2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
PEOPLE FORBIDDEN IN THE CONGREGATION
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Deuteronomy 23:1-8
Psalm 82:1-5
“God standeth in the
congregation of the mighty;
he judgeth among the gods.”
PEOPLE FORBIDDEN IN THE CONGREGATION
The laws of daily conduct in the life of Israel touched on both ceremonial and moral matters. The priests were responsible in enforcing these laws and in giving advice on the right course of action. These laws were detailed and diverse. They touched on individuals and one’s relation to other people. It also concerned ethics of commerce and vows before the Lord. All these served as teaching aids in knowing God.
The ceremonial law was specific about the physical qualities of anything involved. Any person with blemish on any part of the body was not allowed into the congregation of the Lord. In addition, the Ammonites and the Moabites were not allowed into the congregation of Israel up to the tenth generation. This was because they did not provide food for the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt, but they fought to drive them out. In that effort, they hired Balaam to curse Israel. God did not allow them to destroy Israel, and thus the sons of Jacob should not seek their peace. These people who lived in the east of Jordan were also on par with the Canaanites as they were enemies of Israel. The main transgression on their part was that they were idol worshippers and their morals were abominable. Israel therefore was not to have any spiritual fellowship with them; and in addition they were not to share any material goods. Any commerce with them was prohibited. Thus they were not permitted into their congregation.
Only the Edomites and the Egyptians were allowed to fellowship with Israel. The Edomites were the children of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. They were blood brothers to Israel and were not to separate from them. Israel was told to associate with them and not to abhor them. The Egyptians were also not to be abhorred, for Israel received much benefits from them, in their time. Israel grew in Egypt for four hundred years and became a great nation. Their children were allowed to enter the congregation in the third generation.
THOUGHT: My relationship with the Lord comes with boundaries. Keep them and I will find acceptance in Him.
PRAYER: Father, help me in my fellowship with my brethren.