belong to the LORD our God. Not everything that is true of God has been revealed. The things that have been revealed enable God’s people to obey him (that we may do); that there are still secret things means they must trust and be humble before him, and never imagine they know all the answers.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:1–2 This verse anticipates that the exiles (29:28) will return to God, or repent. all your heart . . . soul. Compare 30:6, 10. See 6:5 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:6 the LORD . . . will circumcise your heart. See note on 10:16. so that you will love. God’s changing of the heart makes obedience possible (6:5).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:9 The blessings promised in 28:1–14 will now happen.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:11–14 not too hard. When the heart is circumcised (see note on v. 6), keeping the law is possible. the word . . . is in your mouth and in your heart. This is the result of the changed heart that enables obedience.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:15 I have set before you. See also v. 19. Moses ends his sermon by seeking a commitment from Israel to obey God’s commands.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 30:19–20 To choose life is to choose God himself. It is to trust in God’s grace and the changes he makes in a person’s heart. holding fast. See 4:4 and note on 4:3–4.

FACT

Walk this way! The Bible often describes godly living as “walking” with the Lord (30:16; Ps. 23:4; Eph. 4:1).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:1–34:12 Succession of Leadership. In these final chapters, leadership passes from Moses to Joshua and the covenant is written down.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:2 No longer able to go out and come in refers to Moses’ old age. You shall not go over this Jordan. Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land was due to his sin (4:21–22; 32:51–52).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:6 Be strong and courageous. This command to all Israel is also made directly to Joshua (vv. 7, 23; Josh. 1:6, 7, 9). Do not fear. See Deut. 1:28. He will not leave you or forsake you. Compare 1 Chron. 28:20.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:7–8 Moses commissions Joshua. God repeats this charge in v. 23.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:9 wrote this law. See Ex. 24:4; 34:27; Num. 33:2. The writing and preservation of Deuteronomy 1–30 by Moses indicates that God’s law remains valid for future generations.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:10–11 end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release. See 15:1. Feast of Booths. See 16:13–15. This passage gives one of the clearest examples of how people were taught the law. The priests had responsibility to read this law aloud to the people at the great fall festival. at the place. See 12:5.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:12 men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner. According to 16:16, only the men were required to attend the feast each ordinary year. However in the seventh year, when the law was read, everyone was required to attend.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:16–18 whore. The OT often uses the language of prostitution and adultery to describe idolatry (e.g., Ezekiel 16).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:23 Be strong and courageous. See v. 6. I will be with you. God made the same promise to Moses in Ex. 3:12.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:24 the words of this law in a book. See v. 9 and note.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:26–27 Book of the Law. That is, chs. 1–30. See 31:9 and note. by the side of the ark of the covenant. The tablets of the Ten Commandments were placed inside the ark. The Book of the Law was to be alongside the ark in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:28 The three witnesses of Israel’s faithlessness are the song (v. 19), the Book of the Law (v. 26), and heaven and earth.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:29 the work of your hands. That is, the making of idols.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 31:30–32:47 In addition to the writing of the law and its recital every seven years (31:9–13), the Song of Moses (31:30–32:47) will be a witness against Israel if they fail to keep the law.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:4 On God as the Rock, see vv. 15, 18, 30–31; also Ps. 18:2.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:5 no longer his children. See note on 14:1–2. Compare Hos. 1:9. crooked and twisted generation. See Phil. 2:15.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:6 your father. See v. 5. The notion of God as father of his people is rare in the OT. Compare note on 14:1–2.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:8–9 gave to the nations their inheritance. For example, Edom, Moab, and Ammon in 2:1–23, as well as Israel throughout the book. the LORD’s portion. A term of special affection. See note on 4:20.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:14 Bashan was a particularly fertile area, where Og had been king (3:1–11).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:15–17 Jeshurun means “the upright one.” It was a poetic name for Israel (see Isa. 44:2) but is used sarcastically here. jealousy with strange gods. See Deut. 4:24 and note on 4:23–24. Throughout Deuteronomy, idolatry is seen as the most serious sin and the greatest threat to the nation (see also 32:21). God, the Rock, has redeemed Israel; idols or false gods have no real existence (v. 17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:20 hide my face. Often, God’s punishment of sin is his withdrawal from the sinner (v. 18).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:27 God will not punish his people forever, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, and think that he is unable to save his people. Compare 9:28.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:28–29 If they were wise, they would understand. Israel would fall far short of the ideal of demonstrating a godly wisdom that is admired by other nations (as described in 4:6–8).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:30–31 Israel’s Rock is God. The rock of the enemies refers to the so-called gods of other nations, who are nothing. Hence the enemies are by themselves.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:35–36 Vengeance is mine, and recompense. God will judge the wicked. For the LORD will vindicate his people. Beyond defeat and exile, God will restore his people (30:1–3).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:39 I, even I, am he. The repetition of “I” emphasizes God’s sovereignty (compare Ex. 3:14). no god beside me. See Deut. 4:35; 5:7; and note on 4:35–36.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:43 The song ends in triumph. In spite of Israel’s sin and exile, God will ultimately restore them.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:46–47 it is . . . your very life. Compare “he is your life”; 30:19–20.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:48–33:29 Like a patriarch, Moses blesses Israel before his death.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 32:49–51 Abarim, Mount Nebo. See 34:1. Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor. See 10:6 and Num. 20:24–28. you broke faith with me. See Num. 20:11–13.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:1–29 There is no mention of Simeon in the list of tribes, perhaps because the tribe was going to be scattered (Gen. 49:7) and absorbed by Judah.

FACT

Genesis through Deuteronomy are the foundation of the Bible. They introduce the key promises that show God’s purposes in history and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:1 man of God. Moses was held in high esteem.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:2 Sinai was the mountain where God gave Israel the law. This is the only place in Deuteronomy where Mount Sinai is called by that name. Everywhere else, it is called “Horeb.” Seir is another name for Edom, where Sinai was situated (see Judg. 5:4–5). Mount Paran was in the same area (Deut. 1:1–2). holy ones. Angels or heavenly beings.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:5 The real king of Israel was God. Jeshurun. See v. 26 and 32:15. When the heads of the people were gathered refers to the covenant renewal in Moab, as recorded in Deuteronomy.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:6 Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob, and so is listed first (as in Gen. 49:3).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:8 Thummim, Urim. See note on 1 Sam. 14:41–42. Massah. See Ex. 17:7. The blessing of Levi (Deut. 33:8–11) acknowledges the tribe’s faithfulness during the golden calf incident (Ex. 32:26–29).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:10 The two main roles of the priestly tribe of Levi were to teach the law (31:11) and to oversee the offering of sacrifices.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:13 Joseph here includes the two tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph (see v. 17).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:15–16 Compare the blessing by Jacob on Joseph in Gen. 49:26. who dwells in the bush. See Ex. 3:1–6.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:21 chose the best of the land for himself. See Num. 32:1–5, where Gad and Reuben request land across the Jordan that is ideal for cattle.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:22 Bashan. This blessing seems to predict Dan’s migration to the north (see Judges 18).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:23 the lake. Naphtali’s land bordered the Sea of Galilee.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:24 let him dip his foot in oil. Olive oil was a symbol of wealth.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 33:26 There is none like God. Compare 4:35. Jeshurun. See note on 32:15–17.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:1–12 Moses dies and is buried on Mount Nebo, overlooking the Promised Land.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:1–3 Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah. See 3:17, 27. Gilead. See 2:36. Dan. See 33:22 and note. western sea. The Mediterranean. the Negeb. The arid land across southern Canaan (see 1:7).

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:4 the land of which I swore. See 1:7–8. Deuteronomy begins and ends with the theme of the land promised by God. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there. See Num. 27:12–14.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:6–7 he buried him. Moses is buried by God himself outside Canaan. Beth-peor. See “Baal of Peor” (Num. 25:1–5). vigor unabated. Compare Deut. 31:2.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:9 On the commissioning of Joshua, see 31:7–8, 14, 23. wisdom. See 1:13.

DEUTERONOMY—NOTE ON 34:10 there has not arisen a prophet since. See 18:15–19 for the expectation that God will raise up a prophet like Moses (that is, Jesus; see John 1:21; Acts 3:22–24). face to face. See Ex. 33:11.