Daily Bible Reflection 11/16

Continuing a plan to get through the entire Bible in a year, follow as I journal through the reading. I have chosen a straightforward approach that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. This will not be an in-depth study or a comprehensive commentary. There are plenty of sources for such material. This is stage one Bible reading, taking the text at face value and sharing impressions.

Today’s reading comes from the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 24 through 27, detailing more laws intended to distinguish Israel as God’s chosen people. Some impressions from the text:

These chapters continue to list various laws for the Israelites to keep as they settle in the Promised Land.
The focus of these laws remains avoidance of sin, and punishment for sin. Israel is to set itself apart, the literal meaning of holiness, in worship of their holy God.
Some laws seem to have less to do with conduct and more to do with symbolism, as if they’re meant to serve as reminders. “… you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.”
The God of Israel is the God of Truth, offended by falsehood. “For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the Lord your God.”
Tithes and offerings were to be given joyfully as an act of devoted worship, not as a reluctant concession to a heavenly tyrant. Even believers sometimes miss this. Obedience isn’t the point. It’s a means to an end. We obey God in honor of who He is and what He has done.
It should be noted that the curses which end Chapter 27 condemn us all. Sure, we may not have killed someone for money or slept with our mother-in-law. But we have all failed to “confirm the words of this law by doing them.” Hence, we need a savior.

Return soon as we continue our year-long journey through the text of the Bible.

Catch up on the previous entries:

Archived Genesis posts (scroll down in link).

Archived Exodus posts (scroll down in link) .

Archived Leviticus posts (scroll down in link).

Archived Numbers posts (scroll down in link).

Moses recounts Israel’s journey through the wilderness. – Deuteronomy 1 and 2

Moses emphasizes obedience to, and glorification of, God. – Deuteronomy 3 and 4

God’s commandments serve a holy purpose. – Deuteronomy 5 through 7

Moses implores Israel to know, trust, and obey God. – Deuteronomy 8 through 10

Focused wholly on God. – Deuteronomy 11 through 13

Holiness requires us to be intentionally different. – Deuteronomy 14 through 16