Deuteronomy - Chapter 23

Deuteronomy 23.1 He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. Deuteronomy 23.2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. Deuteronomy 23.3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Deuteronomy 23.4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. Deuteronomy 23.5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. Deuteronomy 23.6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever. Deuteronomy 23.7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Deuteronomy 23.8 The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation. Deuteronomy 23.9 When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing. Deuteronomy 23.10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: Deuteronomy 23.11 But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. Deuteronomy 23.12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad: Deuteronomy 23.13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: Deuteronomy 23.14 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 23.15 Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: Deuteronomy 23.16 He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him. Deuteronomy 23.17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Deuteronomy 23.18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 23.19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: Deuteronomy 23.20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it. Deuteronomy 23.21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. Deuteronomy 23.22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. Deuteronomy 23.23 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Deuteronomy 23.24 When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel. Deuteronomy 23.25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.

Deuteronomy : Chapter 23

Purity in the Assembly: A Reflection on Deuteronomy 23 Deuteronomy 23 addresses fundamental themes concerning purity within the assembly and the camp. This sacred text defines who is worthy to enter the Lord's congregation, thus establishing essential criteria for participation in community life. It also addresses the rules of hygiene to be observed in the camp and sets forth clear prohibitions against cult prostitution. Deuteronomy 23 also addresses the treatment of runaway slaves, while regulating the practices of swearing and taking oaths. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the holiness of God's people through various aspects of daily life. In this regard, we invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of purity in this inspiring chapter.

Ephesians 5:5

"For you may be sure that no one who is sexually immoral or impure or covetous, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." This verse illustrates the principles of purity present in Deuteronomy 23, particularly in verses 17-18.

Matthew 5:33-37

"You have also heard what was said to your ancestors: 'Do not swear falsely, but fulfill the oaths you have sworn before the Lord.' But I say to you: Do not swear at all..." In this passage, Jesus refers to and reinterprets the electoral laws mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Acts 7:51

"You rebellious people, stubborn in heart and ears! Just like your ancestors, you always resist the Holy Spirit!" Stephen uses language that echoes Deuteronomy 23:2, where the Ammonites and Moabites are excluded from the assembly of the Lord.

Matthew 22:21

"Then he said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" This teaching of Jesus can be seen as a reinterpretation of the economic principles present in Deuteronomy 23:19-20.

Hebrews 12:15

"See that no one falls outside the grace of God. Do not allow any root of bitterness to spring up and cause trouble, infecting many." This verse resonates with the call for purity in the assembly found in Deuteronomy 23:1-8.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 23 reminds us of the need to maintain spiritual and moral purity within our faith community. May these reflections nourish our commitment to living according to God's principles and remaining united in holiness.