Lesson 45 The Blessing Of The Tribes And Death Of Moses

LESSON 41 MISCELLANEOUS LAWS

Deuteronomy 23:1-25; 24:1-22; 25:1-19

The word “miscellaneous” means variety of things or different types, while the word “law” is a term that refers to the rules and regulations guiding people in a society. So, our topic is about various rules and regulations given by God to the children of Israel to guide them in their relationship with one another and how to live to please Him. Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament. The book is a repetition of the previous laws contained in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The first five books in the Bible are generally referred to as the five books of Moses (Pentateuch).

It became necessary for Moses to repeat the laws to the children of Israel at the time they were getting close to the Promised Land. He also needed to remind the present generation of the laws of God particularly when the generations that started the journey had died on the way to the promised land due to their disobedience to the word of God. It was then very necessary to remind the people of the covenant God had with Israel.

Moses knew that he was close to the time of his death and as such put together these laws as directed by God to ensure that they did not depart from God. As we study chapters 23, 24 and 25 of Deuteronomy, which show us the miscellaneous laws, there are important lessons for you to learn.

  1. PATH TO PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE:

Deuteronomy 23:1-25

The laws that were emphasised in our Bible passages cover different areas of our interpersonal relationship in the society and family. These laws are still very relevant to us today as we relate with one another. What God demands from us is obedience to His commandments.

The miscellaneous laws are in different categories which include:

(i) Relationship with idol-worshippers and sinners. Deuteronomy 23:1-8. The children of Israel were told not to associate with the Ammonites, Moabites, and others. All these stand for idol-worshippers and sinners. Associating with them will lead to corruption and separation from God. In the same vein, friends of Jesus are commanded to be separate from unbelievers and sinful people so as not to be influenced by their wicked ways.

(ii) Separation from uncleanness. Deuteronomy 23:9-14-Total cleansing from every defilement is the only condition for fellowship with God. He is holy, therefore, we, His children must be holy in our thoughts, actions, appearance and general lifestyle.

(iii) Care of strangers, the poor and needy – Deuteronomy 23:15-20; 24:10- 15, 19-22. God is concerned about the way we treat strangers and those that are in need. We are to care for them by sharing what we have with them, visiting and praying for such children.

(iv) Redemption of vows – Deuteronomy 23:21-25. God wants us to pay our vows as at when due. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

(v) Family relationships – Deuteronomy 24:1-5; 25:5-10. God’s desire and plan are for families to stay together in unity and love. He forbids immorality, corruption and sinful habits that can lead to separation. Children must be obedient to God’s word and contribute to the unity and peaceful co-existence among family members.

(vi) Justice system-Deuteronomy 23:15,16; 24:16-18; 25:1-4. God demands that we treat one another fairly. There should be no oppression or false accusation. Christians should not maltreat domestic workers like cooks, nannies, drivers, gardeners, laundry assistants, etc. They should relate with them in love, respect and fear of God.

(vii) Truthfulness in business matters. Deuteronomy 25:13-16. Moses specifically warns the children of Israel of the evil of false measures in their business transactions, unjust weights and deceits, which are abominations in the sight of God (Proverbs 11:1).

Do not cheat in any way either in sharing, trading or academic work. Obedience brings blessings.

  1. PRESERVATION OF HOLINESS IN GOD’S HOUSE: Deuteronomy 23:14; 24:6-9

“For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee” (Deuteronomy 23:14). This passage is the theme of the message that God gave to Israel through Moses. It gives us a summary and the purpose of the law. God has called us out of the world to serve Him in holiness and righteousness. All friends of Jesus must do away with everything that can defile and make them unfit for fellowship with God; while sinners are called to repent, ask for forgiveness and cleansing of their sins with the blood of Jesus. After this, the saved child must ask for the sanctification of his heart so as to be able to live a holy life. Then, he can now pledge his life to serve God in spirit and truth. This is the only way to enjoy fellowship with God and partake of His blessings.

  1. PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FOR OBEYING GOD’S LAW:

Deuteronomy 23:14,20; 24:19; 25:15; 28 1-14, Joshua 1:8; John 14:1-3.

In our homes, schools and nations, there are laws put in place to regulate and guide our conducts and behaviour. Those who obey the laws of the school r enjoy their stay in that school and come out with good results. On the other hand, anyone who disobeys these rules may drop out or become unsuccessful. God is just and good to all; He blesses obedient children and punishes those that live in disobedience to His word. He is no Respecter of persons. He told us that “if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19,20). There is a lot of blessings for children who obey God’s word:

(i) Victory over sickness, Satan and sin

(ii) Answers to prayers and good success

(iii) Divine protection and provision

(iv) Eternity with Jesus in heaven

(v) Crowns with stars.

Do you want these blessings and many others in your life? Pray that God should make you obedient to His word. Remember, the key to God’s blessings is complete obedience.

QUESTIONS:

  1. Name the five books the Bible refers to as books of Moses.
  2. Mention two miscellaneous laws given to Israel through Moses.
  3.  What lessons did you learn from these laws?
  4. Name three blessings of obedience
  5. What must a sinful child do to be cleansed from sin?

MEMORY VERSE: For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee” (Deuteronomy 23:14)-

LESSON: Obedience brings blessings.

THOUGHT: I will read my Bible and pray every day in order not to depart from the way of the Lord.

ACTIVITY: Write the names of five persons that obeyed God in the Bible and how they were blessed.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 47 – JUST OBEY

CHORUSES:

(1) Make me a good child like Samuel

(2) I will never let the devil win the battle

(3) Read your Bible pray everyday.

HOMEWORK: Write the names of five persons in the Bible that disobeyed God and the punishment they got. Quote the Bible references.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary.

  1. Miscellaneous 2. Co-existence 3. Uncleanness 4. Justice 5. Law.

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