Deuteronomy 19-21

Deuteronomy 19-21  These instructions are given to Israel to guide them in the new land that God was giving them.  Chapter 19 deals with handling accidental deaths and intentional murder.  God gave them a way to handle both cases. An accidental death was to be handled differently than an angry pre-meditated murder.   It is written very clearly here, that a murderer would not receive pity but be put to death. That is God's view of justice.  ".. you must put an end to the shedding of innocent blood in Israel."  

Another important instruction in chapter 19.. "One witness alone will not be sufficient to convict a person of any offense or sin of any kind; the matter will be established only if there are two or three witnesses testifying against him."  A false witness was to be dealt with severely - " you are to do to him what he intended to do to his brother."  

Chapter 20 gives instructions for war.  Chapter 21 deals with how to handle unsolved murders, marriage to a woman captured from the enemy, and inheritance rights for the firstborn son, even if he is the child of an unloved wife.  Verses 18-21 give the law for a rebellious unrepentant son, commanding that he be stoned to death.  

Verses 22-23 are significant - ".. a person who has been hanged has been cursed by God - so that you will not defile your land which Adonai your God is giving you to inherit."   

Paul quoted this passage in Galatians 3;13 "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us -for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree' - in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." 

It is significant that Jesus died on a cross. 

 Justice is sometimes harsh. It is final. We take it far too lightly. It belongs to God...   "For Adonai your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty and awesome God, who has no favorites and accepts no bribes. He secures justice for the orphan and the widow; he loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.. You are to fear Adonai your God, serve him, cling to him and swear by his name. " (10:17-20)  

Justice demands death - the penalty for sin... murder, rebellion, false testimony.. whatever the offense -

 "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ( Romans 3:23)  and "the wages of sin is death.. " ( 6:23).  There is nothing that we can do; God will not show favoritism or partiality.  He will not ignore our sins, no matter who we are.. We are all guilty and we are all are under that curse - unless we come to Jesus Christ and receive the forgiveness that He provides for us.. the "free gift of God" for He became "a curse for us" by hanging on a tree. 

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, God of gods and Lord of lords.. You are great and mighty and awesome in all Your ways.  Thank You Jesus for taking our place, for becoming a curse for us that we might become righteous by Your abundant gift of grace.  Oh how we praise You and worship You. You went to the cross and paid the ransom for our souls.  You rose again from the grave, conquering death forever more!  It is finished!  Praise God!   We cling to You and we serve You alone.  Adonai, my Lord, there is none like You.  All glory and honor and praise to You forever and ever. Amen.