Thru the Bible - #177-Deuteronomy 25 - Sundry Laws

Transcript

Welcome And Today’s Passage

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Welcome to Bereen's Corner, the podcast where we go through books of the Bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Wherever you are in the world, thank you for joining. Grab a glass of water, a cup of coffee or tea, and let's get into today's lesson. Alright, welcome

Reading Deuteronomy 25 Aloud

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back. Open your Bible to Deuteronomy chapter 25. The title of today is Sundry Laws. As I mentioned to you, you know, there's quite a few sundry laws in this book of Deuteronomy, and today we are looking at another one. Deuteronomy 25, Sundry Laws.

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Open your Bible and let's read. Deuteronomy 25. When men have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves. But he must not give him more than forty lashes. If he is flogged more than that, your brother will be degraded in your eyes. Do not muzzle an ox while it is 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 husband's brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. However, if a man does not want to marry his brother's wife, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and say, My husband's brother refuses to carry on his brother's name in Israel. He will not fulfil the duty of a brother-in-law to me. Then the elders of his town shall summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying, I do not want to marry her, his brother's widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, take off one of his sandals, spit in his face, and say, This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother's family line. That man's line shall be known in Israel as the family of the unsandaled. If two men are fighting, and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity. 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 detest anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly. Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey, and cut off all who were lagging behind. They had no fear of God. 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 memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget.

Measured Justice And Justification

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God's justice, compassion, and righteousness in everyday life. As we journey through the book of Deuteronomy, one thing has become abundantly clear. God cares about every area of our life. His word doesn't just address worship and sacrifices, doesn't just address priesthood. It also speaks to family relationships and business practices, the courtroom, the workplace, and the way we treat both people and even animals. Why is that? Because God knows his people are not perfect. We are sinners living in a fallen world. Wherever sinful people live together, there will inevitably be disagreement, conflicts, it will be injustice, it will be selfishness and wrongdoing. Some disputes can be resolved peacefully, but there are times when people cross the line. When that happens, justice must be administered. See, God never intended for justice to be driven by emotion, revenge, or uh vigilante, you know, type of law, prejudice, or personal opinion. He established standards that were fair, righteous, and they were measured. His desire has always been that justice protect the innocent while holding the guilty accountable. That leads us to the chapter, and uh in this chapter, and the central truth of this chapter, which is there are times when punishment must be carried out. But God expects his people to administer justice according to his word in a manner that is fair, righteous, equipable, and consistent with his character. One thing the Bible makes unmistakably clear is that God never ignores evil. The wicked may appear to prosper for a season, but judgment is certain. We see it in Ecclesiastes chapter 12, verse 14 verse 14, and Romans chapter 2, verses 5 through 6. Likewise, those who belong to the Lord may sometimes seem overlooked, but God never forgets his own, he will vindicate the righteous in his perfect timing. We see that in Psalm 37 and 28 and 2 Timothy chapter 4, verse 8. Now, God cares deeply about justice, he desires the innocent to be protected, he desires the guilty to be held accountable, he desires judges to judge righteously, and throughout Deuteronomy, we've repeatedly seen that God is not indifferent towards wrongdoing, neither is he indifferent towards righteousness. In this chapter, Moses presents six, I would say, practical situations that reveal how God's justice should operate among his covenant people. And the first is how a guilty person was to be punished after being declared guilty. Deuteronomy 25 verses 1 through 3 says, If there is a dispute between men, and they go to court and the judges decide their case, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked, then it shall be if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall then make him lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of stripes according to his guilt. He may beat him forty times, but no more, lest he beat him with many more stripes, then these and your brothers be degraded in your eyes. The opening verses of this chapter are far more significant than they may first appear. See? In fact, they introduce one of the greatest theological truths found throughout the Bible, the doctrine of justification. Paul later builds upon this very courtroom imagery in Romans chapter 3, when he explains how God can declare guilty sinners righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. Notice the courtroom setting. Two individuals have a serious dispute. The disagreement has escalated beyond private resolution, so the matter is brought before the judge. The judge has one responsibility: determine who is right, determine who is wrong. Declare the righteous person innocent, declare the guilty person guilty. Justice depends upon righteous judgment. The Hebrew word translated dispute suggests something much more serious than a simple disagreement. It describes a conflict that likely became physical, a fight that ultimately required legal intervention. Whatever began the conflict eventually ended in court because someone had committed wrongdoing against another person. Under the Mosaic law, there was no prison system like we know and have today. Criminals were not generally sentenced to years of incarceration. Instead, guilt was determined, punishment was administered, restitution was made when necessary, and life moved forward. Once guilt had been established, Moses gives four specific guidelines for punishment. And the first was the guilty man was to be punished publicly before the judge. Verse 2 says, Then it shall be if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall then make him lie down and be beaten in the presence in the number of stripes. The judge was to have the offender lie down in his presence. This demonstrated that punishment was carried out under lawful authority, not through mob justice or personal revenge. Everything was to be orderly, everything was to be accountable. Justice was never to be hidden. Number two, the punishment had to fit the crime. The judge determined the appropriate number of lashes based upon the seriousness of the offense. We saw in verse 2 that it says that he was to be beaten in the number of strikes according to his guilt. God did not authorize arbitrary punishment. Let us remember that. Nor did he permit excessive punishment. Justice was to be measured fair, balanced. The severity of the punishment of the discipline was to be corresponding to the severity of the crime. Even in judgment, God's righteousness shines through. Do we see that? Even when the person was guilty, God still showed his righteousness even to the guilty. Which brings us to the third guideline. Forty lashes was the absolute max. Verse 3 says, He may beat him 40 times, but no more. No matter how serious the offense, the punishment could never exceed 40 stripes. That limit prevented cruelty. It prevented vengeance from replacing justice. Now later, Jewish practice reduced the maximum to 39 lashes to ensure the law was never accidentally violated. Paul himself tells us, five times I received from the Jews 39 lashes. We saw that in 2 Corinthians chapter 11 and verse 24. Even under New Testament times, this principle remained recognized, which brings us to the fourth guideline. The purpose of punishment was correction, not humiliation. Notice verse 3. Lest he beat him with many more stripes than these, and your brother be degraded in your eyes. This is one of the most beautiful principles of the passage. God did not permit punishment simply to disgrace someone. Discipline was intended to uphold justice, not destroy human dignity. Even guilty people were still created in the image of God. Punishment had limits, justice had boundaries, mercy remained part of God's character even while judgment was being carried out. There is an important lesson here for us. There is certainly a biblical place for discipline. Parents are instructed to lovingly discipline their children. We see that in Proverbs chapter 13, verse 24, and in Hebrews chapter 12, verses 5 through 11. Churches are instructed to practice loving church discipline when necessary. We saw that in Matthew chapter 18, verses 15 through 17, in Galatians chapter 6, verse 1. Then we get the civil governor governments. They were given authority to punish evildoers. We saw that and see that I should say in Romans chapter 13, verses 1 through 4. But discipline should always have restoration as its goal whenever restoration is possible. God never delights in punishment for punishment's sake, he delights in righteousness. As believers, we should pray for judges, law enforcement officers, and government leaders. They carry tremendous responsibility before God. One day, every earthly judge will stand before the judge of all the earth. We saw that back in Genesis chapter 18, verse 25. Some have judged faithfully, others have condemned the innocent and justified the guilty. But God's justice never fails. Unlike earthly courts, his courtroom will never render an unjust verdict. That truth should comfort every believer, because there is another courtroom every one of us must face. Left to ourselves, every one of us stands guilty before the holy God. Romans chapter 3, verse 23 declares, For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Yet Paul takes the courtroom language of Deuteronomy and explains the miracle of the gospel. See, God can declare guilty sinners righteous because Jesus Christ took our punishment upon himself. At the cross, the innocent, one was treated as guilty as that guilty sinner who treat him, who uh trust him might be declared righteous before God. Romans chapter 3, verses 24 through 26, and 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 21. That is justification. It is God's legal declaration that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ has been clothed in Christ's righteousness. See, we were clothed in his righteousness, not our own. No earthly judge could ever make such a declaration, only the judge of heaven can do that. And because Christ, those who belong to him, no longer stand condemned, as Romans 8 and 1 triumphantly declares, therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Amen to that. That is the greatest courtroom victory any sinner could ever receive.

Compassion For Workers And Animals

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Which brings us to the next part, how God's people were to care for a working animal. Notice verse 4. You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing. At first glance, this single verse may seem out of place. After discussing judges, courts, and punishment, Moses suddenly says, You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing. It almost appears to interrupt the flow of the chapter, but in reality it continues the same theme that has run through Deuteronomy. God cares about justice, fairness, and compassion in every area of life. That concern extends not only to people but even to the animals entrusted to man's care. When Israel entered the promised land, agriculture would become a major part of everyday life. Oxen were essential to farming. One of their important responsibilities was pulling a thrusting sledge across harvested grain. As the animal walked over the grain, the weight of the sledge separated the kernels from the stalk. That's just that's what it did. As the ox worked, grain surrounded him. God commanded that the owner was not to place a muzzle over the animal's mouth that prevented it from eating while it labored. The animal then performed the work as permitted to enjoy some of the fruit as its labor. Sorry about that. Once again, we see God's compassion. Psalm chapter 145 and verse 9 reminds us the Lord is good to all and his mercies are over all his work. Even the treatment of animals mattered to God. The Lord never condoned unnecessary cruelty or neglect. If he cared about an ox pulling a thrust and sledge, how much more does he care about people who are created in his own image? Remember in Matthew when he says that not even a sparrow will fall to the ground? That's what we need to think about. This verse also demonstrates an important biblical principle. Those who labor deserve to benefit from their labor. The apostle Paul recognized that this command pointed beyond agriculture. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verses 9 through 10, he quotes this very verse and asks, God is not concerned about oxen, is he? Paul isn't saying God doesn't care about animals, rather, he is saying that this law reveals a broader principle. God established it for our instruction. Paul applies it to those who faithfully labor in ministry. See, those who devote themselves to preaching and teaching God's word should receive appropriate support from God's people. 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verses 13 through 14. And he repeats the same principle in 1 Timothy 5, verses 17 through 18. The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, for the scripture says you shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and the laborer is worthy of his wages. The point is not greed, the point is fairness. Just as an ox should not be denied what is necessary while faithfully working, those who faithfully labor in spiritual ministry should likewise be cared for appropriately. This principle reaches beyond pastors. It applies to every area of life. Workers deserve fair treatment. Employees deserve honest compensation. Those who faithfully serve should not be exploited. God honors faithful laborers, and then we thank God, we thank the Lord that He does. As believers, we should appreciate those who faithfully serve the Lord, whether they're missionaries, pastors, teachers, or others who labor for the advancement of the gospel. Likewise, those who serve Christ should do so with humble hearts, resembling that ultimately their reward comes from the Lord Himself. We see that in Colossians chapter 3, verses 23 through 24, which brings us to the third case.

Preserving Family Name And Inheritance

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How God protected a family's name and inheritance. We see this in verses 5 through 10. When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband's brother shall go into her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. And it shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out from Israel. But if the man does not desire to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, My husband's brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a husband's brother to me. Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him, and if he persists and says, I do not desire to take her, then his brother's wife shall come to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot, and spit in his face, and she shall declare, Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother's house. And in Israel his name shall be called the house of him whom's sandal is removed. The next case addresses something unique to Israel's covenant relationship with God. To understand this passage properly, we must remember that land inheritance was central to God's covenant with Israel. He talks a lot about that in these chapters. Each tribe had received a specific portion of promised land. Within each tribe, every family inherited land that was to remain connected to that family throughout the generation. We saw that back in Numbers chapter 26, verses 50 through 52 through 56, and we will see that in Joshua 13 through 21. Because of that, preserving both the family name and the family inheritance was extremely important. Moses presents a presents a hypothetical situation. Suppose two brothers lived near one another. One brother married but died before having a son. Without an heir, that family line risked disappearing from Israel. To prevent that from happening, God established what is commonly called the uh the lever the uh the leverite marriage. The word leverite comes from the Latin word brother-in-law. Under this regulation, the surviving brother was to marry his deceased brother's widow, in other words, his sister-in-law. The purpose was not primarily romance, that's not what it was about. It was about covenant preservation. The first son born from that union was legally carry on the name and inheritance of the deceased brother. This ensured that the family name remained within Israel and that this inheritance was preserved. See, this regulation was never about a personal preference, it was about God's covenant purposes for his nation. Moses outlines several guidelines. First, the widow was not to marry outside the family if there was a brother able to fulfill this responsibility. Second, the brother was to marry her and raise up offspring in his deceased brother's name. Third, the firstborn son would legally continue the family line of the brother who had died. This protected both the inheritance and the family name within Israel. Now, throughout scripture, names often carry covenant significance. God had promised Abraham, and he promised his descendants to be as numerous as the stars. We saw that in Genesis chapter 15 and verse 5. He promised David an enduring royal line. We see that in 2 Samuel chapter 7, verses 12 through 16. The persevation of family lines ultimately pointed towards and forward to God's unuh his unfolding redemption plan that would accumulate into the coming of the Messiah. We actually see this principle illustrated in the book of Ruth. Although the circumstances differ somewhat, Boaz willingly served as a kinsman redeemer to preserve the family inheritance and provide redemption for Ruth and Naomi. We see that in Ruth chapter 4, verses 1 through 10. That beautiful story ultimately becomes part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which we see in Matthew chapter 1 and verse 5. God was preserving far more than property, he was preserving the lineage through which the Savior would one day come. Now, uh Moses recognized that there might be situations where the surviving brother refused to fulfill his responsibility. Although God's law established this provision, it could not force a man to willingly carry it out. That brings us to the next part and the next regulation, which is if the brother refused, the matter was taken to the elders. We saw that in verse 7. If the surviving brother Refused to carry his deceased brother's widow, she was instructed to bring the matter before the elders at the city gate. The elders served as the legal authorities within the community. They would hear the case and determine whether the man truly intended to refuse his responsibility. This demonstrates that God's values that God did a value of accountability. Major family decisions were not to be handled privately without an oversight or any oversight. They were to be addressed before recognized leaders who could ensure justice was carried out properly. See, there is another principle here that is worth noting. Sometimes obedience requires us to do things that may not personally be convenient. This responsibility was never presented as something easy. It required sacrifice. It required putting God's covenant purposes ahead of personal preference. Throughout Scripture, we repeatedly find that God's servants were called to obey even when obedience demanded sacrifice. Jesus Himself said, If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke chapter 9, verse 23. God's people have always been called to place his purposes above our own comfort. Which brings us to the fifth guideline. Public shame followed continual refusal. We saw that in verses 8 8 through 9. If after meeting with the elders the man still refused to marry his brother's widow, a public ceremony followed. The widow would approach him before the elders, remove one of his sandals, spit in his face, and publicly declare, Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother's house. To our modern ears, this seems you know unusual and shocking. It's kind of like, wow, that's that's kind of out there. But every action carries symbolic meaning. Removing the sandal symbolized surrendering his responsibility regarding his brother's inheritance to the land. Throughout the Old Testament, sandals sometimes represented legal rights connected with property and redemption. You can look at that in Ruth chapter 4, verses 7 through 8. By removing his sandal, it publicly declared that he had forfeited his obligation. The act of spitting in his face was a sign of public disgrace. It communicated that he had failed to honor both his family and God's covenant purposes. The issue was never simply refusing a marriage proposal. The issue was refusing to preserve what God had established for Israel. Which brings us to the sixth guideline. His family would carry that reputation. We see in verse 10, again, it says, In Israel his name shall be called the house of whom his sandal is removed. Moses concludes by saying that the man's household would therefore be known as the house of him whose sandal was removed. This designation would become part of his family's reputation. In Israel, family names carry tremendous significance. See, a good name reflected faithfulness, integrity, and covenant obedience. A dishonorable man reflected failure to honor God's command. Proverbs chapter 22 and verse 1 reminds us: a good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Reputation matters, not because we seek the approval of people, but because our lives should reflect faithfulness before God. Today, believers likewise bear a name. We bear the name of Christ. Our conduct either honors that name or brings reproach upon it. Paul urged believers in Colossians chapter 3, verse 17, Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Every decision that we make reflects upon the Savior that we process. Which brings us to number the fourth case, number

Restraint During Violent Conflict

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four. How we deal with improper physical assault. Verses 11 and 12 says, If two men, a man and his countrymen, are struggling together, and the wife of one comes near to deliver her husband from the hand of the one who is striking him, and and puts out her hand and seizes his genitals, then she uh excuse me, then you shall cut off her hand, you shall not show pity. Hmm. The next case addresses another unusual situation. And we know going through this old testament, some of these things are unusual to our ears, but thank God that the Lord explains it. Moses describes two men engaged in a physical fight. As one man appears to be losing, his wife intervenes to rescue her husband. Instead of separating the fight by appropriate means, she grabs the other man by his private parts. God declares that if this occurred, her hand was to be cut off. This is undoubtedly one of the more difficult passages in Deuteronomy, but we must remember the historical and the covenant context. Several observations help us understand correctly. First, nothing in this passage suggests sexual immorality. This is not describing a sexual act, it is describing an improper attempt to intervene during a violent altercation. Second, the punishment reflects the seriousness of the offense. The injury could permanently damage the man's ability to father children. Within Israel's covenant structure, preserving family inheritance and posterity was an enormous importance. A deliberate action that threatened the ability was viewed as a serious offense. Once again, we see a principle repeated throughout the law. Punishment was intervened and was intended to protect God's society and preserve God's order. Although believers today are not under the civil laws given to national Israel, the underlying principle remains that God values purity, God values self-control, God values respect for others. Even in moments of conflict, his people are expected to exercise wisdom and restraint. Let that be a lesson to us. You're not supposed to use your emotions as an excuse. James writes, the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James chapter 1, verse 20. How we respond during conflict often reveals the true conditions of our heart. And you know, in the times we live in now, people get into conflicts and they're quick to go to their gun, they're quick to go to their knife or some other weapon. But the Lord said that that is not to be so, that you are to still have your emotions under control. Which brings us to the fifth case.

Honest Business And Clean Scales

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How God's people were to conduct honest business. We see that in verses 13 through 16. You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a full and just weight, you shall have a full and just measure that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. For everyone who does these things, everyone who acts unjustly, is an abomination to the Lord your God. The fifth case moves from the courtroom and the home into the marketplace. God now addresses the issue of business ethics. At first, these verses may seem to deal only with ancient weights and measures, but the underlying principle reaches into every business transaction and every financial relationship. Moses writes that God's people were not different. They were not to have differing weights in their bag or differing measures in their house. Instead, they were to use honest weights and honest measures in every transaction. In the ancient world, there were no digital scales or computer rise registers. Merchants used stones or weighted objects to measure products such as grain, spices, oil, and other commodities. Unfortunately, some dishonest merchants kept two sets of weights. One heavier weight was used when buying products so they could pay less. Another lighter weight was used when selling products so they could charge more. From the outside, everything appeared legitimate, but behind the scenes, the customer was being cheated. God says that kind of business practice is an abomination. He didn't just say that it was wrong, he said it was an abomination. Now that is a strong word. Throughout scripture, an abomination refers to something that God finds detestable because it violates his holy character. Notice that God doesn't merely say dishonest business is unfortunate. He says that he simply, or he also doesn't, excuse me, call it uh just poor actus. He says that he hates it. Why? Because dishonesty misrepresents his character. God is a God of truth. He never deceives, he never manipulates, he never takes advantage of people. Therefore, his people are to conduct themselves the same way. And that's what you and I are supposed to do, conduct ourselves the way the Lord will, that the Lord would do it. Proverbs chapter 11, verse 1 says, A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. Likewise, Proverbs chapter 20 and verse 23 declares, differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false scale is not good. You see, God delights in honesty, he delights in integrity. Every business owner, every employer, every employee, every contractor, every salesperson, and every customer should strive to conduct business in a way that reflects God's righteousness. The issue extends far beyond ancient scales. It includes misleading advertising, false promises, hidden fees, fraudulent contracts, overcharging, underpaying, misrepresenting products, padding invoices, cheating on taxes, or taking advantage of people simply because they lack knowledge, those practices may be acceptable in the world. They are never acceptable before God. See, the thing about that is this is that we are to are to conduct ourselves in a way that is pleasing and promising to the Lord. As believers, we should know, you know, we should be known as those whose word can be trusted. When we sign a contract, people should know we'll honor it. When they hear that you represent the Lord God, they should know this person is going to do the right thing. This person will keep their word. When we give our word, they should know that we'll keep it. When we conduct business, people should know they'll be treated honestly. Colossians chapter 3 and verse 9 tells us, do not lie to one another. You laid aside the old self with his evil practices. Integrity should distinguish every practice, and every follower should distinguish everything in Christ Jesus in a world where dishonesty has become commonplace. Christians should stand out because they reflect the truthfulness of their Savior. Which brings us to the sixth case: how God's people were to deal with Amalek.

Remembering Amalek And God’s Judgment

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Verses 17 through 29 tell us, remember what Amalek did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt, how he met you along the way and attacked among you all the uh all the stragglers at your rear when you were faint and weary, and he did not fear God. Therefore it shall come about when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your surrounding enemies in the land which the Lord your God gives, gives you as an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. You must not forget. The first case brings Israel back to an event that occurred many years earlier. Moses tells the people, Remember that Amalek, remember what they did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. Uh, this command reaches back to Exodus 17. Israel had barely escaped Egyptian slavery. The nation was weary, they were exhausted, they were still learning to trust God as He led them through the promised land. It was at that vulnerable moment that the Amalekites attacked. But notice how they attacked. They didn't confront Israel honestly, they preyed upon the weak. They targeted those who lagged behind, the elderly, the weary, the sick, the vulnerable. They attacked those least able to defend themselves. In doing so, they demonstrated that they had no fear of God. The Lord declared in Exodus chapter 17, verses 14 through 16, that Amalek's rebellion would not be forgotten. Now, years later, Moses reminds Israel that when God eventually gives them rest in the promised land, they are to carry out his judgment against Amalek. Some people struggle with passages like this because they see only judgment. But we must remember that God's judgment is never arbitrary. It is always, it is always righteous. The Amalachites were not innocent victims. For generations they opposed God and his covenant people. They repeatedly demonstrated hardened rebellion against the Lord. God's judgment was patient. Years had passed, yet his judgment had not disappeared. There is an important lesson for every believer. Sometimes people mistake God's patience for God's approval. Because judgment does not come immediately, they assume it never will come. Peter addresses that very attitude in 2 Peter chapter 3 and verse 9. God is patient. But his patience should never be mistaken for weakness. Numbers chapter 32 and verse 23 warns, be sure your sin will find you out. Ecclesiastes chapter 12, verse 14 declares, For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil, every injustice, every dishonest act, every hidden act, every unrepentant rebellion will ultimately be addressed by the righteous judge of all the earth. That truth should both sober and it should comfort us. It should sober us because none of us can hide from God. None of us. It should comfort us because evil never has the final word. God's justice always prevails. Let us conclude.

Gospel Hope And Final Encouragement

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As we bring this chapter to a close, we see a beautiful balance in the character of God. He is perfectly just, he is perfectly holy, he is perfectly compassionate. Throughout this chapter, he has shown us how justice should be a minister, how labor should be honored, how families should be protected, how business should be conducted, and how evil should ultimately be judged. Yet, as we read these commands, one reality becomes unmistakably clear. None of us has perfectly lived according to God's standard. Not none of us, not one of us. We have all sinned, we have all failed, we all have fallen short of his righteousness, we have all fallen short of his glory. That brings us back to the greatest truth found in this chapter. Remember, in the opening verses, we saw the picture of a courtroom. Someone is declared righteous, someone is declared guilty. The gospel tells us how guilty sinners can be declared righteous before a holy God. Romans chapter 3, verse 26 says that God is both just and a justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Jesus Christ perfectly, and he's the perfect righteous one. He went to the cross and bore the punishment that we deserve, that you and I deserve. The judge command uh condemned his own son so that everyone who believed in him could be justified. 2 Corinthians chapter 5 and verse 21 declares, He made him who knew no sin to be sinned on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Isn't that beautiful? This is the greatest act of justice and grace in all of history. Justice was satisfied, mercy was extended, salvation was provided. If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, I'm telling you, today is the day to place your faith in him. If you have trusted him, then your life reflects his righteousness, and it should. May we be the type of people who love justice, walk in integrity, treat others with compassion, conduct ourselves honestly. We should also live in a way that honors the one who declares us righteous through faith in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. As Micah chapter 6, verse 8 reminds us, he has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. May that be true of each and every one of us. And to that I say amen.

Prayer Requests And Closing Thanks

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Alright, that brings us to the end of Deuteronomy chapter 25. I hope that you got something out of that lesson. You know, as I go through these chapters, uh I uh work on some of these chapters in advance before I bring them to you. But sometimes I go through them and the chapters get a little long because I see something that I miss or something that I would love to address. So I appreciate you hanging there with me. As always, I ask you to pray for me that I stay steadfast in these scriptures. I love going through these scriptures. Pray that the Lord is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, that I stay on a straight and narrow path and in good health, spirit, and heart. And I am praying for you as well. Wherever you may be, I appreciate you more than you know that you take time out of your morning, your afternoon, your evening to go through the word of God with me. I appreciate it greatly. I may not see you and get to know you on this side of eternity, but we will have eternity to get to know each other. I thank you. I pray for you. I pray that the Lord uh shines, makes his face to shine upon you. I pray that you are in good health, that you are in good spirits, and I pray that you and I rock all the way through until the Lord uh returns and gets us that we go to all these scriptures. Who knows? We may get all the way through Revelation and get to go through the whole scriptures before the Lord returns. We may get to go through many lessons together. I am praying that that is the case. Okay, that brings us to the end of Deuteronomy chapter 25. That is all for now. God bless. Thank you for listening to Berean's

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Corner. We appreciate you joining us as we dive into God's word and seek biblical truth together. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. You can find Berean's Corner on Buzz Sprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, and more. Let's stay connected. If you have questions, comments, or prayer requests, reach out to us at Bereans Corner.buzzprout.com where you can follow along with show transcripts and leave a message in the fan mail slot. Also follow us on YouTube at Berean's Corner and don't forget to subscribe. We'd love to hear from you. Until next time, keep searching the scriptures like a Berean. Stay discerning, stay faithful, and God bless you.