Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Deuteronomy 23-24 & Romans 5

A good portion of Deuteronomy 23 covers the make up and behavior of those who serve in the army of Israel. The first portion covers who is eligible to serve in the army, or be a part of the assembly  only those born of proper relations between a man and woman, who does not suffer from any genital impairment. No foreigners, particularly Ammonite or Moabite shall serve in the army. It is possible that perhaps Edomites and even Egyptians could serve, given the command not to abhor these people, but that is not clear.

Those serving in the army must take steps to remain clean and pure while serving, with directions given for how to remain clean and what sort of precautions one should take. Why must these precautions be taken, well since God fights with Israel, the army camp must maintain its ritual purity just as the camp of Israel does.

A slight shift occurs in vs. 15 as it would seem not to be talking about the army but Israel in general. If a slave escapes and comes to Israel they must be welcomed given a place with Israel and not oppressed. Neither daughters or sons of Israel are to become temple whores.

Exchange of money between Israelites must occur without interest, no loaning of money to make interest unless the money is loaned to a foreigner. Vows are to be kept to the Lord, food is to shared with neighbors, signs of traditional hospitality.

It is possible for a husband to write a certificate of divorce for a wife he longer desires to be married to, but he cannot remarry her is she becomes wife to a second man, who then in turn writes a certificate of divorce as well, at least so says Deuteronomy 24. Men who have gotten married are exempt from serving in the army for one year, which affirms a previous command about those who serve in the military.

Verse six speaks to creditors not being able to take away ones ability to make a living in order to cover a debt, hence no taking of a millstone to satisfy the debt. Anyone found kidnapping, enslaving or selling another Israel shall be put to death.

Israel is to be ever vigilant against skin diseases according to verse 8, which is tucked in here.

Verses 10-13 refer to protocols involving loaning money to another Israelite. While verses 14-15 speak of proper payment for a proper days work. In a very similar many, one cannot be held responsible for the actions of children or parents, at least not to be put to death. One can only be put to death based upon one's own actions.

The last portion of the chapter covers the rights of the alien, the orphan and/or widow. These most vulnerable of Israel are given certain protections in order to be able to provide for themselves.

Romans 5

In Romans 5, Paul outlines how Christ's death has become an action of saving grace. Christ offers his life for sinners, a greater sign of grace than just offering ones life for the righteous. But this action of grace is magnified in that when Christ dies, we are reconciled to God, but in the Resurrection we are saved in his life, sin and death are therefore defeated.

Paul continues as he explains that just as sin and death entered the world through the action of Adam in Garden of Eden, so in Jesus Christ, sin and death are defeated because Jesus' action of offering himself was far greater than the act of betraying God's grace in the Garden of Eden.

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