Deuteronomy
Author: Steve Amato

OUTLINE OF DEUTERONOMY

Historical - What God has done for Israel

Introduction Deut 1:1-4:44

Establishment of Heirarchical judgement system 1:6-17
Rejection at Kadesh 1:19-46

Rejection of the promise
Rejection of the command
Rejection of that generation

Esau and Lot's possessions - they drove out giants so why can't you?
Initial conquest to provide housing for wives and children while men of war took promise land
The purpose of the covenant 4:1-

What great nation is there that

- has a God so near to it
- has such statues and judgments as in this law?

Warnings concerning the 1st and 2nd commandments
Seeking and finding God 4:29
Blessings for obedience 4:40

Legal - What God expects of Israel

The Ten Commandments Deut 5:1-11:32
What are they? Deut 5

1. No other gods
2. Worship no images
3. Not take Lord's name in vain
4. Observe Sabbath
5. Honor parents
6. Don't murder
7. Don't commit adultery
8. Don't steal
9. Don't bear false witness
10. Don't covet other people's things

Learn them. 6:1-9

With all heart, mind, soul and strength
Teach them
Memorize and keep them in mind

Warnings and Blessings 6:10-25

vs 24 "for our good always"
vs 25 "It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observed them all."

Judgment of the Law - the conquest of Caanan Deut 7

God's hate

no intermarriage
destroy idols

God's love

blessings of obedience

Promise of protection
Warning against allowing prosperity to cause you to turn away from God. Deut 8
Why the conquest? Deut 9

not because of their righteousness

they turned away at Horeb and at Kadesh
Moses had to intervene for them

but because of the unrighteousness of the inhabitants

The Spirit of the Law 10:12-22
Requirement - with all heart and soul

- to fear God
- to walk in all his ways
- to love him
- to serve him
- Emulate God
- showing no partiality
- administering justice for helpless
- providing practically for needy

Exhortation to Heed to Law 11:1-32

- Remember what God did to get you here (1-7)
- Material rewards of obedience (8-17)
- Therefore study (18-21)
- Victory over enemies (22-25)
- Blessings and Cursings (26-32)

Ceremonial Laws Deut 12:1-16:17

Where to worship Deut 12

Compare to John 4 and significance in split kingdom

Civil Laws Deut 16:18-20:20
Social Laws Deut 21:1-26:19

Prophetical- What God will do for Israel Ratification of the Covenant in Caanan Deut 27:1-28:68

The Institution of the Palestinian Covenant Deut 29:1-30:20
The Transition of the Covenant Mediator Deut 31:1-34:12

Form - Similar to other extra-Biblical covenants at the time

THE LAWS OF DEUTERONOMY
I-III (RIGHT WORSHIP)
Laws of the Central Sanctuary | 12:1-28
Laws of Idolatry | 12:29-13:18
Laws of Food | 14:1-21
Laws of Tithes | 14:22-29
IV (SABBATH)
Laws of Debts | 15:1-11
Laws of Slaves | 15:12-18
Laws of FirstBorn | 15:19-23
Laws of Feasts | 16:1-17
V (AUTHORITY) Laws of Administration
The Judges | 16:18-17:13
The King | 17:14-20
The Priests | 18:1-8
The Prophets | 18:9-22
VI (HOMICIDE)
Accidental and Intentional Homicide | 19:1-14
Witnesses | 19:15-21
War | 20:1-20
Untraced Homicides | 21:1-9
Public execution of the Rebellious Son | 21:22-23
Responsiblility for the design of safe environments | 22:8
VII (ADULTERY AND ILLICIT MIXTURES)
Laws of Marriage
Captive Wife | 21:10-14
Preferential Treatment among Multiple Wives | 21:15-17
Accusations against the Wife | 22:13-21
Adultery, Rape and premarital sex | 22:22-30
Divorce | 24:1-4
Newly Weds | 24:5
Prohibited mixtures | 22:5,8-11
Sexual wholeness and genetic purity as requirements for membership in God's community. | 23:1-8
Sexual purity and cleanliness in the military camp. | 23:9-14
Prohibition of cult prostitutes. | 23:17-18
VIII (THEFT AND OTHER PROPERTY VIOLATIONS)
Lost and Found | 22:1-4
The Escaped Slave | 23:15-16
Charging Interest | 23:19-20
Vows to God | 23:21-23
Limits on taking from neighbors | 23:24-25
Colateral | 24:6
Kidnapping | 24:7
IX (FALSE ACCUSATIONS) Fairness to one's fellow as regards both his substance and his dignity
Leprosy | 24:8-9
Just treatment of deptor | 24:10-13
Just treatment of employees | 24:14-15
Death for one's own crime | 24:16
Justice and charity for the stranger, orphan and widow | 24:17-22
Justice in corporal punishment | 25:1-3
Not muzzle the ox | 25:4
X (COVETOUSNESS)
Brother to marry the widow | 25:5-10
Wife intervening in brother's fight | 25:11,12
Separate weights and measures. | 25:13-16

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
| COMMAND | PRINCIPLE
I | Worship no other gods | Have Single minded devotion to God
II | Worship no images | Let God define Himself
III | Observe Sabbath | Respect God's Authority and Reputation
IV | Honor parents | Give God your Time both for you to speak to Him and for Him to speak to you
V | Don't murder | Give Deference to God's Hierarchical Structures in Society
VI | Don't murder | Respect God's Design of Human Life
VII | Don't commit adultery | Respect God's Design of the Marriage Relationship
VIII | Don't steal | Respect others as equals with regards to their substance which God has provided to them
IX | Don't bear false witness | Respect others as equals with respect to their dignity and reputation as all are equally valuable to God
X | Don't covet other people's things | And if you manage to do all these in word and deed, then do so in desire and thought

THE LAWS OF DEUTERONOMY More Detailed
SABBATH
LAW OF DEBTS All loans are cancelled every 7 years But not to foreigners Except if there are no poor [This indicates that the intention of the law was soley to benefit the poor] You are required to make loans to the poor among you manner:you are to open your hand wide to the poor sufficient for his need
LAW OF SLAVES Hebrew slaves may only serve for 6 years When they leave you are to provide for them liberally Although he can decide to stay in your service permanently
LAW OF THE FIRSTBORN You shall sanctify all first born males of your flock They shall do no work nor be shorn They shall be sacrificed and eaten However if they have a defect, they shall not be sacrificed, only eaten But you shall not eat the blood sacred assembly
LAW OF FEASTS Observe the Passover (Mar-Apr) sacrifice the passover lamb eat unleavened bread (the bread of affliction) for 7 days at the location God chooses the 7th day shall be a sacred assembly to the Lord The Feast of Weeks (7 weeks after harvest) (May-Jun) (Pentacost - first fruits) Offer free will offerings sacred assembly - rejoicing + giving The Feast of Tabernacles (ingathering) (Sept-Oct) observed for 7 days when you have gathered from threshing floor and wine press sacred assembly - rejoicing + giving
AUTHORITY
JUDGES Their Appointment judge justly not pervert justice not show partiality nor take a bribe (a bribe: blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous) Their Judgment Trees (as wooden images) shall not be planted near the Lord's altar. Those who worship and serve other gods are to be stoned to death Death penalty requires at least two witnesses The witnesses shall "cast the first stones" For difficult judments, the judges shall defer to the priests, Levites and to the judge at the Holy Place Those who don't listen to such will be put to death [Those who hear will fear and not act presumptuously]
THE KING His Appointment God's choice, not yours not a foreigner His Activities Shall not multiply horses to himself Shall not multiply wives to himself . Shall not multiply silver and gold to himself With respect to this book of the law: He shall copy it It shall be with him He shall read it all the days of his life
THE PRIESTS Their inheritance: none Their provision: from the offerings and sacrifices Their activities: Not practicing: witchcraft, soothsaying, interpreting omens, sorcery, conjuring spells. Not being a medium, spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
THE PROPHETS Promise to send The Prophet (Christ) False Prophets shall die Those who speak in God's name but what God has not commanded as evidenced that what is prophecied doesn't happen Those who speak in the name of other gods
HOMICIDE
Accidental and Intentional Homicide Deut 19:1-14 Nu 35:9-28 Cities of refuge for accidental manslaughter If innocent, must remain in the city until the death of the high priest. If outside city limits, can be killed by avenger of blood. Witnesses Deut 19:15-21 2-3 witnesses required false witnesses to suffer penalty of the accused (eye for eye, tooth for tooth) Warfare Deut 20:1-20 Don't be afraid Relieve from military service if: Just built a new house and need to dedicate it Planted a vineyard and not eaten of it Betrothed but not married fearful or fainthearted Cities far away: Offer peace before invading if accepted require tribute else kill every male and everything and everyone else take as plunder Cities within in the inheritance: Let nothing that breathes remain alive (Neither Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite or Electric Light!) Why? Lest they teach you do to according to their abominations which they have done for their gods. Beseiging a city: Don't cut down trees that produce edible fruit. Unknown Murder Deut 21:1-9 Elders of nearest city shall provide a sacrifice Shall wash their hands over the cow pronouncing their innocence and ignorance of the murderer Shall ask God to provide atonement The Rebellious Son Son: stubborn, rebellious, not obey his father or mother even when they chasten him Shall bring him to the elders at the city gate and declare "This son is stubborn and rebellious and will not obey; he is a glutton and a drunkard" All the men of the city shall stone him to death . (All Israel will hear and fear) Death by Hanging Can't leave on the tree over night else you will defile the land he who is hanged is accursed of God Safe Designs When build a house, must put a fence around the roof else the owner is guilty of blood if someone falls from it
ADULTERY AND OTHER ILLICIT MIXTURES
Taking a wife The wife of captivity Deut 21:10-14 Test whether you really like her The wife of rape Deut 22:28,29 Divorce Can divorce on the basis of uncleanness Can never divorce if: premarital sex before betrothal Deut 22:29 falsely accusing wife of not being a virgin when married Deut 22:13-19 If divorced, cannot remarry the same person Deut 24:1-4 The Penalty of Adultery (whether married or betrothed): Death Deut 22:20-24 Multiple Wives Deut 21:15-17 Cross-dressing Deut 22:5 (abomination (08441): disgusting) Exclusion from the assembly due to sexual impurity or lacking genetic wholeness Deut 23:1-8 damaged genitals born illegitimately (10 gen) (John 8:41) descendants of Ammonites or Moabites (10 gen) however Edomites and Egyptians can enter assembly Cult Prostitutes Deut 23:17-18 (Rev 2:20; 17:5) It goes without saying that you are not to go to a temple prostitute You are forbidden to become one You cannot bring their earnings into the house of God nor for any religious purpose Human Excrement Deut 23:9-14 Bury your excrement out of the sight of God Other illicit mixtures Deut 22:9-11 two kinds of seeds ox and donkey unequally yoked (2Cor 6:14) combining wool and linen
THEFT
Lost and Found Deut 22:1-4 The Escaped Slave Deut 23:15-16 Charging Interest Deut 23:19-20 Vows to God Deut 23:21-23 Limits on taking from neighbors Deut 23:24,25 Ex: Luke 6:1 Colateral Deut 24:6 Kidnapping Deut 24:7 to be punished by death - only if treats victim like slave or sells App: Gen 37:28 Joseph
FALSE ACCUSATIONS Fairness to one's fellow as regards both his substance and his dignity
Leprosy Deut 24:8-9 Lev 13 - extensive discussion of leprosy Don't assume just any skin imperfection indicates uncleanness Debtor Deut 24:10-13 Let debtor bring colatoral to you The poor are basically exempt from colatoral Employees Deut 24:14-15 Pay wages in timely fashion Death for one's own crime Deut 24:16 2Ch 25:4; 2Ki 14:5; Ezek 18:20 Justice and Charity for the stranger, ophan, and widow 24:17-22 Justice in Corporal punishment Deut 25:1-3 >=40 lashes (symbolic significance) else inhumane treatment Not muzzle the ox Deut 25:4
COVETOUSNESS
Brother to marry the widow Deut 25:5-10 Wife intervening in husband's fight Deut 25:11-12 Separate weights and measures Deut 25:13-16

SABBATH

LAW OF DEBTS

. All loans are cancelled every 7 years . But not to foreigners . Except if there are no poor [This indicates that the intention of the law was soley to benefit the poor]

. You are required to make loans to the poor among you . manner: you are to open your hand wide to the poor sufficient for his need

LAW OF SLAVES

. Hebrew slaves may only serve for 6 years . When they leave you are to provide for them liberally . Although he can decide to stay in your service permanently

LAW OF THE FIRSTBORN

. You shall sanctify all first born males of your flock . They shall do no work nor be shorn . They shall be sacrificed and eaten . However if they have a defect, they shall not be sacrificed, only eaten . But you shall not eat the blood . sacred assembly

LAW OF FEASTS

. Observe the Passover (Mar-Apr) . sacrifice the passover lamb . eat unleavened bread (the bread of affliction) for 7 days . at the location God chooses . the 7th day shall be a sacred assembly to the Lord

. The Feast of Weeks (7 weeks after harvest) (May-Jun) (Pentacost - first fruits) . Offer free will offerings . sacred assembly - rejoicing + giving

. The Feast of Tabernacles (ingathering) (Sept-Oct) . observed for 7 days . when you have gathered from threshing floor and wine press . sacred assembly - rejoicing + giving

Questions:

. What is the " described in Heb 3:16-4:11? . Why and how should a Christian celebrate the Sabbath today? . How do you spend your Sunday?

OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITIES

Judges Their Appointment . judge justly . not pervert justice . not show partiality . nor take a bribe (a bribe: blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous)

Their Judgment . Trees (as wooden images) shall not be planted near the Lord's altar. . Those who worship and serve other gods are to be stoned to death . Death penalty requires at least two witnesses . The witnesses shall "cast the first stones" . For difficult judments, the judges shall defer to the priests, Levites and to the judge at the Holy Place . Those who don't listen to such will be put to death [Those who hear will fear and not act presumptuously]

The King His Appointment . God's choice, not yours . not a foreigner

His Activities . Shall not multiply horses to himself . Shall not multiply wives to himself . Shall not multiply silver and gold to himself . With respect to this book of the law: . He shall copy it . It shall be with him . He shall read it all the days of his life

The Priests . Their inheritance: none . Their provision: from the offerings and sacrifices . Their activities: . Not practicing: witchcraft, soothsaying, interpreting omens, sorcery, conjuring spells. Not being a medium, spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

The Prophets . Promise to send The Prophet (Christ) . False Prophets shall die . Those who speak in God's name . but what God has not commanded . as evidenced that what is prophecied doesn't happen . Those who speak in the name of other gods

Authority

Deut Questions: The Priests: Modern day violations? children pass through fire -> abortion use divination (fortelling the future or the unknown by occult means) -> fortune telling note: 1Sam 15:23 Rebellion is as the sin of (div) sorcery: observer of times -> Astrology interpreting omens -> superstitious about events witchcraft: -> drug users cast spells: charmers -> cursing people medium: -> praying to the dead wizard: a professional witch -> witch doctors necromancer: attempting to foretell the future by alledged communication with the dead.

App Questions: What are examples of authorities in today's society? How should authority figures exercise their authority?

App Observations: The roles of an authority figure: Prophet: teach Priest: intercede King: command, require permission Judge: set standards, evaluate, reward, punish

HOMICIDE

Accidental and Intentional Homicide Deut 19:1-14 Nu 35:9-28 Cities of refuge for accidental manslaughter If innocent, must remain in the city until the death of the high priest. If outside city limits, can be killed by avenger of blood.

Witnesses Deut 19:15-21 2-3 witnesses required false witnesses to suffer penalty of the accused (eye for eye, tooth for tooth)

Warfare Deut 20:1-20 Don't be afraid Relieve from military service if: . Just built a new house and need to dedicate it . Planted a vineyard and not eaten of it . Betrothed but not married . fearful or fainthearted

Cities far away: Offer peace before invading . if accepted require tribute . else kill every male and everything and everyone else take as plunder

Cities within in the inheritance: Let nothing that breathes remain alive (Neither Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite or Electric Light!) Why? Lest they teach you do to according to their abominations which they have done for their gods.

Beseiging a city: . Don't cut down trees that produce edible fruit.

Unknown Murder Deut 21:1-9 . Elders of nearest city shall provide a sacrifice . Shall wash their hands over the cow pronouncing their innocence and ignorance of the murderer . Shall ask God to provide atonement

The Rebellious Son . Son: stubborn, rebellious, not obey his father or mother even when they chasten him . Shall bring him to the elders at the city gate and declare "This son is stubborn and rebellious and will not obey; he is a glutton and a drunkard" . All the men of the city shall stone him to death . (All Israel will hear and fear)

Death by Hanging . Can't leave on the tree over night . else you will defile the land . he who is hanged is accursed of God

Safe Designs . When build a house, must put a fence around the roof . else the owner is guilty of blood if someone falls from it

DISCUSSION

Notes:

Problem: no application, no relevance. It is unlikely that you will commit homicide. However homicides like suicide, abortion and euthanasia are not uncommon.

Prov 28:5 - Wicked don't understand Justice

Cities of Refuge . NT Metaphor - Covering sin Heb 10:4 -> Rom 3:25

Witnesses . NT Metaphor - Sufficient evidence, Evangualism Justice - intention

Warfare . NT Metaphor - Choosing friends, cleansing the inner circle Prov 13:20, Prov 28:7 Prov 22:11 - the king shall be his friend Prov 27:6 - rebuke of a friend Prov 27:17 - iron sharpen iron James 4:4 - friendship with the world, enemy of God

Unknown Murder Who is suppose to provide atonement? Who is to ask for atonement to be provided? Or else what?

Rebellious Son Demonstrates Parental Authority What did the kid do to deserve death? Is it just? Is death penalty a deterrent?

Safe Designs

ADULTERY AND OTHER ILLICIT MIXTURES

Taking a wife The wife of captivity Deut 21:10-14 . Test whether you really like her The wife of rape Deut 22:28,29

(Note that freedom of choice for the woman is not a high priority)

Divorce Can divorce on the basis of uncleanness Can never divorce if: . premarital sex before betrothal Deut 22:29 . falsely accusing wife of not being a virgin when married Deut 22:13-19 If divorced, cannot remarry the same person Deut 24:1-4 (Those churches providing programs which encourage divorced Christians to remarry promote adultery)

The Penalty of Adultery (whether married or betrothed): Death Deut 22:20-24

Multiple Wives Deut 21:15-17 (Not spoken of as sin)

Cross-dressing Deut 22:5 (abomination (08441): disgusting)

Exclusion from the assembly due to sexual impurity or lacking genetic wholeness Deut 23:1-8 . damaged genitals . born illegitimately (10 gen) (John 8:41) . descendants of Ammonites or Moabites (10 gen) . however Edomites and Egyptians can enter assembly

Cult Prostitutes Deut 23:17-18 (Rev 2:20; 17:5) . It goes without saying that you are not to go to a temple prostitute . You are forbidden to become one . You cannot bring their earnings into the house of God nor for any religious purpose

"Holy Shit" batman! (bit of an oxymoron) Deut 23:9-14 . Bury your excrement out of the sight of God

Other illicit mixtures Deut 22:9-11 . two kinds of seeds . ox and donkey unequally yoked (2Cor 6:14) . combining wool and linen

New Testament Extensions about divorce and remarriage . Matt 5:32 Remarriage after divorce is adultery . Matt 19:7-9 Divorce not so from the beginning . Mark 10:12 applies to women also . 1Cor 7:10,11 - All Marriages . God's command . Remarriage not allowed, reconciliation allowed. . 1Cor 7:12-16 - Christian married to a non-Christian . Paul's opinion . Stay married . Let the unbeliever leave if they want to

Adultery Extension: Mark 10:11,12 - remarriage = adultery unconditionally Why therefore the condition in Matt 19:9? fornication should result in the death of the spouse, thus freeing one from the marriage covenant. (1Cor 7:39) Rom 7:2,3 "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man." (Notice vs 10,11 of Jesus not denying the singleness is better) Notice that what Jesus said was very objectionable to the disciples as it is to many people today. Why? Because people feel more comfortable with an escape hatch. . 1Cor 7:35 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." . 1Cor 7:39 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." Why not the condition in Mark? Probably because it occurs in only a minority of cases

. Most churches will not marry divorced couples

.Also Christians are held to a higher standard like the priests in Lev 21:7 - cannot marry divorced person, or someone who had premarital sex. In addition to this, the high priest cannot marry a widow.

THEFT

Lost and Found Deut 22:1-4 . mention "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again. In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself. Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again." study . boyscout find money on public property . passing the disabled vehicle?

The Escaped Slave Deut 23:15-16 . What to do with the escaped slave? . Why? . Ex: American Underground Railroad

Charging Interest Deut 23:19-20 . Can't charge Jews, but can foreigners . Why? Similar command about slavery and usury is a form of slavery. But then one would have a hard time obtaining a loan to start a business. . This does not forbid taking a loan. . Notice the promised blessing - this is a form of charity.

Vows to God Deut 23:21-23 Ex: Men in boat lost at sea . Num 30:2-16 Ex: Jud 11:30,31 Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira Christians causally make vows to God in the songs they sing. I've always found it strange that non-Christians are encouraged to sing such songs. It seems to me that it only promotes the idea that Christians are not serious about what they say.

Limits on taking from neighbors Deut 23:24,25 Ex: Luke 6:1 In this case, there was more leniency on property violations than there is today. In this society even minor property violations are treated more severly than adultery, for example. Why? Because we're such a materialistic society. Appl: Roomates with refigerator - be somewhat flexible.

Colateral Deut 24:6

Kidnapping Deut 24:7 death - only if treats like slave or sells Probably doesn't apply to child abduction which may be for the child's benefit. App: Gen 37:28 Joseph

FALSE ACCUSATIONS Fairness to one's fellow as regards both his substance and his dignity

Leprosy Deut 24:8-9 Lev 13 - extensive discussion of leprosy Don't assume just any skin imperfection indicates uncleanness Don't judge Christians as nominal for just any infractions

Debtor Deut 24:10-13 Let debtor bring colatoral to you The poor are basically exempt from colatoral

Employees Deut 24:14-15 Pay wages in timely fashion

Death for one's own crime Deut 24:16 2Ch 25:4; 2Ki 14:5; Ezek 18:20 Does this conflict with the concept of original sin? Rom 5:12-21 Does this conflict with the genocide God had commanded? What about God punishing Israel when David was at fault? 2Sam 24

Justice and Charity for the stranger, ophan, and widow 24:17-22

Justice in Corporal punishment Deut 25:1-3 >=40 lashes (symbolic significance) else inhumane treatment Applied to Paul (5 times) 2Cor 11:24

Not muzzle the ox Deut 25:4 Why? Prov 12:10 - righteous regards animal's life. Application to Christian ministers 1Cor 9:9,10; 1Tim 5:17,18

MORE ON FALSE ACCUSATIONS

Wisdom from Proverbs on false accusations:

Do false witnesses lie or mere exaggerate? Prov 14:5 Who takes heed to a false witness? Prov 17:4 Shall false witnesses be punished? Prov 19:5 Is bearing false witness as bad as violent crime? Prov 25:18

Responding Properly to False Accusations Matt 5:11,44; 1Pet 3:14-17; 1Pet 2:12

Accusations against elders Tit 1:6 1Tim 5:19

Repenting from falsely accusing others Lk 19:8

Specific examples: Jesus, Joseph, Paul

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Avoid making false accusations by sticking to the facts. Just tell the truth and if you are making inferences, then say so.

Avoid using labels in describing people if the labels are inaccurate, recognizing that labels often carry connotations which extend beyond what you may mean.

Listen carefully before attempting to repeat what someone says, or even assuming that you understand the person.

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." Prov 18:13

When falsely accused, don't get angry and don't respond in kind. Rather respond with truth or don't respond at all.

COVETOUSNESS

Brother to marry the widow Deut 25:5-10 Wife intervening in husband's fight Deut 25:11-12 Separate weights and measures Deut 25:13-16

covet = 'avah = to desire, be greedy, crave, lust after

OLD TESTAMENT ON "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."

Ex 20:17 <02530> De 5:21 <0183> 'avah Jos 7:21 <02530> Achan was aching Ps 10:3 <02141> boast of heart's desire and bless the covetous Ps 119:36 <01215> Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to covetousness Ps 21:25,26 <0183> the slothful covet greedily all day Mi 2:2 <02530> they covet fields and take by violence Hab 2:9 <01214> covet for security

<0183> 'avah - to desire, be greedy, crave, lust after <02530> chamad - to desire, take pleasure in <01214> bastsa' - to cut off (gain by unrigheous violence)

Note: OT covetousness emphasizes unjustly obtaining gain as a result of fulfilling improper desires.

NEW TESTAMENT ON "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Lu 12:15 <4124> beware - life not consist of abundance of material possessions 1Tim 6:10 <3713> love of money * 1Tim 3:1 <3713> to desire the office of a bishop * Heb 11:16 <3713> Those of faith desire a better, heavenly place Acts 20:33 <1937> Paul not covet anyone's material possessions, but worked for a living 1Th 2:5 <4124> cloak of covetousness 2Pet 2:3 <4124> used with deceptive words to influence 1Co 6:10; Eph 5:5 <4123> shall not enter the kingdom of God * 1Co 12:31; 1Co 14:39 <2206> desire spiritual gifts Col 3:5 <4124> is idolatry Lu 16:14 <5366> example: Pharisees - serve money Heb 13:5 <866> be content with what you have 1Tim 3:3 <866> requirment for an elder

<4124> pleonexia - greedy desire to have more <5366> philarguros - loving money, avarice <866> aphilarguros - the opposite of <5366> <3713> oregomai - to give one's self up to the love of money <1937> epithumeo - to lust after <2206> zeloo - to burn with zeal

Note: NT covetous emphasizes the improper focus of one's desires

* positive uses of "covet"

QUESTIONS

Which of the following is covetousness?

. I want to have his car . I want to have a car just like he has . I want to have a car . I really want to have a car or try this: . I want to have his wife . I want to have a wife just like he has . I want to have a wife . I really want to have a wife

Is the desire to better one's lifestyle in a material sense covetousness?

Is there a conflict between capitalism and covetousness?

Should the Christian seek to obtain material possessions beyond meeting his basic necessities?

APPLICATIONS

Practice contentment . by periodically depriving yourself of things you desire

Recognize and eliminate "false measures" in your life. . Don't measure your material value by someone else's . Beware of taking inventory (2Sam 24) . Do not set your heart on future material expectations (James 4:13,14) . At work don't overvalue time and efforts. There are always people who work harder than you for less. (If you could get what you feel you deserved, would you pay yourself more or less?)

FINAL EXAM

List the 10 commandments

Identify which commandments are being broken in the following conversation:

Joe: Hey Jack, how's it going?

Jack: I feel terrible. just lost a bunch of money on a get-rich-quick scheme. It's not tax deductible either.

Joe: So, just say it is. It's not a sin to lie to the IRS.

Jack: Yeh, but I'm a Christian and not suppose to do that kind of stuff. Besides that, I pledged the money to the church. But my wife managed to disavow it.

Joe: I can understand that. Everyone had his own moral code. I used to go to church too. But I found them to be nothing but a bunch of hypocrits.

Jack: What bothers me worst is my wife is planning to divorce me and run off with a rich guy.

Joe: Hey you got to look out for number one. My second wife really ripped me off in the divorce.

Jack: You know, you're right. I think I'll cancel my appointment with Jack Kavorkian. And I'm going find myself a good Christian wife, make some good money and retire. God would want it that way. By the way, you want to come to church?

Joe: Sorry, got no time right now.

True or false?

It was illegal for Jews to loan money to other Jews.

It was illegal for Jews to loan money to Gentiles for more than 7 years.

A Jew could own a Jewish slave permanently.

For difficult judgments, the judges shall cast lots.

The King is not allowed to have multiple wives.

The Priest's inheritance is in the land of Levi.

Occasionally the priests are allowed to pray to the dead.

One can know a prophet is from God if he does convincing miracles.

Once found guilty for only accidental manslaughter, the innocent man can freely leave the city of refuge.

You can be relieved of military duty if you're afraid.

Parents can have their son put to death on the basis of him being stubborn and rebellious.

In all cases the penalty for rape is death.

In all cases the penalty for adultery is death.

If a prostitute repents, she is to give her earnings to the temple.

If you find your neighbor's lost sheep, you are to keep it as a blessing from the Lord.

If an escaped slave takes refuge with you, you are to bring him back to his master.

You must get permission from your neighbor to enter into his field and eat of his vineyards.

If you take a poor man's cloak for colatoral, you shall return it to him in the morning.

Parents are not to be put to death for their children.

The maximum number of lashes a person can receive is 40.

A man shall not marry his brother's widow.

The penalty for theft is having your hand cut off.

In trading, you must use accurate weights and measures.

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