Chapter 17 continues in the theme of keeping Israel pure from sin and blasphemy as well as provides how the people will judge trangressions against God and the community. The essence of the community is essential; everyone plays a role. If anyone hears of another who sins against God then the community must act. This is not done without a process however.
Witnesses are needed, the more the better but at least two preferably three. If the testimony finds the person guilty then the community passes judgment with the witnesses first acting then the rest of the community.
In those instances where the community cannot render a decision, the people can take to case to the Levitcal priest or judge that God has annointed. The people must accept this judgment and carry out the judgment sentence. To fail to carry out the sentence can lead to death.
In a rather interesting passage, God then enumerates the way that Israel can appoint a king. This is interesting because in 1 Samuel God is not pleased that Israel asks for a king.
The first half of Deuteronomy 18 deals with the appropriate offerings to be given to the Levite priests. These priests were not allowed to inherit property like other tribes since they have been dedicated to the Lord. It is us tot he people of Israel to provide for the Levites through their offerings.
The second half of the chapter affirms that Israel must not follow the traditions of the people that they are displacing form the land. In particular Israel must not turn to diviners and/or soothsayers. God will provide judges and prophets for this purpose. How do you know if the person is a prophet of God you ask, if what they proclaim comes true, then that shows that God is speaking through them.
Romans 3
Reading Paul can be very difficult even on his, and our, best days. Since it would seem that in his first two chapters he seems to throw both Jew and Gentile under the bus, he now begins to backtrack. What point is it to be Jewish then? Well, first, God trusted Israel with the oracles, God trusted them to maintain the histories. But the larger point Paul would make is that Israel's faithlessness does not nullify God faithfulness. (thanks NT. Wright) However, what is needed is an Israelite who is faithful, but Paul will get to that.
Paul begins to now lay down his argument against the Law, which he briefly introduces here. While Israel has been called to live under the Law, no one is truly able to be made righteous through the Law. What the Law does, in essence, is just inform us of our sin. What is needed is something new, and he now pivots to this new revelation.
It is this new revelation in Jesus Christ that provides salvation, it is justification through faith which is a gift of grace. Since no one can achieve salvation on their own merits or the merits of the Law, God himself in Christ becomes the means of salvation. However, this does not mean we throw out the Law. See just when you thought you knew what the heck Paul was saying, he tosses in a line like that.
If you get frustrated by Paul and my little vignettes do not help, mention it in the comments section or email me.
The first half of Deuteronomy 18 deals with the appropriate offerings to be given to the Levite priests. These priests were not allowed to inherit property like other tribes since they have been dedicated to the Lord. It is us tot he people of Israel to provide for the Levites through their offerings.
The second half of the chapter affirms that Israel must not follow the traditions of the people that they are displacing form the land. In particular Israel must not turn to diviners and/or soothsayers. God will provide judges and prophets for this purpose. How do you know if the person is a prophet of God you ask, if what they proclaim comes true, then that shows that God is speaking through them.
Romans 3
Reading Paul can be very difficult even on his, and our, best days. Since it would seem that in his first two chapters he seems to throw both Jew and Gentile under the bus, he now begins to backtrack. What point is it to be Jewish then? Well, first, God trusted Israel with the oracles, God trusted them to maintain the histories. But the larger point Paul would make is that Israel's faithlessness does not nullify God faithfulness. (thanks NT. Wright) However, what is needed is an Israelite who is faithful, but Paul will get to that.
Paul begins to now lay down his argument against the Law, which he briefly introduces here. While Israel has been called to live under the Law, no one is truly able to be made righteous through the Law. What the Law does, in essence, is just inform us of our sin. What is needed is something new, and he now pivots to this new revelation.
It is this new revelation in Jesus Christ that provides salvation, it is justification through faith which is a gift of grace. Since no one can achieve salvation on their own merits or the merits of the Law, God himself in Christ becomes the means of salvation. However, this does not mean we throw out the Law. See just when you thought you knew what the heck Paul was saying, he tosses in a line like that.
If you get frustrated by Paul and my little vignettes do not help, mention it in the comments section or email me.
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