Chapter 165 of 1163

Deuteronomy 22

Lost possessions (1–4). God honors private ownership and demands honesty in the handling of other people’s goods, even when it is not convenient. He also has compassion for animals (Exod. 23:5). We are stewards of all that God gives us, and we must be faithful.

Lost distinctions (5–12). The Bible makes it clear that “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 14:33), but confusion results when we ignore the distinctions God has made between men and women, animals, and even seeds and fabrics. Like the dietary laws, these rules reminded the Jews that they were a separated people, and the tassels on their clothing were an additional reminder.

Lost reputations (13–30). Here you see God’s protection for the helpless in the land. It is a serious thing to bear false witness, particularly in the matter of sexual purity. A reputation can be ruined by people making false accusations. It is not enough simply to love virtue; sometimes we must also “put away the evil” (v. 21) and deal with sin.

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