Deuteronomy 21

The name of this Bible book means “Second Law” and stems from the time when the 10 commandments were re-issued to the People of God (chapter 5) and in the chapters that follow there are many hints, tips, suggestions and commands that are designed to enable the People “to fear the Lord, walk in all his ways, love him, serve him and observe his commands” (10:12).  Some of the laws might sound odd to us, but God was drawing together his people to be a united nation, distinct from the peoples around them, in a single-focus lifestyle (not ‘mixed’ like some of the laws pointed out) so that they could fulfil the promise to Abraham to be that nation that brings blessing to all other nations.  How are we getting on with that task being the People of God today?

The Revd. David Hildred