Deuteronomy Chapter 23
Bible scholars generally agree that the phrase “assembly of the LORD” refers to those in charge of the government of Israel such as magistrates and judges. With that understanding we will see that God’s laws given in this chapter, which excluded certain people from the assembly of the LORD, makes sense.
One exemption was men who had been emasculated (Eunuchs) by a birth defect, a crushing incident or a deliberate act, were not allowed to serve in the assembly of the LORD. We also know that many Eunuchs were made to be such, to honor pagan gods. God had always placed an importance of the seed of Israel, to pass on His covenant promise of making them a great nation. These men were not restricted from worship of God they just could not serve in government or leadership roles.
As we read through the chapter, we will see that God’s laws are always a standard of His holiness. And while we humans do not always understand all that is defined as holy; as a believer we must strive to seek His holiness. We must desire to become more like Jesus.
Let's Reflect
1. This interpretation of the assembly of the LORD makes more sense when we consider God’s law that those born illegitimately could not enter the assembly of the LORD. If they didn’t know who the father was, he could invariably be someone from a pagan culture. This type of union was called what according to verse 2?
2. When God forbid those born of illegitimate or forbidden unions, He stated that this would remain in affect for many generations. The number of generations God gave was meant to be understood as a law that would continue, it was not meant to be taken literally in that His law would end after a certain number of generations. How many generations did God give as an example?
3. The Ammonites or Moabites were also excluded from the assembly of the LORD. We recall that King Balak in the book of Numbers wanted Balaam to put a curse on Israel, but instead God blessed Israel. According to verse 5 why did God bless Israel?
4. Other laws pertaining to God’s holiness include cleanliness. God expects His people to practice good hygiene. Perhaps this is where the saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” originated from. He also expects us to treat others such as slaves, with dignity. A slave is one who is working to pay off debt he owes to another. God forbid the slave to be mistreated. If he was mistreated and escaped from the master what were people commanded to do who found the escaped slave?
5. The term “dog” was a derogatory term of a man who was evil in his ways. God did not want this type of man to bring a portion of his wages to be given in the temple. In this instance God is explaining that evil men (dogs), just like evil women, might earn wages for their sexual favors. What did God say about the money that they earned from this type of occupation?
6. Many times, in scripture God told us that we must take care of the poor. He wanted the poor to be able to get food when they were hungry. God also established that the poor were not to take advantage of those farmers whose fields they ate from. In what way were they told they could not take advantage of the farmer?
