February 22, 2025
Where is Jesus in Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy 17-20
Garrett Wikle
Big Book Idea
There are three sermons from Moses, but the greater Moses is still to come.
Key Verse | Deuteronomy 18:18
"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him."
Deuteronomy 17-20
Chapter 17
1 You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep in which is a blemish, any defect whatever, for that is an abomination to the LORD your God.
2 If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, in transgressing his covenant, 3 and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden, 4 and it is told you and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, 5 then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones. 6 On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. 7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge 1 17:7 Septuagint drive out; also verse 12 the evil 2 17:7 Or evil person; also verse 12 from your midst.
Legal Decisions by Priests and Judges
8 If any case arises requiring decision between one kind of homicide and another, one kind of legal right and another, or one kind of assault and another, any case within your towns that is too difficult for you, then you shall arise and go up to the place that the LORD your God will choose. 9 And you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall consult them, and they shall declare to you the decision. 10 Then you shall do according to what they declare to you from that place that the LORD will choose. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you. 11 According to the instructions that they give you, and according to the decision which they pronounce to you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the verdict that they declare to you, either to the right hand or to the left. 12 The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the LORD your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel. 13 And all the people shall hear and fear and not act presumptuously again.
Laws Concerning Israel's Kings
14 When you come to the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’ 15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.
18 And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by 3 17:18 Hebrew from before the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.
Chapter 18
Provision for Priests and Levites
1 The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the LORD's food offerings 4 18:1 Or the offerings by fire to the LORD as their 5 18:1 Hebrew his inheritance. 2 They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them. 3 And this shall be the priests' due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach. 4 The firstfruits of your grain, of your wine and of your oil, and the first fleece of your sheep, you shall give him. 5 For the LORD your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for all time.
6 And if a Levite comes from any of your towns out of all Israel, where he lives—and he may come when he desires 6 18:6 Or livesif he comes enthusiastically —to the place that the LORD will choose, 7 and ministers in the name of the LORD his God, like all his fellow Levites who stand to minister there before the LORD, 8 then he may have equal portions to eat, besides what he receives from the sale of his patrimony. 7 18:8 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
Abominable Practices
9 When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, 8 18:10 Hebrew makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.
A New Prophet like Moses
15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or 9 18:20 Or and who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
Chapter 19
Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge
1 When the LORD your God cuts off the nations whose land the LORD your God is giving you, and you dispossess them and dwell in their cities and in their houses, 2 you shall set apart three cities for yourselves in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. 3 You shall measure the distances 10 19:3 Hebrew road and divide into three parts the area of the land that the LORD your God gives you as a possession, so that any manslayer can flee to them.
4 This is the provision for the manslayer, who by fleeing there may save his life. If anyone kills his neighbor unintentionally without having hated him in the past— 5 as when someone goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down a tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies—he may flee to one of these cities and live, 6 lest the avenger of blood in hot anger pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him fatally, though the man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past. 7 Therefore I command you, You shall set apart three cities. 8 And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives you all the land that he promised to give to your fathers— 9 provided you are careful to keep all this commandment, which I command you today, by loving the LORD your God and by walking ever in his ways—then you shall add three other cities to these three, 10 lest innocent blood be shed in your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance, and so the guilt of bloodshed be upon you.
11 But if anyone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him and attacks him and strikes him fatally so that he dies, and he flees into one of these cities, 12 then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die. 13 Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood 11 19:13 Or the blood of the innocent from Israel, so that it may be well with you.
Property Boundaries
14 You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Laws Concerning Witnesses
15 A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. 16 If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, 17 then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. 18 The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, 19 then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil 12 19:19 Or evil person from your midst. 20 And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. 21 Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Chapter 20
Laws Concerning Warfare
1 When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ 5 Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. 6 And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7 And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’ 8 And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’ 9 And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people.
10 When you draw near to a city to fight against it, offer terms of peace to it. 11 And if it responds to you peaceably and it opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall do forced labor for you and shall serve you. 12 But if it makes no peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. 13 And when the LORD your God gives it into your hand, you shall put all its males to the sword, 14 but the women and the little ones, the livestock, and everything else in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as plunder for yourselves. And you shall enjoy the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you. 15 Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not cities of the nations here. 16 But in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes, 17 but you shall devote them to complete destruction, 13 20:17 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction) the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as the LORD your God has commanded, 18 that they may not teach you to do according to all their abominable practices that they have done for their gods, and so you sin against the LORD your God.
19 When you besiege a city for a long time, making war against it in order to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them. You may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Are the trees in the field human, that they should be besieged by you? 20 Only the trees that you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, that you may build siegeworks against the city that makes war with you, until it falls.
Footnotes
[1] 17:7 Septuagint drive out; also verse 12[2] 17:7 Or evil person; also verse 12
[3] 17:18 Hebrew from before
[4] 18:1 Or the offerings by fire to the LORD
[5] 18:1 Hebrew his
[6] 18:6 Or lives—if he comes enthusiastically
[7] 18:8 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[8] 18:10 Hebrew makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire
[9] 18:20 Or and
[10] 19:3 Hebrew road
[11] 19:13 Or the blood of the innocent
[12] 19:19 Or evil person
[13] 20:17 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Deuteronomy
Timeline
Theme
Deuteronomy, the final book in the Pentateuch, contains Moses’ last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel’s future. Reflecting on the nation’s past mistakes, Moses urges the people not to repeat those errors when they enter the Promised Land. Possessing Canaan will fulfill the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.
Purpose and Background
Deuteronomy is largely a sermon, or set of sermons, preached by Moses to all of Israel shortly before his death. It is a motivational sermon, urging Israel’s faithful obedience to the covenant laws given 40 years previously at Sinai (Exodus 19–40).
The sermon is especially important because of Israel’s earlier failure to conquer the land (see Deut. 1:19–46). Now that they are back at the eastern border of the Promised Land, Moses wants to ensure that the people will be obedient this time. The sermon encourages obedience by constantly reassuring them of God’s faithfulness and his power to keep his promises. God is still faithful, despite Israel’s persistent sin (e.g., 1:19–46; 9:1–29). He is merciful to his sinful people, for the sake of his promises to Abraham.
In Deuteronomy, Moses urges Israel to trust and obey, and to conquer the land. He highlights God’s uniqueness (e.g., ch. 4), his power over other nations and armies (e.g., 2:1–23), and his grace and faithfulness. He reminds the people that God promised the land, that God’s gift of the land is undeserved (9:4–6), and that the land is full of good things (e.g., 6:10–12).
Moses emphasizes the importance of God’s law, given at Sinai (e.g., see 5:1–3). The large central section of Deuteronomy (12:1–26:19) recites the law and urges Israel to keep it. The law is wide-ranging, incorporating all areas of life (economics, family and sexual relationships, religious observance, leadership, justice, guidance, food, property, and warfare). The details of the laws expand upon the great command of 6:5, that Israel is to love the Lord with all its heart, soul, and strength. Chapters 12–16 show what such total love of God will look like and provide examples of what the Ten Commandments (ch. 5) mean in practice.
Key Themes
- God’s uniqueness (4:1–40).
- Israel’s election (4:37–38; 7:6–8; 10:14–15; 14:2).
- The land’s goodness (1:25; 6:10–11; 8:7–13; 11:8–15).
- God’s faithful promise-keeping (1:8, 19–46; 7:1–26; 8:1–20; 9:1–10:11).
- God’s power to defeat the enemies in the land (2:1–3:11; 4:1–40; 7:1–26).
- Exhortations to Israel to love, serve, fear, and obey God (6:5; 10:12–13; 13:4).
- Warnings against idolatry and instruction for proper worship of God (4:9–31; 5:6–10; 7:1–5; 8:19–20; 12:1–32; 13:1–18).
- The impact of God’s laws (12:1–27:26).
- Moses’ imminent death (1:37; 3:26; 4:21; 32:51; 34:1–12).
Outline
- Prologue (1:1–5)
- Moses’ First Speech: Historical Prologue (1:6–4:43)
- Moses’ Second Speech: General Covenant Stipulations (4:44–11:32)
- Moses’ Second Speech: Specific Covenant Stipulations (12:1–26:19)
- Moses’ Third Speech: Blessings and Curses (27:1–28:68)
- Moses’ Third Speech: Final Exhortation (29:1–30:20)
- Succession of Leadership (31:1–34:12)
The Setting of Deuteronomy
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ words to the Israelites as they waited on the plains of Moab to enter Canaan. Moses begins by reviewing the events of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab.
Fact: Genesis through Deuteronomy
Genesis through Deuteronomy are the foundation of the Bible. They introduce the key promises that show God’s purposes in history and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Fact: The Sadducees
The Sadducees were a small but powerful group of Jewish leaders who did not believe in the resurrection (12:18). This may have been because of their emphasis on the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy), which does not seem to explicitly mention the resurrection. But Jesus showed them that the idea of resurrection can, in fact, be found in the Pentateuch (Mark 12:26–27).
Fact: Was Deuteronomy a treaty?
Was Deuteronomy a treaty? There are many similarities between the book of Deuteronomy and various ancient Near Eastern treaties that date from the time of Moses. When a nation made a treaty with a less powerful nation, the document began with the past relationship between the countries. Next, the treaty stated the laws that would govern the relationship from that point on. Finally, the treaty concluded with a list of blessings and punishments for obedience or disobedience.
Fact: A book of sermons?
A book of sermons? Deuteronomy consists of at least three addresses or sermons from Moses to Israel. Moses encourages Israel to obey all the commandments of God.
Fact: Jesus quoted from
Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy more than any other OT book. He quoted 8:3 when tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:4).
Fact: The Book of the Law of the Lord
The Book of the Law of the Lord. The high priest discovered this forgotten book while the temple was being repaired (34:14). After reading the Law, King Josiah called the nation to further measures of repentance and reform. The book may have included part or all of Deuteronomy.
Fact: Sheep
Sheep are mentioned more than any other animal in the Bible. Sheep are dependent on shepherds to protect and care for them.
Fact: The primary calling of the prophet
The primary calling of the prophet was to serve as God’s spokesperson. There were many prophets, however, and they sometimes declared conflicting messages. The way to determine if a prophet was speaking God’s words was to see if the prophecy was actually fulfilled (see Deut. 18:18–22).
Fact: Blind, lame, and sick animals
Blind, lame, and sick animals were financially worthless. The Lord commanded his people to sacrifice healthy animals (see Deut. 15:21; 17:1). Disobeying this command showed a lack of respect for the Lord (Mal. 1:8, 14).
The Setting of Deuteronomy
c. 1406 B.C.
The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ words to the Israelites as they waited on the plains of Moab to enter Canaan. Moses begins by reviewing the events of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab.
Ancient Treaty Structures and Deuteronomy
| Ancient Treaty Structure | Deuteronomy |
|---|---|
| Preamble | 1:1–5 |
| Historical Prologue | 1:6–4:49 |
| General Stipulations | 5:1–11:32 |
| Specific Stipulations | 12:1–26:19 |
| Blessings and Curses | 27:1–28:68 |
| Document Clause | 31:9–29 |
| Witnesses | 32:1–47 |
Josiah
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king of Judah. He had been ruling Judah for 18 years when Hilkiah, the high priest, found the Book of the Law. As soon as Josiah heard the commands of God, he tore his clothes in grief and despair. He launched a massive effort to abolish pagan worship throughout Judah and Israel. After organizing a covenant-renewal ceremony, he destroyed all the buildings associated with idol worship. Among his most significant deeds was restoring the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed since the days of the judges. Josiah was more faithful to the Lord than even David and Hezekiah. He was like the ideal king described in Deut. 17:19–20. (2 Kings 23:25)
Deut. 17:1 sacrifice . . . blemish. See Lev. 22:17–25; Mal. 1:6–8; and note on Deut. 15:19–23. abomination. See note on 7:25–26.
Fact: Blind, lame, and sick animals
Blind, lame, and sick animals were financially worthless. The Lord commanded his people to sacrifice healthy animals (see Deut. 15:21; 17:1). Disobeying this command showed a lack of respect for the Lord (Mal. 1:8, 14).
Deut. 17:2–3 does what is evil. More specifically, commits idolatry. See 4:19.
Deut. 17:4–5 Because idolatry breaks the first commandment, it is a capital offense. out to your gates. Capital punishment was usually outside the walls or camp (Lev. 24:14; Num. 15:35).
Deut. 17:6–7 On the evidence of . . . witnesses. The standard biblical requirement for finding someone guilty of a capital offense is two witnesses (Num. 35:30). See Deut. 19:16–21 on penalties for false witnesses. Insisting that the hand of the witnesses shall be first to stone the guilty helps prevent false testimony and adds seriousness to their testimony (compare 13:9). purge the evil. See 13:5 and note.
Deut. 17:8–9 Straightforward judicial cases should be decided in local courts. Difficult cases are to be tried in the central sanctuary. Worship and justice are tied together.
Deut. 17:10–13 The decision of the central sanctuary court is final. that man shall die. Refusal to follow the ruling of the court is itself a capital offense, for it is a rejection of God’s justice and rule. purge the evil. See 13:5 and note. not act presumptuously again. See 13:11.
Deut. 17:14–15 I will set a king over me, like all the nations. See 1 Sam. 8:5, 20. Even though it will be several centuries before Israel has a king, Deuteronomy provides legislation for when that happens. God will choose their king.
Deut. 17:16–17 Governmental leaders would constantly face temptation to abuse their power for personal gain. Since the Lord had just rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt, kings would be forbidden to turn to Egypt for help (e.g., Isa. 31:1; compare Deut. 28:68).
Deut. 17:18–20 A copy of this law probably refers to chs. 1–30 (see 31:9). Reading and obeying the word of God trains people to fear the LORD (see note on 4:10). to the right hand or to the left. See Josh. 1:7 and note on Deut. 5:32–33.
Josiah
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king of Judah. He had been ruling Judah for 18 years when Hilkiah, the high priest, found the Book of the Law. As soon as Josiah heard the commands of God, he tore his clothes in grief and despair. He launched a massive effort to abolish pagan worship throughout Judah and Israel. After organizing a covenant-renewal ceremony, he destroyed all the buildings associated with idol worship. Among his most significant deeds was restoring the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed since the days of the judges. Josiah was more faithful to the Lord than even David and Hezekiah. He was like the ideal king described in Deut. 17:19–20. (2 Kings 23:25)
Deut. 18:1–2 shall have no portion or inheritance. See 12:12 and note. the LORD is their inheritance. See Num. 18:20. It was a privilege to serve the Lord in the central sanctuary. The priests received a blessing being near the Lord’s presence.
Deut. 18:3–4 Parts of the sacrifices and firstfruits are for the Levites. Compare Lev. 7:28–34 and Num. 18:9–24, where the portions for the priests are slightly different.
Deut. 18:6–8 Levites who minister in the country are allowed to minister in the central sanctuary occasionally. sale of his patrimony. Apart from their share of offerings, Levites may also make money from their personal property.
Deut. 18:9–11 abominable practices of those nations. See note on 12:2–3. burns his son or his daughter as an offering. See 12:31 and note.
Deut. 18:12 because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out. The destruction of the Canaanites was not an attack on innocent people. It was God’s judgment against serious sin (Gen. 15:16; see notes on Deut. 7:1–2; Josh. 6:17).
Deut. 18:15–19 On the voice of the LORD, see 5:23–28. a prophet like you. In the first century A.D., Jews expected a final prophet, whom NT writers identified as Jesus (Acts 3:22–24; 7:37; compare John 1:21).
Deut. 16:18–18:22 Most of these laws are about the various leaders for Israel. Leaders, like parents, exercise God’s authority toward those under them. This section recalls the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (5:16).
Deut. 18:20–22 False prophets, whether speaking in God’s name or the name of other gods, are to be put to death (13:1–5). However, if a prophet’s words do come true, this does not automatically mean that person is God’s prophet (see 13:5 and note).
Fact: The primary calling of the prophet
The primary calling of the prophet was to serve as God’s spokesperson. There were many prophets, however, and they sometimes declared conflicting messages. The way to determine if a prophet was speaking God’s words was to see if the prophecy was actually fulfilled (see Deut. 18:18–22).
Deut. 19:1–3 dwell in their cities and in their houses. See 6:10–11. The three cities of refuge are to be located for reasonable access. See Num. 35:9–34 and notes. Joshua 20:1–9 names these three cities.
Deut. 19:4–6 The cities of refuge are to ensure justice for a manslayer who unintentionally kills someone. Otherwise, he might be killed by the avenger of blood, someone from the victim’s family seeking revenge. The law clearly distinguishes between manslaughter (which is unpremeditated) and murder. The death penalty does not apply for manslaughter.
Deut. 19:8–10 The law assumes that Israel’s territory will grow (see 12:20) and that they will need more cities of refuge. That these additional three cities of refuge were never appointed indicates Israel’s lack of faith. innocent blood. A manslayer is innocent of murder.
Deut. 19:13 purge the guilt. Compare v. 19; 13:5 (and note), where the expression is “purge the evil.”
Deut. 19:14 Moving the landmark, or boundary stone, of a neighbor is essentially theft of land (see also 27:17). The law emphasizes keeping land in families, since inheritance rights are basic to Israel’s life in the land.
Deut. 19:15 On witnesses, see Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6 and note on 17:6–7.
Deut. 19:16–18 In disputed legal cases, the issue is taken to the central sanctuary, before the LORD (17:8–9).
Deut. 19:21 eye shall not pity. See 13:8. life for life. Punishment is to be appropriate for the crime. See Ex. 21:23–25 and Matt. 5:38.
Deut. 20:5–7 Three situations would exempt a man from military service. Compare 28:30. God desired that his people enjoy the blessings of housing, crops, and marriage. He could bring victory in battle, even with these three groups of men exempted from service.
Deut. 20:8 Fear could be contagious, so those who were fearful were also exempted.
Deut. 20:10–15 Verses 10–15 apply to cities outside the boundaries of the Promised Land (see v. 15). If the city rejects the terms of peace, God assures victory over it.
Deut. 20:16–18 Only the cities within the Promised Land are to be devoted to complete destruction. The mandate for complete destruction does not apply to cities outside Canaan (see vv. 10–15). God is the victor, and the spoils of war belong to him (see 2:34–35; 7:2). This kind of destruction is a sign of final judgment. See note on Josh. 6:17–18.
Deut. 20:1–20 These laws on warfare (especially vv. 16–18) may seem to be at odds with the teachings of the NT. But three things should be kept in mind: (1) they applied specifically to securing the Promised Land; (2) the Israelite armies were to offer terms of peace before attacking a city (see v. 10); (3) assuming the rightfulness of Israel’s cause, these laws actually helped to limit the loss of life in warfare. See notes on 7:1–2; 18:12.
Deut. 20:19–20 Israel is to inherit trees that it did not plant (see 6:11).
How does Deuteronomy 17-20 shape how we read the whole Bible?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Deuteronomy 17-20
I asked my wife the other day if we were too protective of our son. He is an extremely active toddler who could be compared to an adrenaline addict. He climbs chairs and stairs, then slides (usually falling) down them, among many other examples. I do everything I can to protect him, but his frustration with me for removing what is dangerous shows that my protection against his disobedience is, sadly, not appreciated.
Deuteronomy 17-20 feels like that. God is declaring His protection for Israel despite Israel's sins. See how these laws are given in the context of man's failures. That is intentional; we must be reminded that God is perfectly holy, but His people are not. In these chapters, Deuteronomy implies that God’s own people will commit grave sins of idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-7), apostasy (Deuteronomy 18:9-14), and far more. Israel will be enticed by the wickedness of the world and turn from God to sin, which then makes God look domineering (like a Father whose child is dabbling with danger). But, in the middle of these laws, God shows that He doesn't merely discipline disobedience, but He guides them into His flourishing life.
In Deuteronomy 18:15-22, God promises to speak His words through prophets. God reveals these words to Israel, for He is their God and they are His people (Jeremiah 31:33). But Deuteronomy 18 also speaks to one particular Prophet. This Prophet will be like the people themselves, saying only what God gives Him (just like Jesus says in John 12:49). Hebrews adds that God formerly spoke through prophets, "but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son," who is Jesus Christ, God the Son Incarnate (Hebrews 1:1-3).
Deuteronomy 18 promises this greater Prophet, Jesus, who reveals God in His incarnation and words to the uttermost. In the middle of laws that protect Israel from sin, God's intimate love for His people is humbly revealed in the promise of Christ, so that Israel is not merely given rules to follow but a God who leads. See how God speaks and acts for His people's good in Christ!
This month's memory verse
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
– Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Discussion Questions
1. When you read God's Word, do you see its instructions as rules to be followed or as God's means to lead you into the flourishing life He offers in Christ? How does that impact how you view God?
2. Deuteronomy 18:15-22 promises a Prophet who will be even greater than Moses. In the New Testament, Christ is clearly this greater Prophet (Hebrews 3:1-6). In what other ways is Jesus the "greater" fulfillment of Old Testament figures? (A hint to one answer: Deuteronomy 17:14-20 talks about kings.)
3. How should God's simultaneous actions of protecting us from ourselves and our sin and intentionally guiding us by His nearness and words inform how we ought to relate to others today? Consider these actions in the context of various relationships: being a parent, child, friend, mentor, mentee, authority, boss, employee, etc.