RPG Adults
MORE LAWS FOR SOCIETY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Deuteronomy 24:5-7
Luke 11:33-36
“Take heed therefore that the light
which is in thee be not darkness.”
MORE LAWS FOR SOCIETY
In Israel, the young people were needed to fight to conquer the Promised Land, thus military service was compulsory. This kept them away from their families for long periods. As such this law in Deuteronomy 24:5 was given to allow a newly married man to take a one-year leave so that he may be with his wife to cheer her. The giving of this statute shows the importance of marriage in society. God ordained marriage between a man and a woman for companionship, and time must be spent for this no matter how busy the couple may be in other duties. The family is a basic institution in society, and the stability of the family is the foundation of a stable nation. This piece of legislation contributed to the strength of Israel as a nation.
In Deuteronomy 24:6 is the law governing the lending of money, pledges and wages. A twin millstone was an important item in the home. It was used for grinding grain, enabling the family to have a meal for the day. The life of the family depended on the twin stones. Thus, neither of these stones could be taken as a pledge when one lent money. The sanctity of human life was also stressed in this law.
Like the millstone, a piece of cloth (used as a pledge) might be the only cover that the poor had against the cold of the night. Therefore, it was to be returned before the end of the day, and not kept overnight.
The sanctity of life thus led to slave trading being forbidden (Deut 24:7). The penalty for this transgression was death. The punishment for breaking the law was meant to do justice to the victims and to deter others from committing the same crime. Human trafficking is still common today. Such a law would be appropriate for the civil authorities to put in place.
Keeping these laws is a shining testimony for the Lord.
THOUGHT: Keeping just laws is well pleasing to God.
PRAYER: Father, may love reign in our families.