Study notes

Deuteronomy 24

Introducing DeuteronomyWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

19:1–26:19 Section

The Mount Sinai covenant included many rules about community life among the Israelites. There were rules about crimes, being married, families, business and war. Many of these rules were like the rules that the people groups around the Israelites followed. They showed the practices that were common in that time.

God also gave his people other rules that were different from practices that were common. These rules showed how God’s people were to be holy and set apart for him.

The Israelites had to take care of one another. They weren’t to take advantage of anyone. Instead, they had to always do what was right and fair. This showed that they remembered how God had rescued them from being slaves. It showed that they trusted him to provide everything they needed.

These rules made it clear that each person was responsible to God. They were responsible for what they thought, said and did. And all together as a community they were responsible to God. This allowed them to enjoy all the good things God gave them. Being God’s people made the Israelites a special treasure for God among all people groups.

24:1

  • some indecency: This phrase refers to sexual impurity or another wrongdoing. It does not relate to adultery, which would have required the death penalty (22:22).

  • a certificate of divorce: This was a concession. Starting a divorce in such cases was optional and not always preferable (see Malachi 2:16; Matthew 5:31–32; Mark 10:2–12).

24:4

  • They might call a woman defiled because she had two husbands. Returning to the first husband would be considered adultery.

  • sin upon the land: In ancient Israel, community was very important. An individual's identity was closely tied to the community. One person's sin affected the entire community.

24:6

that would be taking one’s livelihood (literally it is his life): Without his tool, the millstone owner might die. The law set a limit on what could secure a loan. The millstone probably represents any way a person earned a living.

24:8

infectious skin diseases: Modern medical research shows that this term does not refer only to leprosy (Hansen’s disease).

Instead, it likely describes several kinds of serious skin conditions.

24:11

stand outside: Even a person who owed money had to be treated with dignity. The law protected the person from unnecessary shame.

When collecting a debt, the lender had to wait outside. The lender was not allowed to enter the debtor’s home and invade the debtor’s privacy.

24:13

return it to him by sunset: The law was merciful.

24:17

Do not deny justice: The people of Israel must actively resist discriminating against the weakest and most vulnerable in society. God had released Israel from a similar status in Egypt. Their experience should guide them in treating others in similar situations (24:18).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources