Deut. 23:1 In Deuteronomy, assembly usually refers to Israel gathered at Horeb/Sinai. In this chapter, it looks forward to Israel gathered for worship in the Promised Land. Testicles are crushed probably refers to men made eunuchs in the context of pagan worship.
Deut. 23:2–4 Tenth generation may mean forever (see v. 6). no Ammonite or Moabite. The story of Ruth indicates that there were exceptions (see note on Ruth 1:4). Balaam. See Numbers 22–24.
Deut. 23:7–8 You shall not abhor an Edomite. Edom is descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin (Gen. 25:19–26). Both Edomites and Egyptians may enter the assembly of the Lord. With God, faith is the issue, not race.
Deut. 23:9–14 When Israel’s army was fighting the enemy, it was considered a religious gathering. Laws of cleanness applied.
Deut. 23:15–24:22 These laws address property offenses related to the eighth commandment: “You shall not steal” (5:19).
Deut. 23:15 The refugee slave is most likely a foreigner, not an Israelite slave.
Deut. 23:17 cult prostitute. Cultic prostitution was a part of Canaanite fertility rites. It was strictly prohibited for Israel.
Deut. 23:19–20 To seek a loan in ancient times was an act of desperation, often caused by crop failure. The prohibition against charging interest among Israelites (Ex. 22:25) protected the poor. may bless you. Wealth is to come as a gift from God, not from selfish hoarding.
Deut. 23:21–23 Vows were voluntary, but once a vow was made, it was binding. God keeps his promises and desires that his people do so as well.
Deut. 23:24–25 you may eat your fill. These laws benefit the poor and are not an excuse for theft (see notes on 15:4–6; 15:7–8).
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