Study Questions:
1. What specific instruction did Moses give about the clothing of men and women? Deuteronomy 22:5
2. What obligation was there regarding something lost by a stranger? Deuteronomy 22:1-3
3. What duty was there towards a runaway slave? Deuteronomy 23:15, 16
Commentary and Reflection:
The book of Deuteronomy contains four speeches with final instructions and farewells. “Deuteronomy” means “the second law” or “the law repeated.” It is part of what is called “the law of Moses.”
Below, I mention some commandments that catch my attention in the two chapters for today:
The instructions are clear regarding clothing. Women were not to wear men’s clothing, nor were men to wear women’s clothing. The practice of cross-dressing is an abomination to the Lord. Any expression that tends to erase the distinction or to confuse the sexes that He created is not to His liking. We live in a time and in a society where there are tendencies to condone such practices. We need clarity on these issues. With the spirit of Christ, understanding and loving, it is our duty to uphold the biblical principle of the distinction of sexes.
God commanded His people to put tassels on the edge of their garments. This garment was worn over clothing, like a poncho, and it was square. “38Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, 40 and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.” Numbers 15:38-40
These tassels or cords distinguished the people of God. It is said that in subsequent times of persecution they wore the tassels on the inner garment to avoid being identified. This was the part of Jesus’ garment that the woman with the flow of blood touched (Matthew 9:20). The people of God should distinguish themselves in their way of dressing, especially when worldly fashion tends toward immodesty.
In Deuteronomy 23:17, 18, it is understood that Moses refers to religious prostitution. In pagan temples there were prostitutes as part of the religious service. Moses clearly condemns this practice.
What is there in us or in our environment that can remind us of obedience to the Lord? Can nature serve this purpose? Or family, or the Sabbath? How people around us who do not know us can discern that we are part of His people?
May God grant you a very blessed day.
