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February 28 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 59

What does it mean to love God with your all your strength?  Today's Bible Project video describes it for you.


DAILY READINGS

Deuteronomy 17-20 & Psalm 59

DAILY NOTES

Deuteronomy 17:1
  • Any offering to God must not be defective.  It must be the best of what you have.  That'll preach.
Deuteronomy 17:2-7
  • What is evil in God's sight?  What is something that is worth someone's death?  "Going to" and worshiping other gods.  Once convicted, the person who has done evil in God's sight, is put to death by the community.
Deuteronomy 17:12
  • If someone seeks a decision from the levitical priests and judge, but does not accept their ruling shall also be put to death.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
  • God knew the people would want a king.  For now, God does not put any negative connotation to that request (Later he will).  Notice that the king has a high responsibility that accompanies his office.
Deuteronomy 18:15-22
  • The people will have another prophet.  This illustrates Moses' role.  Yes, he has been a leader.  Yes, he has been an intercessor, but his primary duty has been that of prophet.
Deuteronomy 19:9
  • The people are allowed to establish 3 more refugee cities in case the others are too far a distance for someone to flee.
Deuteronomy 19:14
  • Someone's property is sacred because it was given to them by God.  So, a neighbor cannot move the boundaries of their property.
Deuteronomy 20:4
  • If the people are preparing for war, they first must hear from the priests.  The priests reminder is that the Lord is fighting on their behalf.
Deuteronomy 20:5-8
  • The officials (or officers) then address the troops.  They outline who is able to turn back from the ensuing war: those who have not consecrated a new house, those who have planted a vineyard but have not tasted its fruit, those who are engaged but not married and those who are afraid or disheartened.  
    • There is a commentary that suggests the fearful and disheartened person might be afraid of his sins.  Consequently, he is fearful his sins will impact the battle.  Also, the afraid excuse, if it can be related to sin, is last in order to protect that person from ridicule from others.  That is, if he leaves, others will just think he has a new house, vineyard or is engaged.
Deuteronomy 20:19-20
  • You can't cut down fruitful trees of the cities you're at war with.  
Psalm 59
  • The psalmist is under siege by his enemies continually.  Notice, first, his trust that God laughs at such people because their actions are against the righteous and do not stand a chance.  Also, pay attention to the concrete ways the psalmist illustrates who/what God is to him.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Did you know that the priests would go to war with the people?  They weren't required to fight in tribal wars, but if there was a war against the entire group of Israelites, as part of that entire group, they were to do battle.  It was the way they continued to serve the Lord.

Does your priest/pastor go to battle with you?  You better believe it!  I'm there to work just as hard as you for the kingdom.  I'm there to walk with you through the darkest valleys.  I'm there to  remind you that this is still God's battle and we are still God's people, but I'm there also to be a faithful force of hope and conviction alongside you.

Stay blessed...john

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