Deuteronomy 21

• Deuteronomy 21:1-9 – Unsolved murders
  • The people of the nearest town were to sacrifice an animal and swear that they had nothing to do with the murder.
  • There was a communal sense of responsibility. If they did not handle the situation properly, they would be guilty before God.
• Deuteronomy 21:10-14 – Marrying a captured woman.
  • God did not allow sexual assault ever, even in war. If a man wanted to marry a captured woman, he could do so after a waiting period, but it was a full marriage. He could not assault her or sell her.
• Deuteronomy 21:15-17 – Protecting the firstborn in polygamy.
  • Why did God allow polygamy when He did not approve it? It’s not clear.
• Deuteronomy 21:18-21 – Stoning a rebellious son.
  • Rebellious sons were to be brought before the elders and stoned!
• Deuteronomy 21:22-23 – Bury the executed.
  • See Galatians 3:13, which references this in relation to Jesus on the cross.

Deuteronomy 22

• Deuteronomy 22:1-12 – Miscellaneous laws
  • Lost and found laws – love your neighbor!
  • Deuteronomy 22:5 – Cross-dressing prohibited.
• Deuteronomy 22:13-21 – Laws against false accusations and fornication.
  • God had protections in place for women against false accusations.
• Deuteronomy 22:22-30 – Situations involving extra-marital relations.