Unsolved Murders, Female Captives, and Firstborn Rights

Rev. Garen Pay, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Idaho Falls, ID, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 21:1-17.

Moses’ instruction for Israel continues into the case of an unsolved murder. Though no one in the nearest town committed the crime, still unrighteousness has been brought upon the land. The LORD provides for a particular sacrifice to atone for the unrighteousness, pointing to the blood of Christ that purifies both the unrighteousness we commit and the unrighteousness committed against us. Moses’ instructions for the treatment of female captives limit sinful proclivities of any Israelite men so that they will see these women as people, not property. Instructions concerning the rights of the firstborn in the matter of inheritance likewise prevent favoritism among those in authority from perverting justice.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.