Tag: Deuteronomy 17-20
Instructions for the future!
Scripture Reading for February 26th: Deuteronomy 17-20
We serve a God who knows the future! In Deuteronomy 17, Moses gave instructions to the Israelites about what would transpire after they enter the promised land. He told them they would want a king like the other nations. (Deuteronomy 17:14) We know from history, that is exactly what happened!
They were to appoint a king chosen by the Lord Himself! He must come from his own brothers so he would understand the people and the problems they face. (Deuteronomy 17:15) The king must have strong moral character. He was not to gather large numbers of horses or send people to Egypt to get them. This king was not to take a large number of wives, because the wives might lead his heart astray. He must not gather large amounts of silver and gold and depend on money or power. (Deuteronomy 17: 16-17) These things could lead to idolatry and take the king’s focus away from serving the Lord and the people. The king was to write a copy God’s law for himself. This would help the king to know the law and uphold it in his kingdom. It would help him hold God’s law in reverence and honor God! (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)
Jesus Christ met all these characteristics! He came from His own people and could identify with their needs and problems. He did not put his trust in military power and certainly did not lead the people to Egypt. He also did not marry. (But was still betrothed to a Gentile Bride!) He certainly did not gather silver and gold, but was a man of contentment with whatever was provided here. He lived humbly and was not greedy or idolatrous! Of course, Jesus Christ perfectly honored His father and kept the law. He read the law regularly and identified with his brothers by laying His life down for them.
God’s instructions for the future king would help all who would lead His people. These instructions were ultimately fulfilled through the King who was to come–Jesus Christ! He chose us who now believe. He has written His law on our hearts and calls us to live a life of faithful trust through the Holy Spirit! He tells us things that will come in His glorious Kingdom!
Preparing for the future!
Scripture Reading for February 27th: Deuteronomy 17-20
The passage today is another example of God’s foreknowledge. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses gives instructions to the Israelites about what will transpire after they enter the promised land. He said that they would want a king like the other nations around them. (Deuteronomy 17:14) We know from history, that is exactly what happened!
The first rule of choosing a king, is to appoint one chosen by the Lord Himself! He must come from his own brothers so he can understand the people and the problems they face. A foreigner would not have a proper understanding and in the case of Israel, would not understand God’s special dealing with this nation. (Deuteronomy 17:15) Jesus Christ was God’s chosen ruler to be king over His people! He was one of us, being born of a woman. He was tempted in all ways like us, yet without sin.
Another factor in choosing the proper king had to do with their moral character. The king was not to gather large numbers of horses or send people to Egypt to get them. This king was not to take a large number of wives, because the wives would lead his heart astray. He must not gather large amounts of silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17: 16-17) These things often lead to idolatry and pride.
Jesus Christ met all these characteristics! He did not put his trust in military power and certainly did not lead the people to Egypt. He also did not marry here, but is still betrothed to a Gentile Bride. He certainly did not gather silver and gold, but was a man of contentment with whatever was provided here. He owns the universe and is not greedy or idolatrous!
The last instructions for the king was that he was to write for himself a copy of the law taken from priests. God wanted the king to know the law and Word of God. It would help him revere God and honor Him alone. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) Jesus Christ, our King, perfectly honored His father and kept the law. He read the law regularly and identified with his brothers by giving Himself for them.
Since we as Christ-followers are kings and priests before Him, we should pay attention to these instructions. We have a great King and must honor Him by obeying His word! That’s good preparation for a glorious future!
God Cares for Trees!
Scripture reading for February 26th: Deuteronomy 17-20
“When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees of the field people, that you should besiege them? However, you may cut down trees that you know are not fruit trees and use them to build siege works until the city at war with you falls.” (Deuteronomy 20:19-20)
This unusual title and Scripture passage probably has you wondering if I have gone “green”! No, I’m not a “tree hugger”! In this passage of Scripture, God was laying down rules for making war and how the Israelites were to fight under His direction. God was going to be with them and fight for them and give them victory over their enemies. They did not have to do it all themselves!
God wanted His people to have victory and after the battle to enjoy the fruit of living in the land. A tree takes a long time to grow and produce fruit. Cutting it down can be done in a very short time. In war, most pagans destroyed everything in the land and did not hesitate to use even the fruit trees to destroy a city. God was with His people and they were to be compassionate and think about the future needs of those who would reside there. God’s compassion and love are evident here!
Fruitful trees are like fruitful people! The righteous man is likened to a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit even in a dry year. (Psalm 1:3) He meditates on God’s law and draws life-giving water from God’s river of life. Another Psalm likens the righteous to a palm tree planted in God’s house, bearing fruit in old age. (Psalm 92:12-15) Fruit bearing trees are blessed by God! However, trees that should bear fruit but don’t, are under a curse. Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had no early fruit and it dried up immediately! (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21)
I am not sure these passages are necessarily related. God has used trees as examples of both righteousness and wickedness in the Bible. He cares for creation! He cares for His people! Give Him praise today for His care of you and do your part to care for His creation!
Instructions for the future!
Scripture Reading for February 26: Deuteronomy 17-20
The passage today is another example of God’s foreknowledge. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses gives instructions to the Israelites about what will transpire after they enter the promised land. He said that they would want a king like the other nations around them. (Deuteronomy 17:14) We know from history, that is exactly what happened! God’s Word is always true and is worth listening to! I believe these passages will help us today.
The first rule of choosing a king, is to appoint one chosen by the Lord Himself! He must come from his own brothers so he can understand the people and the problems they face. A foreigner will not have a proper understanding and in the case of Israel, would not understand God’s special dealing with this nation. (Deuteronomy 17:15) Jesus Christ was God’s chosen ruler to be king over His people! He is actually king over the universe! He is one of us, being born of a woman. He was tempted in all ways like us, yet without sin. He came from the Father, and knew and willingly did the Father’s will!
Another factor in choosing the proper king had to do with their moral character. The king was not to gather large numbers of horses or send people to Egypt to get them. This king was not to take a large number of wives, because the wives would lead his heart astray. Some of these wives might lead the king into idolatry and cause his downfall. He must not gather large amounts of silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 17: 16-17) These things often lead to idolatry and pride and take the king’s focus off of serving the Lord and the people. Jesus Christ met all these characteristics! He did not put his trust in military power and certainly did not lead the people to Egypt. He also did not marry here, but is still betrothed to a Gentile Bride. He certainly did not gather silver and gold, but was a man of contentment with whatever was provided here. He owns the universe and is not greedy or idolatrous!
The last instructions for the king was that he was to write for himself a copy of the law taken from priests. The purpose was that the king would know the law and Word of God and keep and uphold it in his kingdom. It was to help him with pride and thinking that he was better than his brothers. It would help him revere God and honor Him alone.(Deuteronomy 17:18-20) Of course, Jesus Christ perfectly honored His father and kept the law. He read the law regularly and identified with his brothers in their need by giving Himself for them. The result is a long reign for eternity!
This instruction is good for any who are in authority! Pride is a constant temptation and so is greed. Sexual temptations also beset leaders. Would that we trust the Word of God! Choose Jesus for your king today!