In these passages, the covenantal laws are intended to guide the Israelites in living godly lives. With laws, we know what is acceptable and what is unacceptable — they give us standards to try to meet. Sin and chaos still happen with laws in place, but without laws there is nothing requiring people to try to behave in acceptable ways. These laws were meant for Israelites to clarify their relationship with God, both collectively and individually.
Respect and honesty are two components of these chapters in Deuteronomy. In caring for another’s property you show respect for others, because you are indirectly caring for that person. You care for nature and food supplies by not growing two different seeds together. Respect is found in rules for behavior within marriage, respect for women outside of marriage, and respect for aliens who were living among and near them. Honesty was expected in weighing out goods for sale and in not taking too much from another’s fields. Respect others — leave some in your fields for those in need.
God understands healthy physical needs in that he instructs the Israelites to keep the camp clean and disease-free by removing things that will harm them. His people were told to be compassionate in dealing with those in need, to help them and not to make their lives more difficult. For example, give your brother back his cloak so he has it for nighttime, and honor your promises in a timely way.
Morally, Israelites were responsible for their sins and they were not to be blamed on another person, i.e. their parents. Today, we still need to accept responsibility for our choices without making excuses.
God’s laws are good and are meant to shelter and protect us; yet how often do we fight against them, or even worse, intentionally and purposefully ignore them if they don’t agree with what we want to do?
Dear Lord, help me to see others through your perfect eyes and not my imperfect eyes, and break my heart for what breaks yours. Amen.
Eleanor Chew
