DEUTERONOMY 21
LAWS ABOUT FEMALE CAPTIVES
Moses gives various laws about unsolved murders, marrying female captives, inheritance rights, and rebellious sons. God is merciful to the female captives, giving them time to mourn and telling the husbands they must not sell or enslave them.
Verses 22-23 explain that anyone who is put to death by being hung on a tree is cursed by God. Thousands of years later, the Apostle Paul references this law in Galatians 3:13 by saying “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” Jesus took the curse for humanity to make atonement for the sins of those who love God.
DEUTERONOMY 22
LAWS TO SET THE ISRAELITES APART
Moses tells the Israelites various laws, including not mixing certain things like seeds in a field, animals in a yoke, or fabrics on clothing, a reminder that the nation of Israel is set apart. One of the laws specifically notes the tassels on the clothing of the Israelites, given to them as a reminder of God’s commandments. Moses also gives the Israelites laws for sexual morality.
DEUTERONOMY 23
EXCLUSION FROM THE ASSEMBLY
Moses informs the Israelites of more laws, including who is excluded from the assembly, laws about uncleanness in the camp, and laws about making vows to God.
DEUTERONOMY 24
LAWS CONCERNING DIVORCE + HARVESTING
Moses informs the Israelites of more laws, including laws around divorce and harvesting, many of which protect the poor. This chapter contains specific laws about harvesting that are later seen in the book of Ruth.
DEUTERONOMY 25
LAWS CONCERNING MARRIAGE
Moses continues to give the Israelites various laws. One specific law refers to marriage in a very similar way to the situation in Genesis 38 with Tamar and Judah, “If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her” (v 5).
DEUTERONOMY 26
FIRSTFRUITS + TITHES
Moses tells the Israelites to offer their firstfruits and tithes for God.
DEUTERONOMY 27
MOUNT GERIZIM + MOUNT EBAL
Moses splits up the twelve tribes and tells the Israelites about the blessing from Mount Gerizim in the east and the curses from Mount Ebal in the west.
DEUTERONOMY 28
BLESSINGS FOR OBEDIENCE + CURSING FOR REBELLION
If you obey God, you will be blessed. If you do not, you will be cursed.
DEUTERONOMY 29
RENEWAL OF THE COVENANT
The covenant is renewed, and Moses instructs the Israelites that they must keep the covenant to keep the land.
DEUTERONOMY 30
FORGIVENESS + PROSPERITY FOUND IN REPENTANCE
Moses tells the Israelites that they will break the covenant, and that they must repent. Once they repent to God, He will show forgiveness. Moses continues to encourage them to obey God’s voice.
DEUTERONOMY 31
JOSHUA TO SUCCEED MOSES AS THE ISRAELITE LEADER
Joshua is commissioned to be the one to succeed Moses as leader of Israel. Moses tells Joshua not to fear because God will be with him. The Israelites are to read the law every seven years in remembrance.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
DEUTERONOMY 32
MOSES PRAISES GOD WITH A SONG
Moses writes a song highlighting God’s great love, mercy, and provision. Moses is also the author of Psalm 90, which contains similar themes praising God’s goodness.
God tells Moses that he will die soon, and although he will not enter the Promised Land, he will be able to see it from afar.
DEUTERONOMY 33
MOSES BLESSES THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL
Moses gives his final blessing to the Israelites, blessing each tribe.
DEUTERONOMY 34
THE DEATH + BURIAL OF MOSES
Moses goes up to Mount Nebo, where he is to die. God shows Moses the Promised Land and allows him to see it before he dies. God Himself buries Moses in an unknown location.