Deuteronomy 23:1-25
Q.1. Why were the Ammonites and Moabites to be excluded from Israel? Why was this treatment not extended to the Edomites and Egyptians? – (Dt.23:1-8)
The Ammonites and Moabites had tried to wipe out Israel when they were an infant nation. So – 4 because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you … 6 You shall never seek their peace or their prosperity all your days (Dt.23:4 & 6). Because God loved Israel, He turned the curses into a blessing (Dt.23:5). However, not all nations were to be treated the same. Israel was related to Edom … and Egypt had provided shelter for her in a foreign land (Dt.23:7).
Q.2. How was Israel to avoid the evil influences of her enemies? Why was Israel to be different from the surrounding nations in terms of cleanliness? – (Dt.23:9-14)
The surrounding nations had many evil practices that Israel was to avoid. God also put into place practices of hygiene and sanitation that would make His people stand out from all others.
Q.3. How was Israel’s Covenant with God to be reflected in their inter-personal relationships with others? What difference would it make? – (Dt.23:15-20, 24-25)
Slaves were to be protected in Israeli society. Since prostitution and homosexuality are an abomination to God, the wages from such activities were not acceptable to God.
Q.4. Why are vows and promises so important to God? Why should we carefully consider our vows and promises? What is the lesson for our society? – (Dt.23:21-23 c.f. Mt.12:36)
The danger in late payment of anything is that we will forget to pay what we have promised. It is better not to make a vow or promise at all, so that we do not sin – You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised (Dt.23:23). In fact, Jesus warned that God will hold us responsible for every word we speak (Mt.12:36).