Be on your guard. Do not take on or honor the ways of the nations around you as these ways will lead you astray. God tells the Israelites that they must be blameless before him. Today, we also must be blameless before God. Being blameless means living an upright life, not being perfect.
God promises the Israelites that he will send a prophet like Moses and again he tells them they must listen to the new prophet. That prophet was to be Jesus, who would come much later. Jesus would also have the words of his Father, as he had his heart.
The law provided sanctuary cities for those who committed serious crimes without ill-intent, so they had safe places to reside. The person that purposefully committed a crime would not be protected.
God laid out laws to guide the Israelites and ensure unity among them. Honesty was expected, for instance, by the law to respect boundary markers. These markers were placed to show the lands that were God’s gift, given to the Israelites through a covenant agreement. Although these were physical stones and markers that guided the Israelites, we, too, are better off when we respect the boundaries that God has given us through his Word — it protects us from the enemy’s destruction. God gives instructions in handling other sins in chapter 21.
Soldiers were screened to determine if they could focus on the war, not on outside needs and influences. Warriors had to be strong and unified and not fainthearted or lacking courage. These characteristics could affect the morale of all the soldiers. When we lack courage and are fearful, we can infect those around us with our negative thoughts and attitudes. It can potentially bring others around us down as well. This was no mindset for men going into battle and still is not today, as it causes a divided heart and focus.
Guard your heart and keep it pure and focused on our Savior.
Eleanor Chew
