Chapter 166 of 1163

Deuteronomy 23

The phrase “enter the assembly,” used six times in this chapter, refers to participation in religious activities rather than citizenship in the nation. God has the right to decide who shall approach Him in worship. (See Ps. 15; John 4:19–24.) Of course, in Jesus Christ, these distinctions have been removed (Gal. 3:26–29), and the gospel call is to “whoever” (Rev. 22:17).

These laws were required because God walked in the camp (v. 14); therefore, the camp had to be clean. Even matters of personal hygiene were important (vv. 9–14). Christ walks among His churches (Rev. 1:13; 2:1) and wants to see a holy people.

Verse 4 shows the sad consequences of sin, of both omission (the people did not help Israel) and commission (they hired Balaam). The kindness that we show to others, we also show to Christ (Matt. 25:31–46). One act of unkindness may bring years of sorrow.

Even the source of our money is God’s concern (vv. 17–18). The pagan temples had religious prostitutes, male (“dogs”) and female, and God would not accept their money earned by abominable means.

These miscellaneous regulations remind us that God is interested in the details of our lives. He wants us to be holy so that we may fellowship with Him (2 Cor. 6:14–18).

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