In Deuteronomy 14 to 20, Moses continues to outline specific instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. These chapters touch on dietary laws, tithes, regulations concerning festivals, leadership, and laws of warfare. Together, they reflect the ongoing call for Israel to be a holy people, devoted to God in all aspects of life.
Deuteronomy 14: Dietary Laws and the Call to Holiness
In Deuteronomy 14, Moses reiterates the dietary laws for the Israelites, emphasizing their need to live as a holy people. The chapter begins with a reminder that the Israelites are God’s chosen people, separated from other nations. Therefore, they must not follow pagan customs, including certain practices related to mourning: “Ye are the children of the Lord your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead” (Deuteronomy 14:1 KJV).
Moses then lists animals that are considered clean and unclean for consumption. Clean animals include those that chew the cud and have split hooves, such as cattle and sheep. Unclean animals, like swine, camels, and hares, are not to be eaten: “And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you” (Deuteronomy 14:8 KJV).
The chapter also provides regulations on the consumption of fish, birds, and insects. Only creatures with fins and scales are considered clean among aquatic animals, while certain birds and insects are also deemed unclean. The Israelites are further instructed not to eat any animals that die of themselves.
Lastly, Moses speaks about tithing, commanding the people to set aside a tenth of their increase each year to support religious festivals and help the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows.
Deuteronomy 15: The Year of Release and the Treatment of the Poor
Deuteronomy 15 introduces the concept of the year of release, a time every seven years when debts are to be forgiven. Moses commands the Israelites to release their debtors, showing mercy and reflecting God’s generosity: “At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release” (Deuteronomy 15:1 KJV). However, this forgiveness of debts only applies to fellow Israelites, not to foreigners.
Moses also stresses the importance of caring for the poor. The Israelites are instructed to open their hands to those in need and not to harden their hearts against them. If the Israelites obey God’s laws, there will be no poor among them, as God will bless the work of their hands. Yet, Moses acknowledges the reality of poverty and urges the people to be generous, especially during the year of release.
The chapter continues with instructions regarding the treatment of Hebrew servants. If a fellow Hebrew is sold into servitude, they are to be released after six years of service. If the servant chooses to stay, a ceremony involving the piercing of the ear signifies that the person will serve for life. The chapter closes with a reminder to dedicate the firstborn of their livestock to God.
Deuteronomy 16: The Three Major Feasts
In Deuteronomy 16, Moses outlines the observance of three major feasts: the Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
- Passover commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt, and Moses instructs the people to observe this feast in the month of Abib. The sacrifice of the Passover lamb is central to the celebration, symbolizing God’s protection and salvation.
- The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, takes place seven weeks after Passover and is a time to give thanks for the harvest. Moses commands the people to bring freewill offerings to God based on the blessings they have received.
- The Feast of Tabernacles is a week-long celebration of the Israelites’ time dwelling in temporary shelters during their wilderness journey. This feast is marked by great rejoicing and is a time of thanksgiving for the ingathering of the harvest.
Moses also stresses that justice must be upheld in the land, appointing judges and officials who are to judge fairly and not take bribes. The chapter closes with a stern warning against the practice of idolatry and setting up sacred groves or pillars.
Deuteronomy 17: Laws Concerning Leadership
Deuteronomy 17 provides instructions regarding leadership and justice. Moses outlines the process for dealing with individuals who worship false gods or engage in idolatry. Those found guilty must be stoned to death, but only on the testimony of two or three witnesses: “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death” (Deuteronomy 17:6 KJV).
The chapter also addresses cases that are too difficult for local judges to handle, such as matters of bloodshed or disputes. These cases are to be brought to the priests, Levites, and judges at the place God chooses, and their ruling must be followed.
Deuteronomy 17 also establishes guidelines for Israel’s future kings. Moses warns that a king must not multiply horses, wives, or wealth, and he must not lead the people back to Egypt. The king must write a copy of God’s law and read it daily, ensuring that he remains humble and obedient to God.
Deuteronomy 18: The Role of Priests and Prophets
In Deuteronomy 18, Moses outlines the responsibilities of the Levites and priests, who are to be supported by the people’s offerings and sacrifices. The chapter emphasizes that these ministers are to have no inheritance among the tribes of Israel, as the Lord Himself is their inheritance.
Moses then warns the Israelites against engaging in pagan practices, such as divination, witchcraft, and consulting with familiar spirits. These practices are an abomination to the Lord and are forbidden: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination” (Deuteronomy 18:10 KJV).
Moses also speaks of a future prophet who will arise from among the Israelites, one who will speak God’s words. This prophecy is often seen as pointing to Jesus Christ: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deuteronomy 18:15 KJV). The chapter closes with a warning against false prophets who speak in the name of other gods or deliver false messages.
Deuteronomy 19: Cities of Refuge and Laws of Justice
Deuteronomy 19 addresses the establishment of cities of refuge for individuals who accidentally kill another person. These cities provide a safe haven for the manslayer until a fair trial can be conducted, ensuring that they are not killed by an avenger of blood. Moses provides specific guidelines to distinguish between accidental and intentional killing, ensuring that justice is served in each case.
The chapter also outlines laws concerning the protection of property, false witnesses, and the principle of “an eye for an eye” in the administration of justice. Moses stresses the importance of fairness in legal matters and the need to prevent false testimony from corrupting the system.
Deuteronomy 20: Laws of Warfare
In Deuteronomy 20, Moses provides laws concerning warfare. He begins by encouraging the Israelites not to fear their enemies, even if they seem more powerful, because God is with them: “For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4 KJV).
Before battle, the priests are to remind the people of God’s presence, and certain individuals—those who have built a new house, planted a vineyard, or recently married—are allowed to return home instead of fighting.
The Israelites are to offer peace to distant cities before attacking them, but cities in the land of Canaan are to be completely destroyed. This ensures that Israel remains separate from the pagan influences of the Canaanites. However, fruit-bearing trees are not to be destroyed in a siege, emphasizing respect for God’s creation even in times of war.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 14 to 20 covers a wide range of topics, from dietary laws and festivals to the proper treatment of servants and rules for warfare. Moses continues to prepare the Israelites for life in the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of holiness, justice, and obedience to God’s commandments. These chapters remind the people of their special calling as a holy nation and underscore the need to follow God’s laws in every aspect of life.