Deuteronomy 21
by Pastor David Groendyk

This chapter continues to elaborate on the sixth commandment (“You shall not murder”) with some laws that transition us into the seventh commandment (“You shall not commit adultery”). One of the themes in these laws is the emphasis on kindness and mercy, especially in verses 10–17. Even in the midst of great evils like war and polygamy (remember from Deut. 20:10–11 that war was to be avoided, if at all possible; and remember that polygamy is nowhere condoned in Scripture), God steps in to minimize the cruelty and hatred that man might show to one another in both those cases. Both the woman captured in battle and the unloved firstborn son have their personal rights safeguarded. The woman was allowed—even commanded—to take the time to mourn for her losses. More than that, her dignity as a human being is protected. The Israelite man is commanded not to treat the captured woman as property that can be sold or enslaved. She is a free woman. Likewise, if a father preferred one of his wives over the other one, regardless of which wife he preferred, it was required that the firstborn son receive the inheritance. These two instances demonstrate that God doesn’t merely desire us not to murder each other or hate each other; he desires us to actively love and show mercy to each other. What a compassionate and understanding heart God has for his people and creation!

Notice, secondly, how this chapter is bookended by the idea of atonement and having our sin and guilt purged. Verses 1–9 describe a sort of unsolved murder mystery. Rather than leaving the case as an “open file” (as one writer put it), this is a process that atones for the guilt without directly charging anyone with the crime (the assumption being that the murderer isn’t discovered). The heifer is killed, indicating that the crime deserves the punishment of death, yet the hands are washed and forgiveness is prayed for, indicating that that particular town was absolved. Thus, the guilt is not left unpunished, yet atonement is made. Similarly, in verses 22–23, we see the result of a crime being committed. Those who commit a crime punishable by death are accursed by God and were hanged. But to leave the cursed man hanging overnight was considered a defilement upon the land. These verses in Deuteronomy show us how great a curse we stand under when we break God’s law. Every one of our sins is worthy of condemning us to hell and being forever cut off from God’s gracious presence. Yet God makes a way. Paul tells us in Galatians 3 that Jesus fulfilled these verses on our behalf when he was killed on the cross. All of us stand under the curse of God and deserve punishment because of our sins, but Christ redeemed us from that curse by becoming the curse for us. Thus, God himself atones for our sins, punishes them, and yet is able to bless us and give us eternal life. As you meditate on these verses and pray, let the gravity of your sin sink in, and let the joy and peace of Christ’s work wash over you.