February 24, 2025
Murder mysteries and more! (Yes, that's in your Bible)
Deuteronomy 21-23
Ben Brown
Big Book Idea
There are three sermons from Moses, but the greater Moses is still to come.
Key Verse | Deuteronomy 21:8-9
"'Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.' So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD."
Deuteronomy 21-23
Chapter 21
Atonement for Unsolved Murders
1 If in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess someone is found slain, lying in the open country, and it is not known who killed him, 2 then your elders and your judges shall come out, and they shall measure the distance to the surrounding cities. 3 And the elders of the city that is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer that has never been worked and that has not pulled in a yoke. 4 And the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. 5 Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to him and to bless in the name of the LORD, and by their word every dispute and every assault shall be settled. 6 And all the elders of that city nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley, 7 and they shall testify, ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it shed. 8 Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ 9 So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD.
Marrying Female Captives
10 When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive, 11 and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife, 12 and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails. 13 And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. 14 But if you no longer delight in her, you shall let her go where she wants. But you shall not sell her for money, nor shall you treat her as a slave, since you have humiliated her.
Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn
15 If a man has two wives, the one loved and the other unloved, and both the loved and the unloved have borne him children, and if the firstborn son belongs to the unloved, 1 21:15 Or hated; also verses 16, 17 16 then on the day when he assigns his possessions as an inheritance to his sons, he may not treat the son of the loved as the firstborn in preference to the son of the unloved, who is the firstborn, 17 but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.
A Rebellious Son
18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, 20 and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ 21 Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
A Man Hanged on a Tree Is Cursed
22 And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance.
Chapter 22
Various Laws
1 You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep going astray and ignore them. You shall take them back to your brother. 2 And if he does not live near you and you do not know who he is, you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall stay with you until your brother seeks it. Then you shall restore it to him. 3 And you shall do the same with his donkey or with his garment, or with any lost thing of your brother's, which he loses and you find; you may not ignore it. 4 You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen down by the way and ignore them. You shall help him to lift them up again.
5 A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.
6 If you come across a bird's nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. 7 You shall let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may go well with you, and that you may live long.
8 When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it.
9 You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited, 2 22:9 Hebrew become holy the crop that you have sown and the yield of the vineyard. 10 You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. 11 You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together.
12 You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself.
Laws Concerning Sexual Immorality
13 If any man takes a wife and goes in to her and then hates her 14 and accuses her of misconduct and brings a bad name upon her, saying, ‘I took this woman, and when I came near her, I did not find in her evidence of virginity,’ 15 then the father of the young woman and her mother shall take and bring out the evidence of her virginity to the elders of the city in the gate. 16 And the father of the young woman shall say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man to marry, and he hates her; 17 and behold, he has accused her of misconduct, saying, “I did not find in your daughter evidence of virginity.” And yet this is the evidence of my daughter's virginity.’ And they shall spread the cloak before the elders of the city. 18 Then the elders of that city shall take the man and whip 3 22:18 Or discipline him, 19 and they shall fine him a hundred shekels 4 22:19 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of silver and give them to the father of the young woman, because he has brought a bad name upon a virgin 5 22:19 Or girl of marriageable age of Israel. And she shall be his wife. He may not divorce her all his days. 20 But if the thing is true, that evidence of virginity was not found in the young woman, 21 then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done an outrageous thing in Israel by whoring in her father's house. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
22 If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.
23 If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor's wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
25 But if in the open country a man meets a young woman who is betrothed, and the man seizes her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die. 26 But you shall do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no offense punishable by death. For this case is like that of a man attacking and murdering his neighbor, 27 because he met her in the open country, and though the betrothed young woman cried for help there was no one to rescue her.
28 If a man meets a virgin who is not betrothed, and seizes her and lies with her, and they are found, 29 then the man who lay with her shall give to the father of the young woman fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife, because he has violated her. He may not divorce her all his days.
30 6 22:30 Ch 23:1 in Hebrew A man shall not take his father's wife, so that he does not uncover his father's nakedness. 7 22:30 Hebrew uncover his father's skirt
Chapter 23
Those Excluded from the Assembly
1 No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD.
2 No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD.
3 No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever, 4 because they did not meet you with bread and with 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. 5 But the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam; instead the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loved you. 6 You shall not seek their peace or their prosperity all your days forever.
7 You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land. 8 Children born to them in the third generation may enter the assembly of the LORD.
Uncleanness in the Camp
9 When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every evil thing.
10 If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, then he shall go outside the camp. He shall not come inside the camp, 11 but when evening comes, he shall bathe himself in water, and as the sun sets, he may come inside the camp.
12 You shall have a place outside the camp, and you shall go out to it. 13 And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement. 14 Because the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you.
Miscellaneous Laws
15 You shall not give up to his master a slave 8 23:15 Or servant; the Hebrew term ebed designates a range of social and economic roles (see Preface) who has escaped from his master to you. 16 He shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place that he shall choose within one of your towns, wherever it suits him. You shall not wrong him.
17 None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute. 18 You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog 9 23:18 Or male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God.
19 You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. 20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. 22 But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. 23 You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.
24 If you go into your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag. 25 If you go into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain.
Footnotes
[1] 21:15 Or hated; also verses 16, 17[2] 22:9 Hebrew become holy
[3] 22:18 Or discipline
[4] 22:19 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
[5] 22:19 Or girl of marriageable age
[6] 22:30 Ch 23:1 in Hebrew
[7] 22:30 Hebrew uncover his father's skirt
[8] 23:15 Or servant; the Hebrew term ‘ebed designates a range of social and economic roles (see Preface)
[9] 23:18 Or male prostitute
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: Inheritance rights
Inheritance rights. In Israel, the firstborn son received a double share of the inheritance. The firstborn also had more responsibility for the family than other children. The law protected the special rights of the firstborn (21:15–17).
Fact: Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments?
Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments? In the ancient world, tassels were worn by nobles and other high-class people. In Israel they were worn by everyone as a mark of their special status and responsibilities as God’s chosen people (22:12; Num. 15:37–41).
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 |
Deut. 21:1 in the land. These laws will keep the Promised Land free from being unclean.
Deut. 21:4 The heifer’s death atones for sin committed by an unknown person.
Deut. 21:9 purge the guilt. Compare 13:5.
Deut. 21:10 This law must apply to conquests of cities far away (20:10–15), otherwise the women would have been destroyed (20:17).
Deut. 21:12–13 shave her head and pare her nails . . . take off the clothes. These actions indicate a change from her former life, including its religious practices.
Deut. 19:1–21:14 This section corresponds to the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder” (5:17).
Deut. 21:15–17 This law assumes that polygamy exists but does not condone it. (The ethical ideal for marriage comes from Gen. 2:24. On polygamy, see note on 1 Tim. 3:2–3.) double portion. The OT, in line with ancient Near Eastern practice, gave a double share of inheritance to the oldest son.
Fact: Inheritance rights
Inheritance rights. In Israel, the firstborn son received a double share of the inheritance. The firstborn also had more responsibility for the family than other children. The law protected the special rights of the firstborn (21:15–17).
Deut. 21:18–21 Breaking the fifth commandment (5:16) brought the death penalty. Parents were to report their own rebellious children to the authorities. purge the evil. See 13:5.
Deut. 22:6–7 Like the treatment of trees in 20:19–20, this law preserves life. It requires wise, respectful use of the creation.
Deut. 22:8 Builders and homeowners must take adequate safety measures. Flat roofs were used for various household activities, including sleeping in hot weather.
Deut. 22:9–11 These laws prohibit mixing various items, reflecting God’s ordering of creation “according to its kind” (e.g., Gen. 1:25).
Deut. 22:12 tassels. See Num. 15:38–41.
Fact: Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments?
Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments? In the ancient world, tassels were worn by nobles and other high-class people. In Israel they were worn by everyone as a mark of their special status and responsibilities as God’s chosen people (22:12; Num. 15:37–41).
Deut. 22:14–15 evidence of virginity. This may be a garment stained with menstrual blood (v. 17), which demonstrates that she is not pregnant, or a stain of hymenal blood, showing that the girl’s first intercourse took place on her wedding night. The gate was where legal matters were heard and resolved.
Deut. 22:19 A hundred shekels is a very large fine. Workers in OT times earned half a shekel per month. This law discouraged men from making false accusations and seeking an easy divorce.
Deut. 22:21 purge the evil. See 13:5.
Deut. 22:22 Adultery was a capital offense throughout the ancient world. To be convicted, the couple must be caught in the act (found lying). They were both punished equally.
Deut. 22:23–24 betrothed . . . wife. Betrothal was much more binding than modern engagement. The woman is called “wife” in v. 24.
Deut. 22:29 Fifty shekels appears to be the bride-price (see Ex. 22:16). The law protects the woman, who is less likely to be married because she has been raped.
Deut. 22:30 uncover his father’s nakedness. See ESV footnote; also 27:20. It probably means to bring dishonor to the father. The father’s wife would presumably be a woman other than the man’s mother.
Deut. 23:1 In Deuteronomy, assembly usually refers to Israel gathered at Horeb/Sinai. In this chapter, it looks forward to Israel gathered for worship in the Promised Land. Testicles are crushed probably refers to men made eunuchs in the context of pagan worship.
Deut. 23:2–4 Tenth generation may mean forever (see v. 6). no Ammonite or Moabite. The story of Ruth indicates that there were exceptions (see note on Ruth 1:4). Balaam. See Numbers 22–24.
Deut. 23:7–8 You shall not abhor an Edomite. Edom is descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin (Gen. 25:19–26). Both Edomites and Egyptians may enter the assembly of the LORD. With God, faith is the issue, not race.
Deut. 21:15–23:14 Many of the laws in this section address the sexual faithfulness of God’s people, corresponding to the seventh commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” (5:18).
Deut. 23:9–14 When Israel’s army was fighting the enemy, it was considered a religious gathering. Laws of cleanness applied.
Deut. 23:15 The refugee slave is most likely a foreigner, not an Israelite slave.
Deut. 23:17 cult prostitute. Cultic prostitution was a part of Canaanite fertility rites. It was strictly prohibited for Israel.
Deut. 23:19–20 To seek a loan in ancient times was an act of desperation, often caused by crop failure. The prohibition against charging interest among Israelites (Ex. 22:25) protected the poor. may bless you. Wealth is to come as a gift from God, not from selfish hoarding.
Deut. 23:21–23 Vows were voluntary, but once a vow was made, it was binding. God keeps his promises and desires that his people do so as well.
Deut. 23:24–25 you may eat your fill. These laws benefit the poor and are not an excuse for theft (see notes on 15:4–6; 15:7–8).
How do we make sense of the laws about marrying female captives? Why would God command rebellious sons and adulterers to be put to death?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Deuteronomy 21-23
Moses continues his second sermon on Relational Stipulations for Possessing the Land (imagine if we had a sermon titled that today). The Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land that they have been waiting for since it was promised to their forefather Abraham in Genesis 12:1-2: "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'"
Moses is doing everything he can to prepare the people to settle in the land of Canaan. He has seen the sin of the Israelites cause more anguish than necessary (for example, wandering the desert for 40 years). He gives instructions for unsolved murders, marrying female captives, inheritance rights of the firstborn, rebellious children, and various other laws. Essentially, sin creates uncleanliness among the people, and an unholy people cannot dwell with a holy God.
One interesting section is Deuteronomy 21:22-23: "And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance."
A sinless and holy Jesus paid for our sin by being hung on a tree. Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."
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. What are some sermons/messages that you have heard before that resonated with you?
2. Why do you think the Israelites continued to doubt God despite the countless times He provided for them? When are you tempted to do the same?
3. If you were Moses about to address the Israelite people before finally going into the Promised Land, what's some of the counsel/advice you would give them? Would it be more of a challenge or of encouragement? Maybe a mix of both?
4. Why is Jesus the better Moses?