In the first half of Chapter 18 in Deuteronomy, Moses tells of the priests--the Levites. They do not known any land, however are given offerings from all of the others. These offerings are tithes--I believe this is true, however the Bible passages don't specifically say so--and therefore the first fruits of everyone's labor.
The second half regards prophets. When the Lord appeared to everyone at the mountain, so long ago in their journey, the Israelites were afraid and requested that the Lord speak through Moses. Or a prophet. The Lord liked this idea, and when Moses was gone He would have others in the place of Moses to speak the Lord's truth.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Casting stones
Much like in the book of Leviticus, more and more laws--the vast majority not being practiced today, not since the days Jesus came to the world--are spoken and repeated by Moses.
In chapter 14, verse 22, Moses mentions for the people to set aside a tithe--a tenth--of all they produce each year. And not just any tenth. The choice pieces, the first fruits of labor. He also talks about cancelling debts every seven years (I wish this one was practiced nowdays, huh?)
Near the beginning of chapter 17, Moses talks about rumors and how they should be handled. No one is supposed to take one person's word for any wrongdoing. At least two people should bear witness, and in the case of a major crime--which, in this case, was the worship of an idol, not the Lord--those two are to be the first to cast the stones to put the person to death.
In chapter 14, verse 22, Moses mentions for the people to set aside a tithe--a tenth--of all they produce each year. And not just any tenth. The choice pieces, the first fruits of labor. He also talks about cancelling debts every seven years (I wish this one was practiced nowdays, huh?)
Near the beginning of chapter 17, Moses talks about rumors and how they should be handled. No one is supposed to take one person's word for any wrongdoing. At least two people should bear witness, and in the case of a major crime--which, in this case, was the worship of an idol, not the Lord--those two are to be the first to cast the stones to put the person to death.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Worship the One True God
Deuteronomy chapters 12-13 deal with the worship of the Lord.
In chapter 12, Moses informed the Israelites to tear down all of the other places of worship that do not worship God. God will then advise where, in each tribe's territory, that a single place of worship for them will be. There, they will offer sacrifices, tithes, etc. The Levites were the only tribe who did not have land, but is to be given a place in each territory.
The later portion of chapter 12 and all of chapter 13 deals with worshipping false idols. God frown on this--big time! Quite frankly, Moses instructed the Israelites to completely not listen to anyone who would have you NOT lead towards God.
He said that the only God to worship was the One who rescured them from Egypt.
In chapter 12, Moses informed the Israelites to tear down all of the other places of worship that do not worship God. God will then advise where, in each tribe's territory, that a single place of worship for them will be. There, they will offer sacrifices, tithes, etc. The Levites were the only tribe who did not have land, but is to be given a place in each territory.
The later portion of chapter 12 and all of chapter 13 deals with worshipping false idols. God frown on this--big time! Quite frankly, Moses instructed the Israelites to completely not listen to anyone who would have you NOT lead towards God.
He said that the only God to worship was the One who rescured them from Egypt.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Passing along the message of greatness
In chapter 11 of Deuteronomy, Moses summarizes to his people that all of the greatness they have witnessed, they must pass on to their children, so that they too may understand why it is that they worship God.
From when their ancestors were in Egypt, and all throughout their journey to the Promised Land, God's power was displayed time and time again.
He also showed the differences between the land of Egypt and the Promised Land--Egypt needed constant irrigation and maintenance where as the Promised Land was already rich with resources, and if they obeyed God's laws, they would be rewarded in abundance.
From when their ancestors were in Egypt, and all throughout their journey to the Promised Land, God's power was displayed time and time again.
He also showed the differences between the land of Egypt and the Promised Land--Egypt needed constant irrigation and maintenance where as the Promised Land was already rich with resources, and if they obeyed God's laws, they would be rewarded in abundance.
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