OVERVIEW:
Levites and priests; prophets; cities of refuge; civil statutes; warfare; unknown murders; family statutes; civil statutes; sexual sin.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
As Moses continues his second address in chapter 18 of today’s reading, he begins talking about the fact that when they came into the land, there would be no inheritance for those who comprised the Levitical priesthood. That almost sounds inconsiderate, disparaging, offensive and unfair until you find in verse 2, that the Lord had provided an inheritance for the Levites that was a 1000 times more blessed than mere territory on a map! Their inheritance was to be none other than the Lord Himself! Wow! In fact, as we discussed when we were coming through the book of Leviticus, the word “Levite” means “joined to”. The Levites were “joined to” the Lord in a spiritual relationship that was so much more significant and satisfying than any kind of earthly or physical proprietorship.
As you consider the blessings of the Levitical priesthood, keep in mind that they are an Old Testament picture of us! We are now of the ones who are “joined to” the Lord; we are now the ones who comprise His “royal priesthood” (1st Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10); and we are the ones for which God now intends to find our inheritance solely “in Christ”, not in the things of the earth. Colossians 3:1 and 2 tell us, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Verses 15–19 of chapter 18 provide one of the greatest prophecies in the entire Old Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ. God reveals to His people that another “Prophet” like Moses will come! You’ll remember that in the Gospel of John, there were numerous times during Christ’s earthly ministry when He was asked if He was “that Prophet”, or people made reference to the fact that He was, indeed, “that Prophet”. The reality is, they had been anticipating this “Prophet” because of this very prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18. In fact, as Peter was preaching in Acts 3:22–23, he quoted this very passage in reference to Christ. As Stephen was preaching his infamous sermon, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures regarding Israel’s Messiah, to the ruling counsel in Israel in Acts 7:48, he, too, quoted this very passage. Sadly, nearly every person who was aware of this prophecy from Deuteronomy 18 missed Christ’s fulfillment of it, even though it was staring them right in the face!
In 18:20–22, God lets us know that throughout history we will always be able to clearly identify the prophets through whom He is actually speaking. They always have one key distinguishing feature: they are always 100% accurate 100% of the time!
As we come into chapter 19, God through Moses, continues the conversation once again about designating key cities in the new land as cities of refuge. As has been previously discussed, the cities of refuge are a picture of the refuge we have in Christ. In the same way the innocent manslayer would plead his case to the elders of the city, Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our heart to God, who is our Refuge. Hallelujah!
Note in 19:13, God begins the biblical teaching concerning the preciousness of the shedding of what He calls “innocent blood”. This phrase is found at least 20 times in Scripture, and is obviously, dear to the heart of God because of His knowledge of the fact that His only Son would one day be the ultimate when it came to “innocent blood” being shed.
Chapter 19 concludes with several civil statutes. God reveals that moving a landmark is actually stealing land from your neighbor. He instructs that matters of law are to be established with a minimum of two witnesses, and preferably three. This principle is repeated in the New Testament in Matthew 18:16; 2nd Corinthians 13:1; 1st Timothy 5:19, and Hebrews 10:28. We would do well to consider this principle! How many times have we established something in our own mind on the word of only one person? As God continues revealing His will regarding these practical civil matters, He details that in cases where the person who is suing another person for a specific amount in a false lawsuit, the false accuser would be required to pay that amount to the defendant. Wouldn’t that limit a great number of lawsuits in our 21st century world?! Note that the commandment concerning fair and just judgments in the last verse of the chapter (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth) is directed to the civil government, and not to individuals. Sadly, it was soon twisted (as it often is to this day!) to provide an excuse for personal vengeance, vengeance that is always reserved by and for the Lord. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19)
As Moses continues his address in chapter 20, God let’s Israel know that the army that would be utilized in the promised land would be different than any military power in the history of the world. This army would be led by priests who would simply address the children of Israel, reminding them that the strength of their army is found in placing their confidence in the fact that the Lord is with them, that He is the One who will fight the enemy, and that they will see Him grant the victory. (20:4) It is the biblical principle of Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” It is also a picture of how the New Testament reveals that we are to do battle! Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT.”
It should be noted, however, that even though God intended to grant this army constant victory, God wanted to be certain that they were completely focused and fearless! In 20:5-9, God gives four reasons that young men in Israel could be excused from military duty:
God wanted His army free of distractions and deserters! In the warfare we face, may we likewise be focused and fearless!
As the children of Israel were approaching a city to overtake it, God tells them in 20:10–20 that they were to first seek to take it peacefully by allowing the inhabitants of the city to surrender, if they would agree to pay taxes to them, and to become their servants. If the city chose not to surrender, God told them to go into it and wipe out every male, sparing the women, children, and animals, and then to go in and take the spoils of the city for themselves. For the six nations listed in 20:17, however, they were to go in to those places and wipe out anything that moved or breathed! It would appear that these peoples and cities were of such a demonic nature and possession that the only solution was extinction.
As we come into chapter 21, God gives further instruction concerning the shedding of “innocent blood”. Note that there was a ceremonial washing (21:6) that was included in the whole process of being released from the guilt of shedding this “innocent blood”. (21:6–9) In light of the principle established here, it becomes quite interesting to recognize that many centuries later, on the day of Pentecost following the nation of Israel’s guilt in shedding Christ’s “innocent blood” on the cross (Acts 2:36), that when they asked Peter what they should do because of their guilt in shedding the “blood” of the only “innocent” man who ever lived (not to mention their very own promised Messiah!), that Peter’s instruction to them utilizes the principle established here in Deuteronomy 21, and includes the “ceremonial washing” of baptism as a part of their repentance for crucifying the Lord of glory. (Acts 2:37–38) Note, that this baptism that Peter referenced in Acts 2:38 is not for acquiring New Testament salvation, but is exclusively the biblical requirement for removing Israel’s guilt for being the ones responsible for shedding the “innocent blood” of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. (21:8-9)
After providing instructions for taking a wife from the captives of the new land (21:10–14), Moses then gives statutes for families. He lets Israel know that inheritances were to be divided by statutes, not emotions. Next, Moses explains that stubbornness and rebelliousness in a son was an offense worthy of death! Notice that there are three times in this passage where God references a stubborn and rebellious son not obeying or hearkening to the voice of his parents. We must recognize that our goal in bringing up our children is that OUR voice will control and instruct their little mind and body. As our children mature, the control and guidance is to constantly be directed and shifting to the LORD and His WORD. The biblical reality is, if they never learn to respond to the authority of OUR voice when they are children, they will not respond to the authority of GOD’s voice when they are adults.
Chapter 22 gives statutes on many civil and family matters. It covers the whole gamut from taking care of your brother’s belongings, to clothing, construction, plowing, divorce, adultery, rape, and incest. Over, and over again, the statutes and commandments are written to purify and sanctify a land in which the holy God of the universe would dwell with His people. Recognize that this had been a land of transvestites and homosexuals, a land of incest and adultery, and a land of selfishness and self-gratification. The Lord desired a pure and holy nation in a completely undefiled land. It is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament instruction given to us in 2nd Corinthians 6:17–18: “…come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As PROPHET – Deuteronomy 18:15 (John 5:46; Acts 3:22–23)
As SIN BEARER – Deuteronomy 21:22–23 (Galatians 3:13; 1st Peter 2:24)