Latest Commentaries

Moses describes the method of administrating justice when Israel enters Canaan, the Promised Land, in the case of someone who has transgressed God’s covenant by giving allegiance to other gods

Along with prohibiting pagan objects in or near the central sanctuary, Moses tells the Israelites to avoid offering any defective animal to the Suzerain (Ruler) God because this is a detestable thing to Him.

The Israelites are prohibited from building an Asherah pole of any kind. They are to give exclusive worship to their Suzerain (Ruler) God.

Moses deals with the practical applications of the fifth commandment. Though the commandment refers to honoring parents (Exodus 20:12), the larger principle centers around authority. This discussion on authority extends to Deuteronomy 18:22.

The celebrations of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths every year at the central sanctuary are summarized. The Israelites are to bring an offering to the Suzerain God during these celebrations to acknowledge that He is the ultimate source of their blessings.

The Israelites were commanded to joyfully celebrate the Feast of Booths with all those who belong to them. This feast commemorated the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land by living in structures made of wood and foliage. They are to have that celebration at the central sanctuary.

The Israelites were to celebrate the grain harvest in the Feast of Weeks to acknowledge the Giver of the harvest—the Suzerain (Ruler) LORD. This feast is to be accompanied by a freewill offering.

The Israelites are commanded to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread at the central sanctuary. This celebration will serve to commemorate the LORD’s deliverance of Israel out of Egypt.

Moses commands the Israelites to set apart all the firstborn males of their domesticated animals to the Suzerain (Ruler) God.

After dealing with concern for the poor, Moses then turned to the issue of those who are servants. Moses asks every Hebrew master to release his Hebrew servant after six years, unless the servant decides to remain with him. In the latter case, the master shall pierce the ear of the servant with an awl pressed against the door to seal their mutual commitment.

Moses urged the Israelite creditors not to be reluctant to lend money to their needy brothers when the year of remission is near, because the Suzerain (Ruler) God will greatly bless those who give freely and generously.

Moses commands the Israelite creditors to grant a remission of debts to fellow Israelites in the Sabbath year.

The Israelites were commanded to tithe all their agricultural products in order to learn to fear the Suzerain (Ruler) God. They were also commanded to take care of the Levites.

The Israelites are to refrain from eating anything which dies naturally because they are a holy people to the Suzerain (Ruler) God.

Moses continues with the dietary laws and briefly describes the flying insects that are clean and those that are unclean to Israel.

Moses lists the unclean birds which the Israelites are prohibited from eating. He commands the people to eat any clean bird.

Moses gives regulations regarding aquatic animals that were acceptable and unacceptable for food. Any fish that has fins and scales is permitted. Any fish that does not have fins and scales is forbidden.

Continuing the theme of holiness, Moses then moves to what food the Israelites were permitted to eat and what they were prohibited from eating. He specifies which land animals were acceptable as food and which ones were to be avoided.

The Israelites are commanded not to cut themselves nor shave their forehead when mourning because they are a holy people to the LORD who chooses them to be His treasured possession.

Moses commands the Israelites to destroy an entire city that has succumbed to the enticements of the false prophets and has fallen into idolatry.