1 He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
8 The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation.
9 When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.
10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
11 But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash [himself] with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp [again].
12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
15 Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:
16 He shall dwell with thee, [even] among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.
19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
23 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.
24 When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put [any] in thy vessel.
25 When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.
Overview of Deuteronomy 23
Deuteronomy 23 addresses various laws and regulations concerning the community of Israel, focusing on issues of purity, inclusion, and social conduct. The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and integrity within the Israelite community while also providing guidelines on how to treat others, including outsiders.
Key Themes
- Purity and Exclusion: The chapter outlines who may be excluded from the assembly of the Lord, emphasizing the need for purity within the community.
- Compassion for Outsiders: It highlights the importance of treating foreigners and those in need with compassion.
- Personal Conduct: The chapter provides guidelines on personal behavior and social responsibilities.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Exclusion from the Assembly
These verses specify individuals who are prohibited from entering the assembly of the Lord. The reasons behind these exclusions are tied to issues of lineage and moral conduct.
- Those who are emasculated: This is a reference to physical deformity, which was seen as a mark of impurity.
- Illegitimate children: The chapter states that children born of illicit relationships are not permitted in the assembly, emphasizing the importance of legitimate lineage.
- Ammonites and Moabites: These groups are specifically mentioned as being excluded due to their historical opposition to Israel.
Verses 4-8: Treatment of Foreigners
In contrast to the previous verses, these verses encourage the Israelites to show kindness to certain foreigners, particularly Edomites and Egyptians, due to historical ties and shared experiences.
- Historical Context: The Edomites are related to Israel through Jacob and Esau, while the Egyptians provided refuge during a time of need.
- Inclusion of Foreigners: The chapter allows for the inclusion of these groups in the assembly after the third generation, indicating a path to full membership.
Verses 9-14: Purity in the Camp
These verses address the need for cleanliness and purity within the Israelite camp, particularly during times of war and communal gatherings.
- Sanitation Laws: Instructions are given regarding the disposal of waste to maintain cleanliness.
- Divine Presence: The emphasis on purity is linked to the belief that God’s presence dwells among the people, necessitating a holy environment.
Verses 15-16: Protection of Escaped Slaves
These verses highlight the humane treatment of escaped slaves, allowing them to live freely among the Israelites without fear of being returned to their masters.
- Social Justice: This reflects a commitment to justice and compassion, emphasizing the importance of protecting the vulnerable.
- Integration into Society: Escaped slaves are to be treated as equals, illustrating a progressive view on social integration.
Verses 17-18: Prohibition of Prostitution
The chapter condemns both male and female prostitution, linking it to idolatry and moral corruption.
- Temple Prostitution: The text suggests that such practices were associated with pagan worship, which is to be rejected.
- Financial Integrity: The prohibition against using earnings from prostitution in sacred offerings underscores the importance of moral purity in worship.
Verses 19-20: Lending Practices
These verses provide guidelines on lending to fellow Israelites, emphasizing fairness and compassion.
- Interest on Loans: Charging interest to fellow Israelites is prohibited, promoting a sense of community and support.
- Fairness to Outsiders: While interest can be charged to foreigners, the distinction emphasizes the importance of ethical treatment within the community.
Verses 21-23: Vows and Oaths
The chapter concludes with instructions regarding vows made to God, emphasizing the seriousness of such commitments.
- Fulfillment of Vows: The importance of fulfilling vows is stressed, as they are seen as sacred promises to God.
- Voluntary Nature: The text acknowledges that vows should be made willingly and not under compulsion, reflecting a personal commitment to faith.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 23 serves as a crucial chapter that balances the need for community purity with compassion towards outsiders. It reflects the complexities of maintaining a holy community while also addressing social justice and ethical behavior. The laws presented not only guide the Israelites in their worship and social interactions but also establish a framework for a just and compassionate society.
